One of the easiest auto maintenance things you can DIY is changing your own air filters! Save yourself a few bucks the next time you go to the oil change and say “no thank you!” when they bring out your grungy filter because I’m going to show you how to go from grunge to glam (yes I went there) in this video.
Or you can just read the instructions below!
What You’ll Need
- Your car’s manual (so you can find out where exactly your filters are)
- Replacement filters (you can get these at any auto parts store)
- A screwdriver (maybe, I didn’t but cars can be different!)
The following is how to change the cabin and engine filters in a 2015 Subaru Forester.
Cabin Filter
The cabin filter lives behind the glove compartment.
Step 1
Remove the glove compartment door by removing the hinge thingy (see the picture) and then push in the tabs to pop out the door. The tabs take some working so be patient and really use some elbow grease here.
Step 2
Remove the filter by pinching the filter tabs and sliding it out.
Step 3
Insert the new filter.
Step 4
Reattach the glove compartment door.
Step 5
Sit back and admire the fact that you just saved yourself some cash by doing this all by yourself!
Engine Filter
This is, well, under the hood of your car over on the passenger side.
Step 1
Flip the clips up.
Step 2
Separate the airflow pipes to expose the filter. This may take some elbow grease as well to get open enough to remove the filter.
Step 3
Once the filter is removed, install your new one.
Step 4
Close everything back up and put the clips back down sealing the filter in place.
Step 5
Step back and pat yourself on the shoulder for a job well done.
Good job! Now go spend that $30 or $40 in savings on something awesome.
/AP
