Tutorial on How to Change Cabin Air and Engine Filters

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Changing the cabin air filter in our vehicle is very important. A clean cabin air filter allows passengers to breath easily, as it improves the air quality inside the vehicle. In the past, the dealership usually changes the filter on our vehicle and it costs us more than if we were to do it ourselves. Recently, when we found out how easy it is to change the air and engine filter in our vehicle ourselves using FRAM products, we realized how it helps maintain the vehicle and saves us money. 

When we replace our cabin filter with FRAM Fresh Breeze® cabin air filters, it can remove up to 98% of dirt, dust and allergens from passing through our vehicle's air conditioning and heating ventilation system to improve our driving comfort. FRAM Fresh Breeze® is the only cabin air filter that uses the natural deodorizing qualities of Arm and Hammer baking soda and activated carbon to absorb and eliminate odours. 

On a routine basis, we do thorough clean up of our vehicle before winter and summer to help maintain it by vacuuming and cleaning the interior and exterior of our vehicle, removing gear and tools that we don't need. For example, in the summer we take out winter roadside tools we have in our vehicle such as the ice breakers and small shovels, and before winter we remove outdoor summer games such as rackets and balls. We think it is important for us to know simple DIY vehicle maintenance for the continuous up keep of our vehicle such as learning how to change the air and engine filters.

We were able to easily change the cabin air and engine filters in our vehicle using the FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter and FRAM Engine Air Filter. FRAM recommends changing the engine air filter and cabin air filter at the same time, as both are subjected to the same air quality and driving conditions, so the chances are if one needs changing, the other one needs as well. 

FRAM also recommends changing the air filter annually or every 24,000km or 12,000 miles. However, we need to follow recommended change intervals as noted in the vehicle owner's manual.

Eighty percent of vehicles built since 2000 have a cabin filter, and when shopping note that the FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter is specific to the type of vehicle we own. We can check out the most compatible air filter specific to our vehicle in the Canadian Tire website or at the store - there is a display in the aisle in which we can input the date and model of the vehicle to choose the correct filter. 

Most air filters can be installed within a few minutes, as you see in our tutorial below and by following installation instructions found inside the box. We were able to change our filter without any tools. This DIY process may vary depending on the vehicle, but it will be very similar to the process below.  

The glove box is located on the front passenger's side.

To remove the glove box after emptying the contents, look for the damper arm on the outer right hand side of the glove box. 

Remove the damper arm by sliding it out and allowing it to retract. We then firmly pushed in both side walls of the glove compartment until it slid out of the dashboard. This will allow the glove box to come out giving easy access to the filter.

Inside the glove box there is a cabin filter cover remove this by unlatching the retaining clips from each side. Remove the old filter by pulling it straight outward and discard it.

Place the new filter with the air flow arrow indicator pointing down, and replace the cover of the filter. Replace the glove box by pushing in the sides of the glove box until it clicks and then replace the damper arm back into the slot. Reposition the glove box into its original position.

As you see it is quite easy to change the cabin air filter, which is important for both the vehicle and the passengers. The air inside our vehicle can be up to six times dirtier than the air outside, so replacing cabin air filter can maximizes airflow and prevent dirt and dust from entering and damaging the engine. 

Clogged cabin air filters can block the flow of fresh air coming into the system, as well as block the output into the cabin of the vehicle. It can restrict the air entering the vehicle's ventilation system that could cause the air conditioning or defrost system to not work as efficiently. 

Doing this DIY vehicle maintenance such as changing the cabin air and engine air filters using FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter and FRAM Engine Air Filter can help protect our health and safety, as well as save money. Check out other tips and tricks for changing out your filters here!