Cabin air filters keep pollutants out of your vehicle’s ventilation system to help improve the quality of the air you breathe while you drive. But not all filters are created equal. Certain filters like PurolatorBOSS® Premium Cabin Air Filters with Febreze Freshness are designed to be top-of-the-line filters for the ultimate travel experience. Before you choose what to install in your vehicle, know what the different types of cabin air filters are and how they function.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website.
There’s a good chance your vehicle has a cabin air filter (95% of new cars sold have them). A cabin air filter should be replaced every twelve months or more frequently in harsh or dusty environments for maximum effectiveness. Clogged cabin air filters cause the re-circulated air in your car to be dirty and unpleasant for you and your passengers. Plus, a clogged filter blocks airways and puts undue stress on your vehicle’s HVAC system. Here’s a rundown on the different types of cabin air filters to reference when you’re ready for replacement.
Level 1 - particulate filter
As you drive, inert allergens and irritants like pollen, dust, dirt and soot can make their way into your cabin. Particles are not only irritating, but they can also aggravate seasonal allergies or respiratory problems. Purolator® Premium Cabin Air Filters block 96.5% of these fine particles to provide fresher, cleaner air. Whether you drive a car, truck or SUV, replacing your cabin air filter is easy and should be done regularly to make your ride more comfortable.
Level 2 - activated carbon filter
Activated carbon cabin air filters provide the same protection against inert allergens and irritants, while also providing odor control. Odors from outside your vehicle can travel inside. If you drive past a farm with newly dropped fertilizer or a busy factory, you’ve no doubt experienced what outside odors can do to your commute. An activated carbon cabin air filter blocks and controls odors. A PurolatorONETM Cabin Air Filter contains activated carbon which eliminates odors. Make your commute more pleasant with a cabin air filter that controls odors.
Level 3 - anti-microbial filter
The highest level of cabin air filter is ideal for maximum cabin air filtration. Along with the same inert allergen protection and odor control of level 1 and 2 filters, level 3 filters add a third level of protection. There’s no better sign that it’s time to replace your cabin air filter than a musty, unpleasant odor. A smell like that usually indicates there’s mold growing on your filter. The most effective cabin air filter has an antimicrobial layer that will prevent bacteria and mold growth on the filter. PurolatorBOSS® Premium Cabin Air Filters with Febreze Freshness are made with electrostatically charged, micro-woven fiber layers that remove even microscopic particles, providing up to 99% Dirt Removal Power™. This triple-layer protection effectively captures fine dust particles, inert allergens and virus aerosols that have been known to cause respiratory issues. Plus, it’s unscented so you only get fresh, clean air.
Get the best possible cabin air filter for your vehicle
You have a lot of choices when it comes to purifying the air in your vehicle, but PurolatorBOSS Premium Cabin Air Filters provide the highest level of protection from irritants, odors and mold. You spend hundreds of hours a year in your vehicle, so make sure that time is as comfortable as
Cabin air filters can breathe new life into the vehicle’s ventilation system and help you breathe fresh air. It is one of the most useful elements of your vehicle as it cleans the air that passes through the HVAC system. It also filters the allergens and other airborne materials which can be harmful to people, especially with respiratory issues. You can usually find this filter behind the glove box whereas in some vehicles, they are hidden behind the engine bay. Cabin air filters have become common since the s making even the shortest drive more pleasant, and comfortable.
Most cars have two air filters: one for the cabin and one for the engine. The cabin air filter is responsible for cleaning the air inside your car, while the engine air filter ensures a steady airflow in your engine. It is recommended to change both filters every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
The cabin microfilter is a feature found on most late-model vehicles, which cleans the air that comes into the interior through the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system. It is typically made of paper or foam and is designed to trap the particles in the air, such as dust, pollen, pollutants, and even some odors from the air circulating through the cabin.
