A Guide to Changing Your Car’s Air Filter This Spring

As winter retreats, you’re starting to feel it whenever you drive: the familiar temptation to roll down the window and let the spring breeze enter. We’re eager to breathe in all the natural air we can after this long winter in Rocktown, making this spring the perfect time to change your car’s air filter. 

As pollen, dust, and other allergens begin to accumulate at the start of spring, a constant cycle of fresh air is needed to help combat these airborne nuisances. Thankfully, the process of swapping out your cabin air filter is a relatively simple one. Courtesy of Steven Nissan, here’s what you need to know.

What Does Your Air Filter Do? 

Cabin air filters are tasked with cleaning the air that enters the cabin through your car’s HVAC systems. They filter out dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne particles, leaving you with clean, fresh air. Air filters improve air quality, leading to a healthier, allergen-free driving environment. This makes changing your air filter regularly a must if you suffer from allergies. Additionally, air filters help keep your HVAC components functioning while optimizing HVAC system performance. 

Having fresh, clean air in your cabin is essential to safe and healthy driving, and it’s your air filter’s job to maintain that constant airflow. If you’ve been breathing stale, acrid air while driving – or if your windshield struggles to stay clear in humid conditions – these could be signs that you’re in need of a replacement.

There are various options available when you choose to replace your cabin air filter. Different filter types include: 

Standard Air Filters: The most common type of cabin air filter. Provides basic filtration for dust, pollen, and other particles. Generally costs between $20-$25 dollars, though they can be cheaper – such as this filter compatible with the Nissan Rogue.

Activated Carbon Filters: Excels at absorbing gases and other unpleasant smells. Recommended if you’re focusing on eliminating odors and trapping airborne pollutants. 

HEPA Filters: Or, “High-Efficiency Particulate Air” filters. For advanced filtration, captures smaller particles and allergens. Recommended for those with bad allergies, sensitive respiratory conditions, or who just enjoy the highest level of air purity. 

How Do I Replace My Air Filter? 

Once you’ve selected your filter type, changing your cabin air filter is even simpler than you might expect! First, locate your air filter box or housing. It may require a screwdriver, but once open, the ensuing process then takes just a couple of minutes.

Remove your old air filter deliberately, taking note of how it’s installed. Snap a picture with your phone if that helps you recall the configuration, because you’ll want to mimic it when inserting the new filter. Remove any stray dust and debris in the air filter housing that may have dislodged from the old filter.

Next, simply replicate the placement of the old filter with the new one. Close the air filter box securely, re-tightening its bolts if you had to unscrew them. Before you know it, fresh air will flood through your cabin once more.

Filter Happier 

If you’ve detected reduced airflow, unpleasant odors, or noises from your vents – or if your windshield is struggling to stay clear amidst humidity – these could be signs that your cabin air filter needs replacement. But as you now know, replacing your cabin air filter is a simple, affordable process.

If you encounter any other issues with your HVAC systems this spring, Steven Nissan is the place to be. But our team of experienced professionals doesn’t stop there; from oil changes to tires, brakes to batteries, we’ve got all the materials you need to keep your vehicle feeling as fresh as the spring air.