Do you sometimes smell a strange odor when you turn on the car air conditioning? Or do you feel that the airflow has decreased and the cooling and heating effects are not as good as before? At this point, it is likely that your car’s air conditioning filter needs to be replaced! Don’t rush to the repair shop and spend money unnecessarily. 今天, we will teach you how to replace the car air conditioning filter by yourself, with a few simple steps to easily handle it. Not only can it save money, but it can also refresh the air inside the car. Come and take a look now. ​

1、 Preparation work
New air conditioning filter: When purchasing an air conditioning filter that is suitable for your car model, pay attention to choosing a reputable brand and reliable quality product. You can refer to the specifications in the vehicle manual or consult the staff at the auto parts store. 例如, when purchasing the air conditioning filter for the Toyota Corolla 2024 模型, it is necessary to identify the corresponding model to ensure that the size and filtering effect meet the requirements. ​
Tools: 一般来说, only one screwdriver (which may be a cross or a straight line, depending on the vehicle model) is needed. Some car models may require tools such as pliers, but most household cars can be easily handled with a screwdriver.

2、 Determine the location of the air conditioning filter
The location of the car air conditioning filter varies depending on the model, but there are two common places:
Behind the passenger glove box: This is the most common location, where most car and SUV models have air conditioning filters. 例如, models such as Volkswagen Lavida and Nissan Sylphy. ​
Inside the engine compartment: Some models have air conditioning filters located inside the engine compartment, usually under the front windshield, covered by a plastic cover plate. Some models like BMW have this design.

3、 Replacement steps (taking the back of the passenger glove box as an example)
Open the glove box: Open the glove box to the maximum angle. Some car models may have dampers connected on both sides of the glove box, and the dampers need to be separated from the glove box first. 例如, the Honda Civic can be easily removed by gently pressing the buckle on the damper with your hand. ​
Dismantling the glove box: Find the fixed buckles on both sides of the glove box, which are usually made of plastic material. Use a screwdriver or directly use your hand to pry open the buckle to the outside. Then hold both sides of the glove box with both hands, squeeze towards the middle, and pull outward to remove the glove box. Pay attention to the strength in this step to avoid damaging the glove box or buckle. ​
Find the air conditioning filter cover plate: After removing the glove box, you can see a rectangular cover plate, which is the cover plate of the air conditioning filter. The cover plate is usually fixed by clasps on both sides. ​
Open the cover: Use a screwdriver or fingers to press the buckles on both sides of the cover and release them. Then remove the cover plate, and you will be able to see the air conditioning filter inside. ​
Remove the old air conditioning filter: Pinch one end of the air conditioning filter and gently pull it out. Pay attention to the degree of dirt on the old filter, you may see that it is covered with dust, leaves, and even small insects. If your car is frequently driven in dusty environments, the filter may be very dirty. ​
Install a new air conditioning filter: Take out the new air conditioning filter and pay attention to the direction of the arrow on the filter. The direction of the arrow should be consistent with the direction of air flow, usually downward. Slowly insert the new filter along the path of removing the old filter, ensuring that the filter is installed in place and not skewed. ​
Reinstall the cover plate and glove box: Reinstall the air conditioning filter cover plate and fasten the buckles on both sides. Then put the glove box back in place, align the two sides of the glove box with the slots, squeeze the glove box towards the middle, and push the glove box inward until it is securely installed. 最后, reconnect the damper to the glove box.

4、 Inspection and Testing
Check if the installation is secure: After installation, check if the glove box is closed properly and if the air conditioning filter cover is securely fastened to ensure there are no loose areas. ​
Test air conditioning: Start the vehicle, turn on the air conditioning, adjust the wind speed and temperature to different gears, and feel if the air volume is normal and if there is any odor. If everything is normal, it means that your air conditioning filter has been successfully replaced!

5、 Precautions
更换周期: It is generally recommended to replace the air conditioning filter every 10000 至 20000 kilometers or every six months to one year. If your car often drives in harsh environments, such as areas with high dust and severe smog, or frequently runs on dirt roads, the replacement cycle should be appropriately shortened. ​
Installation direction: When installing a new air conditioning filter, be sure to pay attention to the direction of the arrow, which represents the direction of air flow. Incorrect installation can affect the filtering effect. ​
Caution in operation: During disassembly and installation, be careful to avoid damaging components such as glove boxes, buckles, and air conditioning filter covers. If a component is difficult to disassemble or install, do not forcefully operate it and carefully check if there are any other fixing devices that have not been loosened.

How about it, is it easy to replace the car air conditioning filter? Next time your car’s air conditioning filter needs to be replaced, try it yourself. Not only can it save on maintenance costs, but it can also help you better understand your car.