How to change your cabin filter: a DIY guide

As the mercury goes up, so does our air conditioner use, especially in our cars where it's often a good ten degrees hotter inside than it is outside.

And there’s nothing worse – aside from not having air-con at all – than your AC system blasting lukewarm air or an offensive aroma on a sweltering 40-degree day.

Key to a healthy air conditioner, according to Theo Cosmetatos from RedBook Inspect, is its filter, AKA the cabin filter.

“The cabin filter re-circulates and cleans the air coming in from outside the vehicle,” says Cosmetatos, so the air coming into the cabin is clean and free of dust or other pollutants.

A cabin filter is “important because it acts as a 'filter' and avoids blockages to the air-con system, ensuring it works efficiently.”

Like a person needs regular dental check-ups, so does your air conditioning filter, he says.

“A cabin filter should be cleaned or replaced annually,” says Cosmetatos, however if you do a lot of off-roading, or driving on dusty gravel roads, you may need to replace the filter sooner.

The same is true for those doing more than the average 15,000km per year but it can also depend on the age of the vehicle.

“If you put it off, the air con system will release an odour as mould can build up the air vent system which can cause health problems,” Cosmetatos adds.

In addition to odour, some other signs that an air conditioner's filter needs replacing include:

“Depending on the make and model of the car, and the position of the filter – at the back of the glove box, under the dashboard or in the engine bay, for example – clips can be broken when replacing it, and it can be difficult to access, so it’s always best to have a mechanic replace/clean these,” says Cosmetatos.

The cost of a mechanic can range from $100-$250 depending on the make/model of your car.

“High-end vehicles and supercars could see costs exceed this, but most vehicles would sit in the range quoted,” he says.

However, for those savvier, you can opt for DIY.

“If preferring the DIY option, you can review the manufacturer’s manual to get some step-by-step guidance,” says Cosmetatos, which is good to do in full before starting so you don’t get stuck mid-way through the process.

You will also need appropriate materials and equipment including a screwdriver, clean cloth, gloves, safety goggles, basic hand tools, a vacuum cleaner to vacuum any debris, and of course the cabin filter itself.

“The cabin filter can be purchased from automotive retail stores like Supercheap Auto. These typically cost $30-$40,” says Cosmetatos – just ensure you get the correct filter for your car’s make/model and year.

Once you’ve got everything you need, follow Cosmetatos’s steps below:

Additionally, if you’re a visual learner, jump online and search for step-by-step videos that show the process; this can also be helpful to double-check your process if you’re not sure.

And remember, your cabin’s filter should be checked every service and changed every 10-15,000km, depending on the manufacturer’s guidance.

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