Many passenger vehicles manufactured today
include a cabin filter. The trend is to have cabin
filters standard in all models in North America
and Europe. Higher population density and traffic
congestion have made Europe and Asia the leaders in
installing cabin filters in their passenger
vehicles. Check your owner’s manual to determine if
your vehicle has a cabin air filter installed and
its location. If your vehicle does not have a cabin
filter or if it is not changed regularly, your car's engine could be getting cleaner
air than you!
What is a Cabin Filter?
The principle purpose of a cabin filter is to remove
and stop harmful and irritating contaminants and odors
from entering the passenger compartment. Cabin air
filters also prevent leaves, dirt, bugs and other
debris from entering the HVAC system and negatively
impacting the operation of the heating system, air
conditioner, defroster or demister. The combi style
or activated carbon version of cabin air filters are
impregnated with an activated carbon material to
help eliminate outside odors from entering the
passenger compartment. (The media of the combi
version is usually dark colored while the basic
version is white). These are some typical cabin air
filter designs:
Why is a Cabin Filter important?
Many drivers and passengers today are concerned
about the health effects of breathing in exhaust
gases and vapors while driving. Many are also
concerned about pollens, allergens and germs as well
as dust particles, odors and smog. Another area of
concern today is the level of air pollutants within
a vehicle. Depending on the type (particle/basic or
combi/activated carbon), a quality cabin air filter
will stop allergens, dust, pollen, soot, bacteria
and other contaminants from entering your car. The
cabin air filter also keeps the heating, venting,
and air conditioning system components free from
contaminants which aids in driver safety by
allowing optimum operation of demisting/defrosting functions in
varying climatic conditions. This is why the cabin
filter is so important.
Where is the Cabin Filter located?
Typically, cabin air filters are located either
under the hood near the vents or around the
glove box under the dash inside the vehicle.
Under dash near glovebox area
Under hood near vents
Servicing
For most vehicles, the cabin air filter can be
replaced in anything from 15 to 30 minutes. Some
vehicles may take longer depending on where the
filter is located and/or may have a set of two to
replace.
The cabin air filter should be changed regularly
every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (20,000 kms/25,000 kms)
or once a year. However, it should be changed sooner
if the quality of the air inside the vehicle is
noticeably deteriorating or if the demisting
function is less than optimal. Changing the cabin
filter in most vehicles could be considered a DIY
project. See the great range of quality cabin
filters and find the one that fits your vehicle now
at advanceautoparts.com (click this link for special offers).
You can count on Advance Auto Parts on-line or
in-store to have the quality cabin filter
for your vehicle.
More Information
Following is a list of Technical Service
Bulletins related to cabin filters (in PDF format -
click on each one to open) which are provided as a
service to the public by the Filter Manufacturers Council:
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