Toyota Cabin Air Filter Buyer's Guide
The cabin filter inside your car is often one of the most forgotten parts of your vehicle. Many people aren't even aware their car has a cabin air filter. Like any filter, they can wear out and become clogged over time. We came up with this guide to help you ensure your Toyota has clean cabin air, and to show you how to replace and maintain your cabin air filter properly. Most cabin air filters are recommended to be changed every 15,000 to 20,000 miles (give or take, depending on the condition of the air outside) to keep clean air flowing throughout your vehicle..
If you’re a Toyota owner who’s itching to learn more about cabin air filters, we have the answers you need in this guide. Below, you’ll find answers to the three most frequently asked questions Toyota owners have about cabin air filters.
What Is A Cabin Air Filter?
Located somewhere behind your dash (most commonly behind the glove box) is a cabin air filter. It’s a square or rectangular part with pleated filter material inside. The cabin air filter is situated between the vents and the rest of the HVAC system, and its purpose is to trap all the dirt and polution coming into the cabin. Without a functioning cabin air filter, you’re breathing dirty air that’s loaded with dirt, dust, pollen, and automobile exhaust fumes.
In a nutshell, a cabin air filter keeps the air inside the cabin very clean. Here’s a good source with more information on what a cabin air filter is.
Differences Between Cabin Air Filter And Engine Air Filter
One major reason cabin air filters are often forgotten is due to their similarities to the engine air filter. Many people assume that an air filter is an air filter and you only need one in your vehicle. This was true for many cars back in the day, but with modern vehicles, most everything has two separate filters for the cabin and engine. You can learn more in this post.
How Do I Know When it’s Time to Replace My Cabin Air Filter?
The general rule of thumb is to change your cabin air filter once a year. However, you might need to replace it sooner if the air outside is especially dirty or dusty. Also, there are situations where you can wait a little longer to replace your cabin air filter. For example, you might not use the HVAC system that often, or the air outside is cleaner than usual.
If you’re not sure whether your cabin air filter still has some life left, you need to visually inspect it. Here’s a great tutorial on inspecting your cabin air filter.
Changing Cabin Air Filters
As we mentioned above, almost every new Toyota model on the road today uses a cabin air filter to ensure clean air is getting to you in the cabin. This link covers how to change, inspect and replace your cabin air filter to ensure consistent, clean air.
FJ Cruiser Cabin Air Filter Replacement
If you have an FJ Cruiser, you're in luck. This guide is specially written for FJ cruiser owners and covers the specifics of changing the cabin air filter in that well-loved model. If you take your FJ Cruiser off-road or through dustier conditions frequently, you may want to consider replacing the filter more regularly.
Toyota Sienna Cabin Filter Replacement
In cars that frequently carry kids, a cabin air filter replacement can mean the difference between smelling like spoiled milk or like a brand-new car. This guide covers the specifics of replacing the cabin air filter on many modern Toyota Sienna vans. It can help ensure your car smells clean for you and all your passengers.
Should I Get An OEM Or Aftermarket Cabin Air Filter?
A genuine OEM cabin air filter for select 2012-2015 Toyota models. Part # 87139-07010
If you find that your cabin air filter is clogged, you have to replace it as soon as possible if you want to maintain great air quality inside your Toyota’s cabin. A lot of Toyota owners wonder if they can go the aftermarket route in order to save a few bucks. It’s actually not a good idea to install an aftermarket cabin air filter instead of an OEM filter. It’s because:
- Aftermarket air filters don’t always fit right
- The filter material in aftermarket air filters isn’t always high quality and probably won’t last as long as OEM filters
- Aftermarket air filters usually come with shallow pleats spaced far apart
This comparison guide covers each point in more detail.
When it comes to your Toyota, look no further than Toyota Parts Center. With more than 15 years in the business of selling parts online, you know you can trust us. All our parts come with Toyota's 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. With our centrally located offices in Kansas City, you can be confident your parts will ship quickly. From filters to complete engines, we have you covered. If you still have some questions about cabin air filters, feel free to give us a shout!