Facebook Pixel
GET 10% OFF
close button

You might not think that a key to living a healthy life starts in your car, but it’s true. Your cabin air filter is the first line of defense for keeping the air you breathe on the go clean and healthy. Not only does it help to keep you healthy, but it is also crucial for keeping your vehicle running at its best. Keep reading to learn how a simple filter change can protect your health, improve air quality, and extend your vehicle’s life. 

How a Cabin Air Filter Protects Your Health 

Cabin air filters are essential to keeping you and your passengers healthy on the road. Your cabin air filter acts as a barrier between you and the pollutants outside of your vehicle, such as smog, exhaust smoke, pollen, dust, odors, and other allergens. Every time your HVAC system turns on, it pulls in outdoor air that can contain these contaminants, but when you have a clean cabin air filter, it traps them before they enter your indoor air. This keeps the air you breathe inside your vehicle safe and clean. This is particularly important for those who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities, as breathing in these airborne pollutants can trigger symptoms and cause discomfort. Whether you have allergies or not, though, reducing your exposure to these contaminants is essential for your health. 

How a Cabin Air Filter Protects Your Vehicle

The cabin air filter is a vital component for vehicle health. It helps to keep your vehicle’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system working correctly. The cabin air filter helps to keep air flowing smoothly through your HVAC system, so your air conditioner or heater can cool or heat the cabin quickly and efficiently. A cabin air filter helps your system avoid working overtime to reach your desired temperature and prevents unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC components. When your cabin air filter is clean, your car will run at its best. 

Close-up of a dirty air filter showing dust and debris buildup with blue gloves handling it for cleaning.

How to Change a Cabin Air Filter 

Over time, your cabin air filter can become dirty and clogged. A dirty cabin air filter restricts airflow, making it harder for your HVAC system to function properly.  Regularly replacing the cabin air filter, within the recommended cabin air filter change interval,r will help to keep the air in your car clean and your HVAC working efficiently. The good news? Changing the cabin air filter is an easy DIY task you can do in under 10 minutes! Here’s how to change a cabin air filter: 

Step 1: Locate the filter

Use your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find the location of your cabin air filter. Typically, it is found behind the glove box, under the dashboard, or under the hood. If the filter is located behind your glove box, there should be side tabs that you can press to release the glove box. There may also be a cover you need to remove. 

Step 2: Remove the old filter

Once you have located the cabin air filter, slide out the old one and throw it away; be careful, as it may be filled with dust and debris. Be sure to pay attention to how the filter was installed so you can place the new one correctly. If you install the filter backwards, it can restrict airflow. 

Step 3: Install the new filter 

Insert the new filter into the housing, ensuring it’s installed correctly and in the same direction as the old one. Most filters have an arrow indicating the airflow direction; make sure you install the filter with this in mind. 

Step 4: Reassemble and test 

Reattach anything you removed, ensuring everything is aligned correctly and fastened. Turn your vehicle’s HVAC system on to test that everything is working correctly and that the air is blowing freely. 

Regularly replacing your cabin air filter, typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, helps keep the air you breathe in your car fresh and clean. It also helps to keep your vehicle running at peak performance. This simple DIY task is the key to staying healthy wherever life takes you. Are you ready to replace your filter, but not sure what you need? You can use our simple tool to find the PUREFLOW® cabin air filter replacement for your car. 

More Articles

The Febreze Difference: A New Standard in Cabin Air Freshness

A new standard in cabin air freshness has arrived – say hello to the Febreze Cabin Air Filter powered by PUREFLOW®. Powerful odor control combines with advanced freshness for an upgraded driving ex...

Allergy Season Survival Guide: Tips for Cleaner Air Inside and Outside Your Car

Spring has sprung, and with it come all of the allergens that cause those annoying symptoms like sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and runny noses. If there was something you could do to prevent those ...

Top 5 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

You might not think about it, but the air inside your home can be extremely dirty, dirtier than the air outside. Many factors can negatively affect your indoor air quality, but there are steps you ...

The Hidden Impact of Dirty Cabin Filters on A/C Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Think a dirty cabin air filter isn’t a problem? Think again. Your cabin air filter plays a vital part in keeping your vehicle and its HVAC system running smoothly. Keep reading to find out how a di...

Winter Car Care: Why a Clean Cabin Filter Keeps You Healthier in Cold Weather

For most of us, winter weather and cold air have hit, and that means you’re probably running your car’s heater more often. Before winter weather arrived, you may have changed your tires, topped off...

