The air filter you’re most likely asking about—the engine air filter—is located in a rectangular plastic housing in the engine bay on the passenger side. There’s also a cabin air filter behind the glove box for the HVAC system.
Engine air filter: location and replacement
Where to find it in the engine bay
To replace the engine air filter, follow these steps:
- Park on level ground, turn off the engine, and set the parking brake. Open the hood and locate the engine air filter housing on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the fender and air intake tube.
- Release the clips or screws securing the housing lid, then lift the lid to expose the filter.
- Remove the old filter and inspect the housing for debris or signs of damage. Wipe out any dust or leaves from the chamber.
- Insert the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the back of the car (toward the throttle body). Ensure it seats evenly and the gasket sits snugly.
- Reattach the housing lid and secure the clips or fasteners. Reconnect any hoses or vacuum lines if you moved them.
- Close the hood and start the engine to confirm it’s running smoothly and there are no air leaks.
Regular replacement helps maintain engine performance and fuel economy. Under normal conditions, Honda recommends replacing the engine air filter every 30,000 miles (about 48,000 km); more often in dusty or high-dust environments.
Cabin air filter: location and replacement
Behind the glove box
To replace the cabin air filter, follow these steps:
- Park the car, turn off the engine, and open the glove box fully. On many Civics, you’ll see two stoppers on the sides; gently push in the sides or press the damper to allow the glove box to drop down.
- Locate the cabin air filter housing behind the glove box cover and remove the cover by unclipping or sliding it out.
- Take out the old cabin filter and note its orientation with the arrows indicating airflow from the exterior into the cabin.
- Insert the new cabin filter with the arrows pointing toward the blower motor (into the cabin). Reattach the housing cover securely.
- Lift the glove box back into place and re-seat any dampers or stops. Return items to the glove box and close it.
Cabin air filter maintenance keeps interior air clean and reduces odors. Honda generally recommends inspecting or replacing the cabin filter roughly every 15,000 miles (about 24,000 km) or once a year, with more frequent changes in dusty or high-pollen areas.
Summary
For a 2020 Honda Civic, there are two air filters to consider: the engine air filter in the engine bay on the passenger side, and the cabin air filter behind the glove box. Replacing them is a straightforward DIY task: remove the old filter, insert a new one with proper orientation, and reseal the housing. Regular replacements help protect engine performance and interior air quality.