Changing your cabin air filter is one of the most essential maintenance projects you can do for your Tesla—and your lungs. Whether you’re trying to eliminate that weird “dirty sock” smell or just want cleaner airflow, replacing your filters annually (give or take a few months depending on location) can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to replace the cabin air filters on the refreshed 2024+ Tesla Model 3 Highland. Tesla made a few design improvements compared to earlier Model 3s, which makes this DIY job a whole lot easier.
🧰 What You’ll Need:
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New cabin air filters (preferably carbon-activated HEPA filters)
- Evaporator foam cleaner (for that lingering funk) included in our kit
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Trim removal tools or a soft pry tool (one included in our kit)
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Optional: Inflatable wedge tool (makes panel removal easier)
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Vacuum with a narrow nozzle for cleaning if needed
🚗 Step 1: Remove the Passenger Side Panels
Start by sliding the passenger seat back and removing your floor mats for easier access.
There’s a side panel you’ll need to remove on the center console. Carefully use your fingers or a soft pry tool to loosen the clips. If it’s tight (and it probably will be), an inflatable wedge tool is a great help—insert it gently and pump until it creates enough space to pop the panel out.
Tip: It might sound a little crunchy—just go slow and stay patient.
🧩 Step 2: Remove the Lower Panel Below Glove Box
Once the side panel is off, you’ll see a lower under-dash panel held in by magnets. Gently remove this to gain full access to the filter housing.
Fun fact: This panel also covers some of your Tesla’s computing harnesses and cabling. You don’t need to remove the speaker or any other components—just the panel.
🔧 Step 3: Access and Remove the Filters
Tesla improved this part—no more hex screws like on the older models. There’s a simple plastic tab covering the filter compartment now. Just pop the tab off and slide the filters out.
There are two filters, stacked vertically. Pull the top one out, then slide the bottom one upward and out.
Optional: Vacuum the compartment before installing the new filters.
🧼 Step 4: Clean the Evaporator
If your AC smells musty or weird, you may have moisture buildup in the evaporator.
You can fix that using a heater evaporator foam cleaner:
- Insert the foam cleaner’s hose into the evaporator coils
- Empty the can fully
- Cover the compartment
- Blast the air
- Let it sit and do its thing for about 10 minutes
- The cleaner will drain out under the car
This step can make a huge difference in smell and air quality.
📦 Step 5: Install the New Filters
Make sure you follow the same airflow direction as the originals (usually marked with arrows). Slide the bottom filter in first, then the top one.
Reattach the filter housing tab, reinstall the lower panel, and clip the side panel back in—carefully aligning everything before applying pressure.
Tip: Many clips break when people force misaligned panels. Line everything up first, then press in.
🌬️ Enjoy That Clean Air
While the Bioweapon Defense Mode is awesome, these upgraded HEPA filters also do an impressive job filtering outside air. A win-win.
Changing your filters yearly (or more often if you drive in dusty or urban areas) is a simple way to improve cabin comfort and keep your Tesla’s HVAC system running clean.
✅ Final Thoughts
Tesla nailed it with the redesign of the Model 3 Highland’s air filter access. It’s now quicker, simpler, and less frustrating. Add a little evaporator cleaner, and your Model 3 will smell as fresh as it drives.
Need a filter kit that includes everything you need—tools, HEPA filters, and evaporator cleaner?
👉 Check out our Air Filter Kit here