Why Changing Your Cabin Air Filter Matters More Than You Think

You might not think that a key to living a healthy life starts in your car, but it’s true. Your cabin air filter is the first line of defense for keeping the air you breathe on the go clean and hea...

Keep Your Home’s Air Cool and Clean This Summer

Temperatures are rising, and summer is here, so it's time to start thinking about how you'll keep your home's air cool, clean, and comfortable throughout the season. The longer days and higher temp...

First-Time Car Owner? Here’s What You Need to Know

Congratulations, you just purchased your first vehicle! Owning a car or truck for the first time comes with excitement and a lot of responsibility. Many ask, “What do I need to know to maintain my ...

How Does a Cabin Air Filter Help to Reduce Allergies While Driving

Spring is in the air—literally. With spring flowers blooming and temperatures rising, come seasonal allergies. Many people suffer from itchy eyes, congestion, and runny noses due to increased polle...

MERV Ratings Explained

Spring is almost here. Unfortunately, allergy season comes with it. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, now is the time to spring-proof your home. A high-quality home air filter ...

Subscribe for new releases, offers, and more.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Open cookie policy
Ok, Got It

Add a Cabin Air Freshener!

Choose from a refreshing selection of six scents

One Time Purchase $11.16

PUREFLOW Cabin Filter Air Freshener with Odor Eliminator – Fits on Most Car, Truck, and SUV Cabin Air Filters - New Car

$11.16
Drive into freshness with PUREFLOW®'s patented cabin filter air freshener — a discreet scent solution that attaches directly to your vehicle’s cabin air filter and releases a balanced, natural aroma as soon as your climate control starts. Say goodbye to traditional hanging air...
One Time Purchase $11.16
One Time Purchase $21.20

PUREFLOW Cabin Filter Air Freshener with Odor Eliminator – Fits on Most Car, Truck, and SUV Cabin Air Filters - Lavender

$21.20 $24.56
Drive into freshness with PUREFLOW®'s patented cabin filter air freshener — a discreet scent solution that attaches directly to your vehicle’s cabin air filter and releases a balanced, natural aroma as soon as your climate control starts. Say goodbye to traditional hanging air...
One Time Purchase $21.20
One Time Purchase $11.16

PUREFLOW Cabin Filter Air Freshener with Odor Eliminator – Fits on Most Car, Truck, and SUV Cabin Air Filters - Black Rock

$11.16
Drive into freshness with PUREFLOW®'s patented cabin filter air freshener — a discreet scent solution that attaches directly to your vehicle’s cabin air filter and releases a balanced, natural aroma as soon as your climate control starts. Say goodbye to traditional hanging air...
One Time Purchase $11.16
One Time Purchase $11.16

PUREFLOW Cabin Filter Air Freshener with Odor Eliminator – Fits on Most Car, Truck, and SUV Cabin Air Filters - Vanilla Orchid

$11.16
Drive into freshness with PUREFLOW®'s patented cabin filter air freshener — a discreet scent solution that attaches directly to your vehicle’s cabin air filter and releases a balanced, natural aroma as soon as your climate control starts. Say goodbye to traditional hanging air...
One Time Purchase $11.16
One Time Purchase $11.16

PUREFLOW Cabin Filter Air Freshener with Odor Eliminator – Fits on Most Car, Truck, and SUV Cabin Air Filters - Fresh Linen

$11.16
Drive into freshness with PUREFLOW®'s patented cabin filter air freshener — a discreet scent solution that attaches directly to your vehicle’s cabin air filter and releases a balanced, natural aroma as soon as your climate control starts. Say goodbye to traditional hanging air...
One Time Purchase $11.16
One Time Purchase $11.16

PUREFLOW Cabin Filter Air Freshener with Odor Eliminator – Fits on Most Car, Truck, and SUV Cabin Air Filters - Tropical Peach

$11.16
Drive into freshness with PUREFLOW®'s patented cabin filter air freshener — a discreet scent solution that attaches directly to your vehicle’s cabin air filter and releases a balanced, natural aroma as soon as your climate control starts. Say goodbye to traditional hanging air...
One Time Purchase $11.16

It's time to change your home filter!

Keep your car fresh and clean with a new cabin air filter

Our innovative filter technology ensures pure and fresh air circulation, so you can breathe easy on your daily commutes.

Fresh Scents, On Repeat. Subscribe & Save Today
Fresh Scents, On Repeat. Subscribe & Save Today