It is recommended to replace the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some signs that you need a new cabin air filter are reduced air flow through your climate control system, such as when you crank up the fan too high and get more noise than results. Another is persistent bad odors.
Cabin Air Filter by K & N ENGINEERING
Cabin Air Filter by MANN-FILTER
Cabin Air Filter by BECK/ARNLEY
Cabin Air Filter by ATP Professional Autoparts
This type of cabin air filter is made of porous fibrous material. They trap particles that are small as 0.3 microns and larger ones such as dust, allergens, and other debris. It is the most regular type of cabin air filter which does not filter ultra-fine particles which means gaseous pollutants and other odors can easily pass through. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is a particulate cabin filter that provides filtration efficiency up to 99.7%.
Coal is the special ingredient used in charcoal cabin air filters and it filters small and large particles and also helps to get rid of exhaust fumes and a terrible odor. The principal medium is the normal porous material and the layer of coal acts as a medium to absorb gaseous pollutants. Coal is also highly beneficial as they help to tackle the cigarette smoke within the vehicle. They are more effective than particulate cabin air filters.
Activated carbon cabin air filters comprise a conventional filtration medium and a layer of activated carbon. Their properties to absorb gases are higher and hence they can easily absorb harmful gases pollutants like carbon monoxide and others. They can also help to get rid of bacteria and other microorganisms in the air.
This filter uses a static charge so it can trap ultra-fine particles. When air passes through the filter media, the filter layers that are electrostatically charged attracting pollutants. They are highly effective in removing the particulate matter, bacteria, and terrible odor.
A. Driving Conditions
You will have to choose the filter type based on your driving conditions. If you are living or driving through urban areas where industrial pollution is quite common, then a charcoal cabin air filter can be your best option. But If your driving condition is more in rural areas, then you can benefit a lot from particulate cabin air filters.
B. Price
The cost of cabin air filters usually depends on the size, filter type, and material. Charcoal cabin air filters and activated carbon air filters are quite expensive as they have a pleasant smell that eliminates bad odor. If you are going to make a sound purchase, then you will need a cabin air filter with the longest lifespan at the lowest price.
C. Lifespan
The longer the lifespan of the cabin air filter, the better. It also ensures you get the best bang for your buck, which saves you in the long run. Whenever you choose a cabin air filter, pick the one with the longest lifespan. Washable and Reusable cabin air filters have a longer lifespan due to their re-usable feature. For instance, K&N filters are reusable. Though it might be a pricey option, they provide value for your money.
D. Ease Of Cleaning
This is only applicable to reusable and washable cabin air filters. Choose the one which is easy to clean so that you can re-install them quickly and use them much longer than ones that cannot be cleaned.
E. The Types
Particulate cabin air filters help to remove dust, pollen, and other debris that you may face in rural or suburban settings. The other three types of cabin air filters have a special medium in them, which helps to remove the stench and harmful gases that you may experience through heavy city driving.
F. The Material
Paper filters are economical, but you will have to replace them often. You can also find cotton/paper blend cabin air filters, and also washable filters that can be reused several times. They are costlier yet more economical in the long run.
G. The Brand
It’s important to choose a trusted brand like K&N, WIX, or FRAM and save on the hassle of frequently replacing it.
Few particles like dust, pollen, soot, and other gases such as nitrogen oxides play an important role in reducing the concentration of the drivers. If there are any passengers who suffer from Asthma, they will appreciate pleasant air in your workplace. Cabin filters from MANN filters are the perfect solution for people who spend more time behind the wheels so they can breathe easily and freely.
Part Numbers: CUK, CUK29-005, CU, and more.
Features
A. Effective Protection
MANN-FILTER cabin filters provide almost 100% protection against harmful particulate matter–in the form of combination filters that remove even contaminating gases. The interior of the car offers a friendly environment for those with allergies or asthma. Cabin Filters from MANN-FILTER also shield air-conditioning systems effectively. They contribute significantly to shielding air conditioning systems from pollution so they can function successfully for longer periods.
