Cabin Air Filters

[AZpolisher15]

I change mine 2x a year, regardless of whether it looks like it needs changing or not (usually May and November). Sometimes it's visibly dirty, sometimes it's not (but they're usually dirty after the fall season). I've found that when swapping them regularly, dirty or not, my vehicles maintain more of a "fresh" smell. When you change them, you'll immediately notice that it seems like you're breathing fresher air. Keep in mind that they filter microscopic particles, so even when they appear to be clean, airflow is probably reduced to some degree if they've not been changed in awhile. Vehicles also often sit in humid environments and our filters are permeated with humid air. Mold and pollen spores, visible or not, are also bound to collect.

Is this frequency of changing necessary? No, absolutely not. Some have a vehicle for years and never change them. In the end, it's personal preference, although clogged filters can be hard on blower fans and affect the overall efficiency of the system.

[PA DETAILER]

Once a year on my Xterra.

[derass]

Check it as per your vehicle's maintenance schedule. It's fairly obvious to tell when they need replacing.

Here's a good photo of a new filter, one that's halfway there and another that needs replacing.

[JRP]

Check out RockAuto online you can spend as much or as little as you see fit.

I have had good luck with fitment and quality purchasing Pronto brand cabin filters and their air filters.

[Mike Honcho]

I check mine, along with the air filter at every oil change and change as needed. The filter will let you know when it's time.

[Rmd]

With regard to Nick's comment about hardly running the air, do these filters only filter AC? I was under the impression that they filtered all incoming air prior to it coming through the vents in the cabin regardless of whether the AC compressor is running or not. I agree that the maintenance book should give a guideline for replacing. Locations vary, my current BMW has two that are accessible from under the hood near the cowl. (So I get to pay twice the price, yay! Bavarian Money Waster...). I change at about 15k, and it does make a difference.

[WAXOFF]

I drive a Jeep and change mine every 12K. I only drive about 6K a year though. Mines a 2011

[Klasse Act]

This is from my buddy's 2010 Focus after 6+ years, original one with about 120K on the clock. He said his A/C wasn't working too good, hmmm

I have been changing mine out once a year, it's cheap and even I can do it myself.

Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk

[WAXOFF]

One thing to keep in mind also not only are you breathing clean air but your blower fan motor will run cooler as its not working as hard a increase the life of the blower. Cabin filters are cheap compared to some blower motors.

[Hammer77]

Thanks for all the feed back.