Cabin filter, pollen filter - types, location in the car, replacement

The cabin filter, also known as the pollen filter, is inexpensive and very easy to replace with a car element. What exactly is his role? It is designed to clean the air that flows from the outside to the inside of the car (eg it captures dust and other impurities) and protects the ventilation system from the deposition and development of impurities on the fan or ventilation ducts. Some expensive carbon filters further prevent airborne allergens, soot and limit odors into the passenger compartment. Like any other part, the cabin filter is subject to occasional wear and tear. clogging with collected dirt. Its replacement is announced by the appearance of steam on the windows in the car, a weakening of the air flow or a lasting odor. The filter should be regularly monitored and replaced for comfort and health, especially when allergic.

Replacing the cabin filter is such a simple operation that almost every car user can do it. We introduce types of air filters and give their locations in popular cars.

Types of air filters

The most popular and cheapest type of pollen filter is paper - it captures only ordinary impurities, such as dust and parts of leaves. It usually has three layers: initial, middle and supporting, and is made of a material with increased resistance to moisture. A more expensive, but also more efficient option is to buy a carbon filter: it has an additional, fourth layer with activated carbon, which makes it look worn out. Such a filter better prevents harmful substances (nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds, etc.) and limits the penetration of unpleasant odors.

A more expensive carbon filter will work better if they have people with allergies or who have a bad odor inside the car.

What if you need to replace the cabin filter?

Manufacturers usually recommend replacing the filters every 15000 km. However, it is best to perform an independent, regular (semi-annual) inspection of the condition of the filter and assess whether it is dirty enough during replacement.

Replace the filter when it has a weakened effect, e.g. moisture on windows or ventilation system working poorly. This is one of the few things in a car that almost every car owner can have fun with, buying and replacing.

How to change the cabin filter yourself?

Most filter manufacturers include in-car installation instructions. If you are thinking of several filters, it pays to choose one with more extensive mounting tips. Information is often enriched with pictures of the position of the filter in the cabin and the complete procedure for replacing it. Some companies publish instructions online. Remember to insert the filter in the direction of air flow. Replacement is usually limited to removing a few elements or just removing the filter from a special housing.

Under the windshield

The filter can be located under the car windshield. To get to it, you have to unbutton the cover and the filter housing or open a special cover - it is better not to use tools, because we will permanently damage the plastic and then moisture can appear in the cabin.

Examples of cars: Audi A3 I, Audi A4 B5, BMW E46, Ford Focus IFord Mondeo III, Mercedes A (W168), Mercedes C (W203), Opel Vectra B / C, Peugeot 206, Peugeot 307, Peugeot 406, Seat Toledo II / Leon I, Skoda Octavia I, Volkswagen Golf IV / VI, Volkswagen Passat B5.
Carefully remove the plastic to avoid damaging them. Sometimes the lid under the filter is located in the center of the lid in the hole.

In the passenger compartment

Around the passenger compartment: Chevrolet Lacetti, Daewoo Nubira II, Fiat Punto II, Fiat Grande Punto, Kia Cee'd, Opel Astra G / H (II / III), Renault Megane II, Renault Laguna II, Seat Leon II, Skoda Octavia II, Toyota Corolla E12, Toyota Avensis II, Toyota Yaris I / II, Volkswagen Polo 9N , Volkswagen Golf V, Volvo S80
Ideal situation - a box under the storage compartment. Just open it and remove the filter. In some cars, the filter will be accessed through the glove compartments or on the side of the instrument panel.

Around the accelerator

The third option is the location of the filters near the pedals. At the very beginning, remove the ignition key so that the engine controller does not go wrong. Only then can you disconnect the cable that connects the throttle to the accelerator pedal and then it's easier to reach the "side" of the center console, behind which is the filter.

Examples of cars: Citroen C5 I, Ford Fiesta Mk V, Ford Focus II, Ford C-Max, Peugeot 407.

Cabin filter - which one to choose? Plain or activated carbon?

When buying a new cabin filter, we have the choice not only of the manufacturer's brand but also of the filter material: an ordinary filter has a paper filter and a more expensive extra layer of activated carbon.

Cabin filters appeared in the late 70's and 80's, and in 1991 they were joined by activated carbon versions.

Today we have a choice of standard paper filters or more expensive activated carbon filters. The price difference can be up to two times.

The basic feature of activated carbon filters is the much higher efficiency, which is the result of the huge surface area of ​​activated carbon. A significant absorption surface translates into effective impurity retention over time. Activated carbon is capable of binding toxins, heavy metals, nicotine, sulfur oxides and many other impurities.

The proof of the quality of filtering of the activated carbon layer is the absorption of odors, which a plain paper filter cannot.

Characteristics of activated carbon filters turn out to be especially valuable when young children or people with allergies travel by car. In these cases, even this type of filter should be used.

If we travel a lot in city traffic and are exposed to the inhalation of exhaust gases, it is also worth equipping the car with a more efficient filter.

If the filter is placed under the front windshield, vacuuming the leaves near the chassis when replacing it will be worth it.

Activated charcoal isn't for everyone?

In older cars with a very weak internal fan, the carbon layer can significantly slow down the air flow. Then it is better to stay with an ordinary filter that has less resistance.

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!