B. Reliability From The Factory
Cabin filters are being added to growing numbers of commercial automobiles. More and more suppliers prefer original equipment quality goods from MANN+HUMMEL
C. Easy To Handle
Workshop manuals help MANN-FILTER car owners to replace filters. The guidelines are clear to understand and describe how to easily find the right position and it is easy to fix the new filter.
D. Well Made
There are two types of MANN-FILTER cabin filters are available: first, the particulate filter of high quality and, second, the carbon-activated combination filter. The activated carbon coating contained in fleece bonds with a pore of 10,000 times as wide as a human hair that includes polluting gases including nitrogen oxides, fuel vapors, or ozone. This avoids unwanted elements entering and guarantees that drivers enjoy the workplace.
Advantages of MANN-FILTER cabin filters
For more information and detailed product lines, visit our Mann Cabin Air Filter Section.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Purefine.
PUREZONE provides only the highest quality cabin-air filters serving over 99% of passenger car and light-duty applications, guaranteeing maximum filtration and performance.
Part Numbers: 6-, 6-, 6-, and more.
Key features and benefits:
For more information and detailed product lines, visit our Purezone Cabin Air Filter Section.
Before entering the cabin, the cabin air filter purifies the air. The WIX filter protects airborne contaminants. This guarantees passengers’ safety while guarding against hay fever, eye irritation, and ensures high focus for the driver. And for those who have pollen allergies, the cabin filter with the Microban system is the best solution.
Part Numbers: , , WP, and more.
Features
WIX filters can resist particles up to 1 micron, 70-times smaller than human hair thickness, thanks to the correctly selected filter medium. This means that the cabin filter traps most of the contaminants.
The Microban antibacterial mechanism successfully eliminates allergens and bacteria dangerous for our health. It is an odorless and non-toxic filter cover that efficiently removes pollution and maintains clean air for the passenger cabin.
It is the carbon that binds toxic gases such that the passenger cabin is free of unpleasant smells. For most car models you can get an activated carbon filter. The volume of carbon used in a filter is chosen to enable the filter to purify the air adequately for a long period from toxic organic compounds.
The safety of health makes any cabin filter of WIX Filters extremely effective. The cabin air is filtered from particulate matter (dust, soot, pollen) and normal MICROBAN is used to protect car occupants by collecting allergens and avoiding the growth of bacteria and molds inside the filter.
Constructed of three layers: two exterior layers made of non-woven fabric tissues, able to resist solid particles and aerosols using regular air filters in the cabin, and another third layer of carbon granules present inside that remove toxic and uncomfortable smells from the air that passes through.
The activated carbon attracts particulate matter from toxic gas. Approximately 90% of hazardous chemical substances such as ozone, hydrocarbons, and compounds in sulphur or nitrogen are eliminated during the entire lifetime of the filter because of the amount of activated carbon used in WIX filters.
In comparison, activated charcoal prevents unpleasant odors aside from toxic gases.
Part Numbers: 042-, 042-, 042-, and more.
Features:
For more information and detailed product lines, visit our Beck/Arnley Cabin Air Filter section.
A. Standard Cabin Air Filter :
Part Numbers: CF75, CF44, and more.
Features:
B. Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter:
Part Numbers: RA3, FA5, and more.
Features:
For more information and detailed product lines, visit our ATP Professional – Cabin Air Filter Section.
K&N’s line of washable replacement cabin air filters removed incoming air by using advanced filtration technologies to avoid pollutant emissions that may create unwanted odors for the car passengers, interior, and HVAC system. This is the last air filter you’ll ever have to purchase for your car that’s made to be washable, reusable, and reliable!
Part Numbers: VF, VF, VF, and more.
Features:
For more information and detailed product lines, visit our K&N Engineering Cabin Air Filter section.
