The Ultimate Cabin Air Filter Buying Guide

1 What Is A Cabin Air Filter?

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 2000s making even the shortest drive more pleasant, and comfortable.

How Many Air Filters are in a Car?

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.

What is in Cabin Microfilter?

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.

Top Picks For Cabin Air Filter

2 Which Type Of Cabin Air Filter Should I Choose?

Particulate Cabin Air Filter

Charcoal Cabin Air Filter

Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter

Electrostatic Cabin Air Filter

3 What Are The Factors I Should Consider When Buying A Cabin Air Filter?

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.

4 Which Top Brand Cabin Air Filter Should I Choose?

Mann Filter Cabin Air Filter

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: CUK2939, CUK29-005, CU4436, 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

• The car interior is optimally ventilated because of extremely high airflow speeds
• And the smallest particles are filtered effectively.
• Constant filtration during the service period
• Excellent filtration results combined with electrostatic and mechanical segregation.
• Excellent fit
• Perfect air-tightness
• Detailed directions on the installation
• Easy to install
• Wide coverage

For more information and detailed product lines, visit our Mann Cabin Air Filter Section.

Purezone Cabin Air Filter

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: 6-24577, 6-24857, 6-24030, and more.

Key features and benefits:

• It covers North American passenger cars by over 99 percent
• The cabin air filters are made with the best quality filtration media.
• The cabin air filters are made as per OE fit, configuration, and function
• Carbon and electrostatic media are required for the cabin air filters based on the application
• At the factory and external testing sites, they test the cabin air filters to ensure optimum efficiency and filtration.

For more information and detailed product lines, visit our Purezone Cabin Air Filter Section.

Wix Cabin Air Filters

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: 24483, 24815, WP10266, and more.

Features

1. High Filtration Efficiency

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.

2. Innovative Antibacterial Protection

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.

3. The Role Of Activated Carbon

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.

4. Microban Technology

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.

5. Carbon Filtration Barrier

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.

6. Adsorption Process

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.

7. Removing Unpleasant Odors

In comparison, activated charcoal prevents unpleasant odors aside from toxic gases.

Beck/Arnley Cabin Air Filter

Part Numbers: 042-2023, 042-2182, 042-2024, and more.

Features:

• Matches OE specification, fit, and function
• Built from high-quality filter materials to ensure proper flow of air
• Properly constructed for durability
• Made to withstand under hood conditions
• Application customized for this vehicle

For more information and detailed product lines, visit our Beck/Arnley Cabin Air Filter section.

ATP Professional Cabin Air FIlters

A. Standard Cabin Air Filter :

Part Numbers: CF75, CF44, and more.

Features:

• The absorbent filter captures particles before it reaches the cabin.
• See Premium vent Filters for odor safety

B. Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter:

Part Numbers: RA3, FA5, and more.

Features:

• In the filter media, they impregnate the activated carbon to eliminate smells from the outside.
• The filter has a static charge like a magnet that extracts small particles, dust, pollen, and mold spores from the air inlet.
• Easy installation.

For more information and detailed product lines, visit our ATP Professional – Cabin Air Filter Section.

K&N Engineering Cabin Air Filters

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: VF2040, VF1011, VF2013, and more.

Features:

• Most molds, mildew, pollen, spores, fungus, dust, and germs are electrostatically charged to trap these pollutants
• Washable and quick to reuse and clean.
• Developed to last your vehicle’s lifetime
• Specially built filter media are pleated to maximize the surface area for capturing contaminants.
• Specially treated to better capture pollutants that produce odors.
• Ready to fix and pre-treated
• Fits into your cabin air box directly
• 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty

For more information and detailed product lines, visit our K&N Engineering Cabin Air Filter section.

Denso Cabin Air Filter

The features are as follows:

• Premium filter media prevents particulate matter from 0.1 microns–outperforming traditional pleated filters.
• Up to five layers for superfine filtration to capture more airborne toxins
• The design provides optimum ventilation and filtration while reducing noise from airflow to a silent and relaxing journey.

Champion Cabin Air Filter

The features are as follows:

• Effective to eliminate exhaust and other defective odors by up to 99%.
• Activated carbon prevents bad smell
• Change once a year/12,000 miles
• Installation sheets for each set of filters.

5 How Should I Clean Different Filters?

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.

6 When Should I Replace My Cabin Air Filter?

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.

7 Why Should I Replace My Cabin Air Filter?

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.

8 What Are The Warning Signs Of A Bad Cabin Air Filter?

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. 

Mann Filter Cabin Air Filter – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Cabin filter element with activated carbon	CUK8430, CUK6724, CUK2450,  CUK3360,
Cabin filter element	CU8430, CU2855, CU23-015-2, CU2745-2,  CU2882, CU3360,  CU2450,  CU3461

WIX Cabin Air Filter – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
WIX Cabin Air Filter	24479, 49377, 46981, 24103, 24489

Beck/Arnley Cabin Air Filter – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Beck/Arnley Cabin Air Filter	042-2025, 042-2088, 042-2164, 042-2092, 042-2072, 042-2078, 042-2154, 042-2047, 042-2157, 042-2184, 042-2071, 042-2162

ATP Professional Cabin Air Filter – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Standard Cabin Filter	CF160, CF192, CF242, CF2, CF15, CF21
Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter	GA1, RA97, GA3, VF119, FA1, VA1,  RA23, FA8, VA8, VF101

K & N Engineering Cabin Air Filter – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
K & N Engineering Cabin Air Filter	VF2001, VF2016, VF2033, VF3012, VF2007, VF1010, VF3004, VF2044, VF2027, VF5000, VF1000, VF2038

Purezone Cabin Air Filter – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Purezone Cabin Air Filter	6-24479, 6-24815, 6-24873, 6-24030, 6-24013, 6-49101, 6-24048, 6-24103, 6-24871, 6-24489, 6-24160, 6-24313