Mildew, Musty Smell Coming From Your Car AC?

Oftentimes, you hear more talk about water filters and air filters than you do about car filters. The thing is, your car filters are every bit as important.

When somebody says car filters, they refer to your car’s air, cabin, or oil filters. Of the three filters mentioned, the one that probably gets ignored the most is the cabin air filter.

What does a cabin air filter do?

The cabin air filter is essential to your car’s ventilation system, removing pollutants before they enter the passenger compartment. The primary reason you should change your cabin air filter is that roadways (especially highways during rush hour traffic) are some of the significant sources of air pollution.

Why do you need to change your cabin air filter?

While driving, you breathe in air contaminated with exhaust fumes, soot, and dust particles. These may pose a serious hazard to your health. Cabin air filters are designed to protect you against these dangers.

Changing your cabin filter helps ensure your car’s ventilation system functions appropriately.

What are the signs of a dirty cabin air filter?

Have you ever had a musty smell coming from your car air conditioner? A dirty cabin filter could be the source.

What about a mildew smell coming from your vents? A dirty cabin air filter could be the culprit.

Notice restricted airflow? It’s time to check your cabin air filter.

The point is that these filters are essential for proper air circulation in your car.

How often should you change your cabin air filter?

The recommended replacement frequency for a cabin air filter is every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Getting in the habit of checking it will help, too. Change it when it looks dirty, or you notice an unpleasant smell or restrictive airflow from your cabin vents.

It’s always good to check your owner’s manual to see how often your cabin filter should be changed.

By now, you probably think you should check and change your cabin filter immediately. Well, I have good news: Changing your cabin air filter is easy and can be done independently!

How to access the cabin air filter

For most vehicles, the cabin air filter is behind the glove box. For some models, it may be accessible from under the hood. Check your owner’s manual to confirm the correct access point.

How to find the cabin air filter you need

Search your car’s make, model, and manufactured year for the cabin air filter you need. We carry a wide selection of Puralator car filters for your convenience.

Find Your Car Air Filter

You can also consult your car’s manual to confirm which type you need.

How to Change a Cabin Air Filter

Instead of spending money on installing a professional, you can do it yourself in about 15 minutes. It’s that easy!

Watch the video below to see how easy it is:

Safety First

Before you begin, consider these safety precautions: Park your car on a flat, dry surface, and put the parking brake on for extra precaution.

Next, gather your materials. Grab your new filter, and you may want to grab a screwdriver or socket set, just in case.

Wearing safety goggles and gloves is also a good idea, as is laying down an old cloth on the passenger’s side to protect the mat from dirt, dust, or debris that may fall while removing the old filter.

Step-by-Step Guide for Installing a New Cabin Air Filter

1. Open the glove box
2. Locate the filter compartment. To remove covers or plates, you may need to use a screwdriver or socket set.
3. Carefully remove the old filter, noting the direction in which it was installed.
4. Take the new filter, matching the direction in which the old filter was installed, and insert it into the filter compartment. The new filter should slide right in and fit snuggly. Do not try to force it.
5. Replace any covers or plates.
6. Close the glovebox.
7. Enjoy fresh, clean cabin air and the pride of installing your new filter.

For more specific instructions, check your vehicle manual.

How to Reinstall a Glovebox

If changing your cabin air filter requires you to remove the glove box completely, here are some helpful tips for reinstallation.

1. Align the glovebox with the slots in the dashboard.
2. Secure hinges. The hinges are usually located at the bottom of the glove box and include sliding pins back and locking them into place.
3. Connect the stops. Gloveboxes usually have stops or catches that hold the glovebox in place. You may need to gently press or screw them in to secure the glovebox.
4. Engage the damper. The damper is the soft close mechanism on the glovebox. Ensure it’s aligned so the glovebox will slip or snap back into place.
5. Test it. Open and close the glovebox several times to ensure it’s aligned and back in place.

Now that you know how easy changing your car’s cabin air filter can be, it’s time to place your order. Browse our collection of Purolator cabin air filter replacements and order the correct filter for your car.

Order Cabin Air Filter

If you need help finding yours? Call anytime Monday through Friday at 866-438-3458, and one of our product experts will gladly help!

Never Miss a Future Filter Change

To keep your car and engine running efficiently, subscribe to your filter so that you will always have clean air and cabin filters. This option can be activated in your shopping cart or found alongside the product description.

Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

A cabin air filter protects you from airborne dangers and lets fresh air circulate freely throughout your car. No, a dirty cabin air filter won’t cause your vehicle to break down. However, it can cause an increase in strain on your filter.

This may not cause your vehicle to break down, but there are a host of things that will. Please don’t get caught off guard, so check out our car maintenance checklist to keep you on the road.