The features are as follows:
The features are as follows:
Cabin air filters come in different materials such as cloth, paper, and carbon. Paper filters are never meant to be cleaned and so you must always replace them. A few of the carbon and clot filters are reusable and so you can wash them. First use water to clean the filter, by directing the water from the clean side to the dirty side and sweeping it top to bottom. Then, take some soapy water in a container, submerge it and let it stay for 10 minutes. Repeat the process if needed and allow it to dry in the sunlight or use a towel. Install, only when it’s dry. There is a limit to how many times you can wash a reusable filter, so once it starts looking ragged or develops holes, it is time for a new one.
You may always be in a dilemma about changing the cabin air filter. Either you don’t want to change too soon by wasting money or wait until it becomes ineffective. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your cabin air filter every 19,000 km or even longer. Also, you can check the owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule and when to change the cabin air filter. A significant factor in deciding the right time to replace the filter is how much you use your vehicle and whether you use your vehicle through heavy traffic. When the air filter becomes increasingly ineffective and interferes with the air supply to the ventilation system, you must get it checked by a professional at this stage to see whether you need a replacement. A perfect time to inspect the condition of the cabin air filter is before winter. This is because the cabin air filter would have worked through the spring, summer, and fall collecting all debris and pollen. Changing it before the winter prepares your vehicle for the warm weather ahead.
One of the important components of the vehicle that is often overlooked is the cabin air filter. They are usually checked only when you bring your vehicle for an oil change. Here are a few reasons why you must replace your cabin air filter as they can make an enormous difference in the performance of the vehicle.
A. Pollution
One of the important and primary reasons to change and check the cabin air filter is pollution. Your cabin air filter is the one that stands between the exterior air and interior air of the vehicle. It filters the smog and other dirty exhaust let out by other vehicles. Checking and replacing the cabin air filter ensures that these pollutants don’t find their way into the cabin area.
B. Debris & Allergens
You might likely find twigs and leaves inside your cabin air filter. You may assume that they may not block your cabin air filter but they do. Also, pollen can also easily get stuck, especially in the areas where there are an enormous amount of oak trees. Regardless of where you live, the debris and allergens have to be removed quickly as they have a tremendous impact on the efficacy of the air system.
C. Get Rid Of Bad Odors
Do you get a musty smell coming out of your ventilation system every time you turn it on? You should consider getting a cabin air filter replacement that has activated carbon or charcoal that absorbs bad odors. It can improve the air quality in your vehicle and help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness in some passengers.
The cabin air filter filters the air that enters the heating and air conditioning system of the vehicle. It traps the dust, debris, and other contaminants from entering the cabin. Since they work similarly to that of an engine air filter, the cabin air filters can get dirty or clogged. Usually, a dirty or clogged cabin air filter will show a few signs that they need to be replaced.
A. Poor / Reduced Air Flow
One of the very first signs that your cabin air filter needs replacement is – poor/reduced airflow from the interior vents of the vehicle. If the cabin air filter is clogged or excessively contaminated, it will minimize the volume of air that passes through. As a result, the vehicle owners will have the crank up the AC higher than usual, to compensate for the reduced airflow. A blocked cabin air filter can cause a strain on the AC system, increased energy consumption, and damage to the motor because of overload.
B. Increase In Fan Noise
If large materials or other contaminants enter the dirty cabin air filter, then the fan noise can be increased. As you increase the fan speed, you will hear a high noise from the AC system and a minor improvement in the airflow. This high noise is a sign that the cabin air filter is contaminated. Never ignore the fan noise from your vehicle’s AC system.
C. Unusual Odor From The Vents
Is there a musty smell in your cabin? This is most likely because of the buildup of dust or debris in the cabin air filter which causes the growth of bacteria. The growth of bacteria can produce a foul smell in your cabin, even if the compartment is clean, causing discomfort to the passengers. Such damaged cabin air filters cannot be used anymore and need a replacement immediately.