When To Replace A Nissan Cabin Air Filter
Your cabin air filter is probably one of the most overlooked parts on your Nissan. It may be just a simple frame with filter material inside, but it maintains the air quality in your Nissan’s cabin. Changing your cabin air filter is an important part of maintaining your car’s HVAC system.
It’s easy to forget about your cabin air filter. It’s usually tucked away behind the glove box. In general, you only need to replace it every 15K-30K miles, which is once every year or so.
Why It’s Important To Replace Your Cabin Air Filter
If you simply remove your cabin air filter, dirty air enters your cabin. That means you'll be breathing in dirt, pollen, and other impurities in the air. You'll also be subjected to obnoxious odors. The lower the cabin air quality, the more unpleasant your ride will be. This especially rings true if you have allergies. And, the inside of your car will get much dustier than it would with the filter in place.
So, if you want the air in your cabin to remain clean, replace the cabin air filter when it gets too dirty.
Warning Signs That Your Cabin Air Filter Is Too Dirty
Your cabin air filter replacement interval depends on the quality of the air outside. So it can be pretty difficult to figure out the interval. Most people check their cabin air filter once a year. But sometimes your cabin air filter can fail well before that point. That’s why it’s important to know the warning signs that your cabin air filter needs changing. Here are the most common signs to look out for:
- Reduced air flow through the A/C vents (if you find yourself cranking the fan up higher than usual)
- Persistent bad odors
- Increased allergy reactions inside the cabin
- Poor window fog clearing
How To Check Your Cabin Air Filter
It's quite easy to check your cabin air filter. All you have to do is to take it out and then visually inspect it. We recommend buying a new cabin air filter just to save some time by replacing it on the job if necessary. You can get a genuine OEM cabin air filter from us at wholesale pricing.
Accessing The Cabin Air Filter
The location of the cabin air filter varies between Nissan models. If you're not sure how to access it, check your owner's manual or find a model-specific tutorial online.
Here are detailed steps for the Nissan Sentra model:
- Open the passenger side door.
- Grab a flashlight and then look underneath the glove box (without opening it). You'll find the cabin air filter cover near the center console side.
- Remove the cover. There are two tabs - one on the top, and one on the bottom.
- Remove the cabin air filter.
Inspecting The Cabin Air Filter
When you have the cabin air filter in your hands, find a source of bright light. For example, a flashlight or the sun. Hold the filter up in front of the bright light. Do you see any light shining through?
- If your answer is yes, then the air filter can still breathe. That means it's still good to use.
- If your answer is no, then the air filter is too dirty and you need to replace it as soon as possible.
Do you have any questions about checking your cabin air filter or finding a replacement? Feel free to get in touch with us!