Billy Covington Are you noticing a bad smell or a lack of airflow in your Subaru Forester’s cabin? It may be time to change your cabin air filter. Cabin air filters are responsible for filtering out dust, allergens, and pollutants from the air that circulates inside your car. Over time, they can become clogged, reducing the efficiency of your car’s air conditioning and heating systems. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change the cabin air filter in your Subaru Forester.
Key Takeaways 📝
- Cabin air filters are responsible for filtering out dust, allergens, and pollutants from the air inside your car.
- A clogged cabin air filter can reduce the efficiency of your car’s air conditioning and heating systems.
- It is recommended to change your Subaru Forester’s cabin air filter every 15,000 miles or once a year.
Tools Needed 🔧
Before we start, let’s make sure we have all the necessary tools to change the cabin air filter. Here’s what you’ll need:
- New cabin air filter (make sure to purchase the correct one for your Subaru Forester’s make and model)
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Pliers or tweezers (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide 📖
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Locate the cabin air filter housing. In the Subaru Forester, the cabin air filter is located behind the glove compartment.
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Open the glove compartment and remove all of its contents.
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Locate the stoppers on both sides of the glove compartment. Use your Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws holding the stoppers in place.
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Remove the stoppers and gently pull the glove compartment out of its position.
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Locate the cabin air filter housing cover. It is a rectangular-shaped cover with two tabs on each side.
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Push the tabs inwards and lift the cover off the cabin air filter housing.
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Remove the old cabin air filter from the housing. Be careful not to damage any of the surrounding components.
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Install the new cabin air filter. Make sure the filter is facing in the correct direction (there should be arrows indicating the correct airflow direction).
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Reattach the cabin air filter housing cover by pushing it down until the tabs click into place.
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Reinstall the glove compartment by pushing it back into place.
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Reattach the stoppers on both sides of the glove compartment using the Phillips head screwdriver.
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Put all of the contents back into the glove compartment.
Congratulations, you have successfully changed the cabin air filter in your Subaru Forester!
Tips for Maintaining Good Air Quality in Your Car 🌬️
In addition to changing your cabin air filter regularly, there are a few other tips you can follow to maintain good air quality in your car:
- Keep your car clean. Regularly vacuum and wipe down the interior of your car to remove dust, dirt, and other pollutants.
- Don’t smoke in your car. Cigarette smoke can be harmful to your health and can linger in your car’s interior for a long time.
- Use an air purifier. Some car air purifiers can help remove allergens and pollutants from the air inside your car.
- Keep your windows closed in heavy traffic. This can help reduce the amount of pollutants that enter your car’s interior.
FAQ ❓
Q: How often should I change my Subaru Forester’s cabin air filter?
A: It is recommended to change your cabin air filter every 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.
Q: What happens if I don’t change my cabin air filter?
A: A clogged cabin air filter can reduce the efficiency of your car’s air conditioning and heating systems, and can also cause bad odors and poor air quality inside your car.
Q: Can I clean my cabin air filter instead of replacing it?
A: While it may be possible to clean some cabin air filters, it is generally recommended to replace them instead. Cleaning the filter may not completely remove all of the contaminants, and could also damage the filter material.
Q: Can I change the cabin air filter myself or do I need to take it to a mechanic?
A: You can definitely change the cabin air filter yourself! It is a relatively simple task that can be completed in under 30 minutes.
