How Often Do I Change My Cabin Air Filter?

Wondering how often to change an air filter in a car? According to experts in the automotive industry, it is highly recommended that you replace the cabin air filter in your vehicle every 15,000 miles. Keep in mind that the automaker may have different recommendations, so it is best that you check your owner’s manual for model-specific service intervals. In addition, you can always ask the experts at your local authorized service center if you would like recommendations that are tailored to your driving conditions, driving habits, and the climate in the Bedford area. Let’s take a closer look to answer questions like “What does a cabin air filter do?”

What Does a Cabin Air Filter Do?

Now that you know how often to change a cabin air filter, you may be wondering about its purpose. The purpose of a cabin air filter is to clean the air that transitions through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The filter is designed to prevent dirt, dust, pollen, and other contaminants from entering the cabin. While the filter is quite effective for some time, it can become clogged with debris over time, compromising the interior air quality of your vehicle.

How Do I Know When to Change a Cabin Air Filter?

Still not sure how often to change an air filter in a car? For most Londonderry drivers, sticking to that 15,000-mile interval should suffice. However, if you drive in a city with poor air quality or lots of construction, or if you live away from the city and drive in the desert or on dirt roads, it may be necessary to change the cabin air filter more often. If you have questions about how often to change cabin air filters, there are a couple of warning signs that the air filter should be replaced:

1. Reduced airflow when climate control systems are on
2. Lingering unpleasant odors
3. Increasing dust settling on vehicle surfaces

If any of these issues apply to your vehicle, learn how to change a cabin air filter below.

How To Change a Cabin Air Filter: Four Simple Steps

1. Find where the air filter is located. If you are unsure where to find the air filter, that information should be listed in your owner’s manual. The location of the air filter will determine how difficult or easy the replacement process will be.
2. For most vehicles, the cabin air filter is behind the glove box or under the hood. If that is the case, access should be fairly simple. If the air filter is located under the dashboard, replacing it can be a bit more of a challenge.
3. To keep you safe from any messes, it is best to wear gloves and a mask.
4. Place the old filter in a garbage bag, and replace it with a genuine OEM part to ensure it fits properly and lasts as long as it should. It is also important to use OEM parts to maintain your vehicle warranty.

Cabin Air Filter Cost

Do you have questions about the cabin air filter cost? The price can vary from vehicle to vehicle. Usually, a filter replacement will cost between $30 and $70. If you go to an authorized service center and your vehicle is still under warranty, some costs may be covered. At Tulley BMW of Manchester, it is easy to order the parts you need for any maintenance task. We also offer rotating parts specials so that keeping your vehicle running like new is also affordable.

Turn to Tulley BMW of Manchester for Your Vehicle Maintenance Needs

When it is time to change the cabin air filter, or your vehicle is in need of a tire rotation, the team at Tulley BMW of Manchester has you covered. Now that you know how to change a cabin air filter, you can perform this task right at home. You can also set up an appointment at your convenience or contact us with any questions.