For adequate climate control in the car: Do-it-yourself cabin filter replacement!

Despite its name, a pollen filter can do much more than just filter pollen. Therefore, it is also called a cabin filter. This indispensable spare part directly affects the air quality in the car, thus ensuring the right climate. Unfortunately, this is often neglected and many car owners drive with a dirty pollen filter. And this is so sad, because the replacement in most cars is very simple!

Cabin filter - its tasks

The main task of the pollen filter is obvious, namely the filtering of unwanted particles from the intake air. . This is especially important in urban areas, where in addition to dust and dirt, air must be filtered harmful particles such as soot, nitrogen, ozone, sulfur dioxide and hydrocarbons. They are partly caused by other cars, but are also by-products of industry. With the advent of spring and summer, filtering of harmful pollen is necessary. As long as the filter works properly, it will be able to do this almost 100%, turning your car into an oasis of fresh air.

When the cabin air filter is working properly, the heater and air conditioner need less effort to reach the desired cabin temperature. . Conversely, the engine consumes less fuel, resulting in lower CO2 and particulate emissions. Therefore, regular filter replacement is important not only for your well-being, but also for a cleaner environment.

Possible signals for replacement

The pollen filter is directly and indirectly related to many processes, and therefore the signals differ. . Often a musty smell in a car is the first sign of an upcoming replacement, although it can also be caused by a dirty air conditioner. If the operation of the heater and blower further deteriorates, the symptoms are obvious. Other symptoms may include increased fuel consumption and even fogging of the windows. The latter is due to water particles in the air that are blown into the interior of the vehicle. . In summer, allergy sufferers will immediately notice a clogged air filter due to air pollen. Another sign is greasy film on the windows.

There is no prescribed drain interval, although most manufacturers recommend replacement after 15 km.unless otherwise specified. If you don't park your car regularly and therefore don't reach that mileage, be sure to schedule an annual filter change nonetheless. For allergy sufferers, the beginning of spring is the most ideal time.

Autumn and winter the load on the filter reaches its peak and when the filter is replaced, the optimum performance of the filter is restored.

Pollen filter - which one to choose?

All pollen filters are different. There are different models on the market depending on the brand, differing in the material used:

- Standard filters have a pre-filter, usually made of cotton fiber, a microfiber layer and a carrier layer that reliably filter out dust, pollen and particulate matter. Other particles can still reach the interior. This filter is suitable for insensitive people.

– Filter with activated carbon has an additional layer of activated carbon, additionally filtering exhaust gases, particulate matter, odors and harmful gases. The climate in the cabin is noticeably fresher, and the air conditioning works better. Suitable for allergy sufferers and sensitive people.

- Biofunctional filters / air filters against allergens are known by different names depending on the manufacturer (e.g. Filter+). It has a polyphenol layer with anti-allergic and anti-microbial function, preventing mold spores, allergens and bacteria from getting inside. Suitable for very sensitive and disease-prone people.

Cleaning the pollen filter - is it possible?

Often, cleaning the pollen filter is recommended instead of replacing it. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner or compressed air device, which will remove most of the visible dirt particles. Unfortunately, this procedure does not affect the deeper layers of the filter and therefore does not lead to a significant increase in filter performance. As a rule, replacement is unavoidable.

Overview: basic information about spare parts

What is the purpose of a pollen filter? - A dust filter, or rather a cabin filter, filters unwanted particles from the air. – These include dirt and dust, as well as pollen, toxic substances, odors and allergens.

What are the typical signs of wear? - an unpleasant, musty smell in the car. - deterioration of the air conditioner. - Emerging allergic symptoms. – increased fuel consumption. – in autumn and winter: fogging of the windows.

When is a filter replacement required? – Ideally every 15 km or once a year. – Manufacturer's data may vary. – The best time for replacement is spring.

Which one should I buy? “Standard filters do what they're supposed to, but they can't prevent odors. Activated carbon filters can, making them suitable for allergy sufferers. Biofunctional filters are convenient for especially sensitive people.

Do It Yourself - Pollen Filter Replacement

The installation method and location of the cabin air filter can vary considerably. For this reason, this manual is divided into two versions.

Option A is for vehicles with a cabin filter installed behind the bonnet panel on a bulkhead at the top under the hood.

Option B is for vehicles with a cabin filter installed in the cabin.

Consult your vehicle owner's manual to find out which option applies to your vehicle. In the corresponding figures and diagrams, it is indicated by three parallel curved lines.

Option A: 1. If the cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment , wait at least 30 minutes after your last ride before trying to replace it to avoid burns. 2. Open the hood and secure it with the hood support rod . 3. Most vehicles require windshield wiper removal . Their screws can be loosened with a combination fitting wrench and removed with the cover closed. 4. The plastic cover under the windshield is called the hood panel. . It is fixed with several clips that can be pry off while turning with a screwdriver. 5. Cabin filter frame secured with clips . They can be easily lifted up. Subsequently, the old filter along with the frame can be pulled out. 6. Before installing a new filter, check the size and position of the frame . Make sure the installation direction is correct. Arrows marked "Air Flow" can be found on the frame. They should point in the direction of the interior. 7. Return the clips to the cabin air filter housing and install the hood panel to the bulkhead with the clips . Finally secure the wipers with the appropriate nuts. 8. We start the car and air conditioning . Check if the set temperature is reached and how long it stays from warm to cold. If everything is in order, the repair was successful.

Option B: 1. If the pollen filter is in the car , look under the glove box or footwell from the passenger side to make sure the marked filter housing is located there. 2. If it is not, partially remove the glove box with the appropriate screws to find the case. 3. The filter housing is fixed with clips . In order to open them, they must first be moved inward, and then lifted up. 4. Pull the pollen filter together with the frame out of the housing . 5. Compare the frame size and position with the new filter . Observe the correct installation direction. There are arrows marked "Air Flow" on the frame. Make sure they point towards the interior of the vehicle. 6. Place the clips on the housing and slide it into place until it clicks or you feel resistance. 7. Secure the glove compartment to the dashboard with the appropriate screws . 8. Start the engine and air conditioner . Check its function and change from warm to cold. Pay attention to how soon the desired temperature is reached. If there are no problems, the replacement was successful.

Possible installation errors

Usually, changing the pollen filter is so simple that even beginners cannot make serious mistakes. However, it is possible that the wipers or other components have not been reinstalled correctly. As a result, vibrations can cause noise while driving. In this case, the screws and clips must be adjusted more tightly. The only really serious mistake concerns the direction of installation of the filter. If, despite the comparison and arrows, the filter is not installed correctly, large dirt particles will clog thin layers, resulting in a significant reduction in service life and poor performance of the air filter. Therefore, the installation direction must always be observed in the correct direction.