When to change the cabin filter?

The cabin filter is used to trap allergens and particles in the air to protect your cab. It filters dust, pollen and unpleasant odors from the outside. But this is a wearing part: you need to change the cabin filter about once a year.

🔍 What are the symptoms of a clogged pollen filter?

Your Cabin Filter there to purify the air entering your car. When your cabin filter is worn out, it manifests itself in four different ways:

• One reduced ventilation ;
• One lack of cold air ;
• De scents ;
• Un visually clogged filter.

Loss of ventilation

We remind you that the cabin filter retains not only pollen, but all larger components as well. It ranges from simple dust to tree leaves, as well as unpleasant odors and many allergens. But when it's dirty, it can get clogged.

This will interfere with the supply of air from your ventilation or air conditioning system. If you feel a loss of ventilation in the passenger compartment, check the condition of the filter:

• If it is clogged : Remove the blocking component and clean the filter.
• If it's too dirty or worn out : Time to change the cabin filter.

Lack of cold air from your air conditioner

When your air conditioner no longer blows cold enough, there is often a loss of airflow as well. Your vehicle's ventilation or air conditioning circuit is then cut off and hardly reaches the desired temperature. Replace the cabin filter and, if the problem persists, check the air conditioning system.

Unpleasant odor

When the environment is humid, space is limited and there is air intake from outside, the cabin filter is an ideal place for bacteria and mold to grow. This replaces the unpleasant odors associated with the cabin filter and may also indicate the best time to clean the air conditioning system.

Filter in poor condition

It is recommended that you regularly inspect the cabin filter to check its condition, as it may simply be very dirty or clogged. You can easily see if your cabin filter is clogged and does not need to be replaced.

Good to know : Your cabin filter can be located in different places in your vehicle. It can be located under the hood towards the base of the windshield, under the glove compartment, or to the right of your system under the dashboard.

🗓️ How long is the service life of the cabin filter?

Your cabin filter does not have an unlimited life. Like all filters in your car, this part is called a wearable part. In fact, its role is to clear all the dirt from the outside air before that air enters your cabin. It gets dirty as soon as you turn on the heating or air conditioning.

It is advisable to replace the pollen filter. Every year on average or as soon as you drove From 10 to 000 km... If you travel a lot in the city, don't be afraid to expect this replacement in a few months, because there is more pollution here than in the countryside.

🚗 How to extend the life of the cabin filter?

On average, the cabin filter is changed Every year... Even though it is recommended that you regularly replace the cabin filter, there are two tips that will prolong its life:

• Vacuum and clean ;
• Use an antibacterial product.

Collecting dirt and large particles, the cabin filter gets clogged quite easily, because the mesh of the fabric from which it is made is very thin. You can then vacuum the surface at low power to avoid tearing the membranes.

In addition to a vacuum cleaner, it is advisable to clean the membrane surface with a sponge and soap. However, be careful: this method is not recommended if your car is equipped with an activated carbon or polyphenol filter.

If you're aiming for zero waste, know that there are washable and reusable cabin filters on the market. More expensive than the traditional model, it will still be profitable because this type of cabin filter has a lifespan of up to 5 years.

In addition, when the filter is clogged and there is moisture, the environment encourages bacterial growth. After vacuuming and cleaning it, spray on the antibacterial product to make the pollen filter more effective.

Be careful, these two small tips will only save you a little time, but will not replace changing the cabin filter, which is a must from time to time.

👨‍🔧 What to do if the cabin filter stops working?

Your cabin filter has a limited lifespan. When it is worn out, you are presented with two solutions:

• cleaning : The cabin filter, composed of fabric membranes, is easy to clean, which extends its life. Vacuum off any dirt, dust or objects stuck inside first, then clean with a vacuum cleaner and a sponge.
• Replacement : Cleaning the filter may extend its life by several weeks or several months, but this does not preclude replacing it. It is advisable to change the cabin filter regularly, every year or every 15 km.

🔧 How to change the cabin filter?

Please note that the sequence of steps depends a lot on your vehicle. Unfortunately, the cabin filter is not located in the same place on all models and is more or less easily accessible. Therefore, we will explain the different steps you need to follow to replace the cabin filter, depending on its location.

Required material:

• New cabin filter
• Toolbox

Step 1. Buy a new filter

Buy a new cabin filter that is the same size as the old one. Check your car's manual or online to find out which types of filters are compatible with your car. Depending on your model and whether or not you have an air conditioner, the pollen filter may not necessarily be in the same place.

Step 2: If the filter is inside the car

Most often, on the latest models, the cabin filter is located behind or under the glove box. Sometimes it is necessary to delete the latter or caches to access it. You will need a screwdriver or pliers.

Be careful, you may have to detach the passenger airbag to prevent it from deploying. If you don't feel like a handyman, the easiest way is to entrust the operation to a mechanic.

Step 3: If the filter is under the hood

The cabin filter can also be placed under the engine cover. This is the case with older models (up to 2005). In this case, you just need to open the hood. The filter is easy to identify and is located under the base of the windshield, usually on the right side of the vehicle. Often hiding behind a cache. Just remove it and replace the cabin filter.

One final tip: your filter makes sense! For optimal filtration, check the direction in which you insert it using the arrows on the filter. But if you are afraid of doing something stupid, the easiest way is to call a mechanic. Our garage comparator allows you to find the best garage near you at the best price!