Cabin Air Filter Costs: Everything You Need To Know
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Many components in your car aren’t instrumental for traveling from point A to point B, but they’re equally as important. One such component is your cabin air filter, an essential piece of a car’s heating and cooling system. Just because the cabin air filter doesn’t directly affect how the vehicle runs doesn’t mean you should hold off or ignore replacing this part – especially if you care about interior comfort.
When it comes to cabin air filters, most car owners are wondering when to replace these filters and how much they usually cost.
For today’s post, we have a quick breakdown of the cabin air filter costs if you’re looking to replace it. In addition, we’ll also talk about the cabin filter’s primary functions and why you should always replace it when necessary.
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Cabin Air Filter Costs: How Much Will You Pay?
Most vehicles have their cabin filters sitting behind the glovebox. You could even remove the filters by yourself by taking out the fasteners that hold the glovebox in place. In this case, you could take the DIY approach by referring to the owner’s manual on removing the glovebox. On the other hand, some vehicles have cabin air filters behind the dashboard or under the hood, which aren’t as accessible.
DIY Cabin Air Filter Costs
For DIYers, you’ll want to purchase replacement filters from auto part shops or online, so they’ll only cost between $15-$125, depending on your vehicle type. The replacement job takes about 15 minutes tops, and you don’t need tools to complete the task.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Via Dealership
However, not everyone can go the DIY route and expect to pay a little more. Car dealerships can charge as much as $50 for cabin air filter costs outside of labor. According to RepairPal, the labor cost is in the range of $33 and $41, while parts are priced between $31 and $44 – and that’s without taxes and other related fees.
Plus, overall costs will vary based on the dealership or technician and the type of car you drive. You’ll likely pay more if your cabin air filter is hard to reach. Also, higher-end and luxury vehicles have more expensive parts, and you might only purchase them from the dealership. For instance, replacing the cabin air filter of the BMW 328i will cost an average of $114 ($19 for parts and $95 for labor), as per YourMechanic.
In general, your technician or the dealership may recommend a filter change while your vehicle is serviced. Before agreeing to the replacement, a good rule is to ask to see your current filter. A replacement is surely warranted if it’s full of dust, soot, dirt, and other contaminants. Meanwhile, you could probably hold off on the replacement if it’s clean and has hardly any debris.
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What’s the Purpose of a Cabin Air Filter on a Car?
A car’s air filter’s primary purpose is to remove toxic pollutants and particles, including dust and pollen, from the air you breathe inside the cabin. As mentioned, it’s typically located behind the glove box and filters the air that passes through the car’s HVAC system. The air filter is often a small pleated unit, and the filter itself is made from paper-based, multifiber cotton.
In general, the cabin air filter blocks harmful particles from entering the cabin, including:
- Dust
- Dirt
- Pollen
- Smoke
- Smog
- Mold spores
- Bugs
- Rodent droppings
- Leaves
Cabin air filters are critical for maintaining good air quality inside the car and for people with allergies, sensitivity to dust/pollen, and respiratory conditions like asthma. Like most filter types, it’s only a matter of time before the cabin air filter becomes clogged with unwanted contaminants.
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What Are The Signs of a Dirty Air Filter?
Here are the common symptoms of a clogged or dirty air cabin filter:
- Decreased or poor airflow: Suddenly, you just had to set every cooling or heating set to the max when you didn’t have to before. If your A/C unit feels weak, there’s a good chance your air filter is dirty.
- Unpleasant odors: A dirty cabin air filter is less effective in blocking unpleasant odors from infiltrating the vehicle’s interior. A musty or moldy smell is generally a dead giveaway that your air filters are clogged or dirty.
- Increased dust accumulation on the interior: If you find significant dust and other particles settling on various interior surfaces, you should consider replacing your cabin air filter.
- Excessive or unusual noises: You’ll usually hear a distinctive whistling sound from the air intake ducts with a dirty air filter. In addition, you’ll also notice that the HVAC system produces more noise than usual.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Car’s Cabin Air Filter?
Surely, having less desirable air quality isn’t that bad, right? Think again because dirty air filters can cause problems not just for your car but also for you and other passengers.
A dirty filter can’t do its job of keeping contaminants out, which can lead to allergic reactions and respiratory issues. If anyone in your family has allergies or respiratory conditions, such as asthma, you must always replace the cabin air filter.
In addition, a dirty air filter will decrease the efficiency of the HVAC system. As a result, your car’s heating and cooling system have to work harder, which may lead to its own set of problems. Moreover, poor efficiency and airflow due to clogged filters will make your ride much less comfortable, thanks to weak heating/cooling and potentially foul odors.
When Should You Change the Cabin Air Filter?
Replacement intervals may vary based on your vehicle and driving conditions. For instance, if you drive in desert-like environments or cities with poor air quality, your filter will get clogged faster, which means you’ll sooner need the replacement. Obviously, if you experience the signs outlined above, you should strongly consider a replacement.
Expert mechanics recommend replacing the air filter every 15,000 miles, while some auto websites advise changing it every 25,0000-30,0000 miles.
FAQs: Cabin Air Filter Costs
Q: How much does a cabin air filter typically cost?
A: The cost of a cabin air filter can vary widely depending on your vehicle type, ranging from $15 to $125. The price is influenced by the filter’s material and the specific requirements of your car model.
Q: Can I replace the cabin air filter myself?
A: Many vehicle cabin air filters are accessible and can be replaced without professional help, mainly if they are located behind the glove box. This DIY approach requires no special tools and can be completed in about 15 minutes, following instructions typically found in your owner’s manual.
Q: What is the cost of having a dealership replace the cabin air filter?
A: If you get a replacement at a dealership, the cost can be significantly higher due to labor charges. Dealerships might charge up to $50 for the filter, with labor costs ranging from $33 to $41. However, prices can vary based on the dealership and your vehicle’s make and model.
Q: Why is it essential to replace the cabin air filter?
A: The cabin air filter is crucial in maintaining good air quality inside your vehicle. It filters out pollutants, dust, pollen, and other airborne materials. Regular replacement ensures the effective operation of your car’s HVAC system and a cleaner, healthier cabin environment.
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