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Module 03

Air & Cabin Filters

Beginner 10-15 min ~£80-120

The easiest maintenance win on any car. Garages typically charge £100-160 for 10 minutes of work and £25-40 in parts. The cabin filter is usually behind the glovebox (no tools). The engine air filter sits under clips on the airbox.

Featured video

Universal process — same on most cars with a plastic airbox.

More resources
Pro tips
·

Write the date and mileage on the new filter with a Sharpie — proof against garage upselling.

·

Most cabin filters have an air-flow arrow on the side. Match the original orientation when fitting the new one.

·

Quality aftermarket brands (Mann, Bosch, K&N) match OEM filtration at half the price. Buy by part number.

·

In heavy city traffic, change the cabin filter every 6-12 months — pollen and exhaust soot clog it fast.

Step by step
01

CABIN FILTER: Open the glovebox and empty it

02

Release the glovebox stop arm and let the box drop down

03

Press the tabs on the filter housing and slide out the cover

04

Note the air-flow arrow direction on the old filter before removing

05

Fit the new filter with the arrow oriented the same way

06

Refit the cover, reset the glovebox stop arm

07

ENGINE FILTER: Open the bonnet and locate the airbox (usually a black plastic box near the front)

08

Release the airbox clips or screws — don't force them

09

Remove the old filter and wipe the airbox interior with a damp cloth

10

Seat the new filter, re-secure the lid. Done.

What you'll need
TOOLS
Phillips / cross-head screwdriverAmazon →
MATERIALS
Cabin filter — match by part number to your carAmazon →
Engine air filter — match by part number to your carAmazon →
Microfibre cloth (to wipe airbox)(optional)Amazon →

Amazon UK links carry our affiliate tag — no change to the price you pay.