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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace the cabin air filter?
Where can I get my cabin air filter replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my air filter?
What happens if I don’t replace my cabin air filter?
What is a cabin air filter replacement?
Can I replace my cabin air filter myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace the cabin air filter?

The average cost to replace a cabin air filter is $80—parts cost an average of $25, while mechanic labor costs around $55. Remember, this is just an estimate—the exact cost to replace your vehicle’s cabin air filter will vary based on your vehicle’s make and model.

How long does it take to replace the cabin air filter? A certified mechanic can change your cabin air filter in about 0.5 hours hours. It’s a simple process requiring minimal tools. They’ll first locate the air filter, inspect it for cleanliness, and replace it with a new one, if necessary.

Here’s an overview of the cabin air filter replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 18, 2024	Elnora, 20 Jackson, MS	Dodge Avenger	$156	$25	$131	1.0 Hours
April 12, 2024	Lydia, 31 Cambridge, MA	Maserati Granturismo	$58	$20	$38	0.4 Hours
April 7, 2024	Ella, 39 Garland, TX	Hummer H3	$66	$20	$46	0.4 Hours
April 6, 2024	Bobby, 42 Salt Lake City, UT	Toyota Tercel	$139	$25	$114	1.0 Hours
April 5, 2024	Martha, 43 Hartford, CT	Pontiac Torrent	$66	$20	$46	0.4 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my cabin air filter replacement and how much do those parts cost?

If your cabin air filter needs replacing, it’s generally the only part you’ll need to replace. If you’re installing one yourself, you may need a couple of basic tools, but it’s a straightforward job that requires few additional parts—if any.

Luckily, replacing your cabin air filter is cheap. On average, a new cabin air filter costs between $30 to $70, but you may pay more or less depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle.

We recommend purchasing parts for this replacement at local auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend trusted brands such as FRAM, Purolator, and WIX for cabin air filters, ensuring clean and fresh air circulation within your vehicle's interior. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

The purpose of a cabin air filter is to filter out and prevent dirt, dust, bugs, pollen, and other pollutants from entering your cabin. A cabin air filter that doesn’t fit right defeats the purpose, as it will leave gaps that allow particulates to enter. OEM air filters are designed for your specific vehicle based on the OEM specifications, meaning that an OEM cabin air filter fits like a glove and prevents pollutants from passing through and entering the cabin.

While aftermarket air filters may seem like a better option for cost-saving, most are a “universal fit,” so they may not be built to the same specs as an OEM air filter.

Whether you go with an OEM cabin air filter or an aftermarket one, you want to check the filter material and the pleats—the two most important factors when choosing a cabin air filter. The filter material is what traps the pollutants—too thin and too many will get through, but too thick and it will reduce airflow. You also want a filter with more and deeper pleats; the more surface area the filter material has, the better it traps particles and pollutants.

Where can I buy a cabin air filter replacement?

Cabin air filters are available online through most automotive parts retailers, such as NAPA Auto Parts and AutoZone, or other sites like Amazon and RockAuto. You can also find cabin air filters in-store at most stores that sell automotive parts, but check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re buying a filter that fits your vehicle's make and model.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my cabin air filter replaced?

A cabin air filter replacement is a simple job, but if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, finding the right auto repair shop to do the job can be tricky—especially if you don’t have a trusted mechanic in your area. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

makes things simple! You can compare repair service rates from over 2,500 reputable auto shops nationwide in seconds.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from repair shops using their actual hourly labor rate. You can also find out if you need to leave room in the budget for diagnostic fees and read actual reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair costs in your area.

163 Reviews

Velasquez Auto Care - Hampton

7623 W Hampton Ave, Milwaukee, WI

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$129

(Parts - $21, Labor - $108)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$35

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (414) 253-2225

171 Reviews

Reliable Automotive

108 Confederate Dr, Franklin, TN

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$143

(Parts - $21, Labor - $122)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$110

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (615) 472-1825

137 Reviews

Wrench Inc. - BNA

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$150

(Parts - $21, Labor - $129)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

191 Reviews

Car Nerds

2621 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$171

(Parts - $21, Labor - $150)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (310) 582-8200

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my air filter?

