Filter is cheap and takes minutes to change. Dealer charges stupid amounts to change.

Is it overkill to change every 6 months or 5k miles?

 

depend on where u driving. if i drive around dusty area i'll check the filter and see if i need to change once every couple month

 

Lexus recommended 30k for engine air filter and 15k for ac air filter. I usually change all 2 around 10k to 15k.

 

I buy the filters on line and both take less then five minutes to change. We both drive about 12-15,000 miles a year so I change our's once a year right after pollen season is over. At six months, I will take both filters out and hit them with a leaf blower.

 

I don't know if the filters were changed at 5000 miles, but they were changed at 10000 miles. It is not a big deal to change yourself. The cabin filter might not need to be changed at even 10000 miles. It all depends on the driving environment, and if super clean air in the cabin is important to an individual. In the old days, I don't even know when they were changed. It was totally random. If your are rolling around with the windows down, then what is the difference. Seems like a gimmick to me to sell more cabin filters.

 

I don't think these are one of those components that can damage your car if you over change it. Really depends on how much $$ you want to spend.

 

5K is overkill for sure no matter how dusty the area might be.

 

Actually, the pollen filter tends to get dirty faster than the engine air filter.

 

you can tap it clean or shop vac it clean and put it back in at that interval. thats what i do.

 

i still cant believe lexus quotes me $160 to change the pollen filter. which btw i replaced 4k miles ago..according to them is REALLY dirty . lol

 

First time I hear the cabin filter being referred to as an AC or pollen filter. All air coming from the fan blower, whether via the AC or heater core goes through the cabin filter. And it traps more contaminants then just pollen. It's longevity is contingent on the air quality it filters. Oil filter longevity is along similar lines. If you drive under Special Operating Conditions (tow, race, off-road, etc...) , then replacing the oil filter at 5K, or less, would be a good idea. The best way to help decide when to change the oil filter is to get your oil analyzed and add the TBN option as that is an indicator of how many miles are left based on the oil's ability to neutralize acidic contaminants. Oil test kits average $25+, but right know, amazon has the Wix kit for less than $13. That's a very good price.

 

Looks like you've got it figured out based on the mileage on your cars!! Well done.

 

I change both cabin and engine filters yearly.

 

I'm around the PNW and probably change it every 20k-30k. Check it every 6 months to see if dirty, don't really have to change it if you don't notice anything dirty

 

Recently went to my dealer to perform the recall on the front door handles. Whole job took about an hour to do.

They did a rather comprehensive inspection of my vehicle, all at no cost. They indicated that the air filter, cabin filter, and wipers need attention. My almost 2 year old RX has about 11k miles on it. I see no problem with the wipers when it rains. Those other filters are not maintenance items as yet.

What do you think?