Replacing your air filter is an easy DIY job and can save you some money. Here’s what you need to do:

Locate the cabin air filter: You’ll usually find it in the footwell area on the passenger side or inside the glove box. Check your owner’s manual if you’re uncertain.

Remove and replace the old filter: Look for the arrow that indicates airflow when installing, and be gentle to ensure you don’t damage the filter.

Reinstall removed components: Properly attach the filter cover and replace anything else you moved to access the compartment.

Clean debris from inside the hood: Open your hood and clear out any debris (like leaves) from the base of the windshield, which is where the car gets fresh air from.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can always take your car to the shop.

What happens if I don’t replace my cabin air filter?

Your cabin’s air filter plays a vital role in filtering out pollutants in the air you breathe. Not replacing your cabin air filter can be risky business—here are a few of the risks it poses:

Health issues: The air filter is essential to keep the inside of your car free of pollutants. A dirty or clogged air filter can’t filter those contaminants, leading to health problems for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

HVAC system issues: Not replacing the cabin air filter when needed places extra stress on your vehicle’s HVAC system, which can cause the motor to burn up. Dirty or clogged filters reduce airflow from the vents, which affects the cabin air temperature.

Reduced window fog clearing: A dirty or clogged cabin air filter will compromise your vehicle’s fog-clearing capabilities.

Odor: If a terrible smell comes from your car when you use the AC or heating systems, blame it on a dirty cabin air filter. If not changed, it can produce a dusty, musty smell.

What is a cabin air filter replacement?

A cabin air filter replacement helps ensure the air quality circulating inside your car's cabin is as clean as possible.

The job of the cabin air filter is to clean the air that your car pulls in from outside when you turn on the climate control systems. It’s a small, pleated filter usually made of multi-fiber paper cotton. It traps contaminants before they can enter your car.

Cabin air filters are notorious for becoming dirty and clogged, and they should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

How do I know if my cabin air filter needs replacing?

Your car’s owner’s manual will specify how often you should change your cabin air filter, but if you don’t have one handy, here are some common signs to watch out for:

Poor airflow, even when the heat or air conditioner is on high

Whistling noise coming from the cabin air intake ducts

Musty, unpleasant odors coming from the air or poor air quality

Excessive noise when the heating or air conditioning system is running

How often should you replace the cabin air filter?

Since the cabin air filter directly affects the air quality in your car’s interior, you’ll want to ensure you’re replacing it regularly. On average, cabin air filters should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on your vehicle.

If you live in a polluted area (like an urban center) or regularly park under a tree, you’ll likely need to replace your cabin air filter more often. If you suffer from allergies or have a compromised respiratory system, you may want to replace your filter as often as every 5,000 miles to limit allergens entering your vehicle.

When doing

regular vehicle maintenance

every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, have your vehicle’s cabin air filter inspected and replaced, if needed.

Can I replace my cabin air filter myself?

If you’re looking to

save money on car expenses

, changing your car’s cabin air filter is a quick and easy job that you can do, depending on your vehicle. The air filter in most cars sits behind the glovebox, so you may be able to access it by removing the glovebox from the fasteners holding it in place.

If the filter in your car is behind the glovebox, you should be able to find instructions for changing it in your owner’s manual. However, some vehicles have the cabin air filter beneath the dashboard or under the hood—if this is the case, it may not be as accessible. If you’re not comfortable replacing your cabin air filter yourself, leave it to a professional mechanic.

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FAQs

How long does a cabin air filter last?

On average, a cabin air filter will last between 15,000 and 30,000 miles when driving in normal conditions. However, there is no set service life for a cabin air filter—how often you need to change it depends on your driving conditions, so you’ll want to change it as needed. For example, if you go off-roading frequently, you may need to change your cabin and engine air filter more frequently.

If you’re following a maintenance schedule, inspect your cabin and engine air filter when your vehicle is serviced to ensure they are both clean and performing optimally.

How much does it cost to replace a cabin air filter?

Changing your cabin air filter is relatively affordable, costing between $30 and $70 for most vehicles. Depending on your car, you may pay slightly more or less.

Is a cabin air filter easy to replace?

For most cars, the cabin air filter is relatively easy to replace and requires no special tools. For a mechanic, it takes about 15 minutes for the average vehicle. Replacing it yourself may take slightly longer if you’re not car-savvy or your filter is located beneath the dashboard or the car’s hood.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.