Filter drier: operation, maintenance and price

The filter drier is part of air conditioner your car. It is used to remove moisture from the circuit and to protect other elements of the air conditioner. If worn too much, dirt and moisture will pass through over time, which can seriously damage the air conditioning system.

🚗 What is a filter drier?

Le filter drier is part of your vehicle's air conditioning system. A filter drier, also called a desiccant bottle, has several functions:

• Removes moisture from your air conditioning system;
• Filters small particles;
• It protects other elements of your air conditioning system from erosion or any other problem.

There are several types of filter driers:

• Le classic filter drier ;
• Le bottle dehydratorcombining dehydrator and storage capacity into a single unit;
• Le Dehydrator Burn Out, making it easier to clean and check for contamination;
• Le cartridge dryer, filter for cleaning and disinfecting the air conditioning circuit;
• Le Bi-Flow Dehydrator, used in heat pumps.

When your filter drier is working optimally, fresh air circulates properly throughout the entire air conditioning system. Car air conditioning maintenance includes several steps that are important to do correctly so that your air conditioning system is as efficient as possible.

Among the operations that need to be performed, we can indicate: restoration of the coolant, replacement of the filter drier, visual inspection of all elements for obvious faults, recharging the air conditioner, checking the cabin filter, etc.

🔍 Where is the filter drier?

The filter drier is part of your vehicle's air conditioning system. It is in between capacitor и regulator air conditioning system, that is, the so-called high pressure part of the air conditioning system. In the diagram above, the filter drier is numbered 3.

👨‍🔧 Why change the filter drier?

If you regularly service your filter drier, your vehicle's air conditioning system will stay clean and last longer. If you don't, some parts of the system such as capacitor or compressormay be damaged.

This will have much more serious implications for the air conditioning system, but also for the maintenance bill. Repairing these parts will cost you much more than simply replacing a filter drier.

🗓️ When to change the filter drier?

On average, it is recommended to change the filter drier. every two years O. Some signs can also alert you, for example:

• The airflow coming out of your air conditioner is not as strong as usual;
• The air is not so fresh anymore.

It is also recommended to replace the filter drier. every time the air conditioning circuit is openedespecially if you change certain components. In fact, the air conditioning circuit is a closed circuit: if you open it, dust or foreign bodies can get inside and damage the entire system.

To properly maintain your filter drier, you can use any repair or overhaul of your garage air conditioner to replace it.

🔧 How to replace the filter drier?

Replacing a filter drier requires a certain amount of mechanical knowledge, as well as accuracy and speed when installing a new filter. You will need to access the air conditioning circuit and remove the refrigerant cartridge to operate the filter drier.

Required material:

• New filter drier
• Toolbox

Step 1. Access to the air conditioning circuit.

Start by opening the hood of your car to access your car's air conditioning system. Then remove the refrigerant from the air conditioning system.

Step 2: Remove the old filter drier

You can now remove the faulty filter drier.

Step 3. Install a new filter drier.

Then install a new filter drier and remove it at the last moment to avoid contact with external particles or dirt. After installing a new filter, you can vacuum the air conditioning circuit.

Step 4: charge the air conditioning system

Then charge the air conditioning circuit with new refrigerant. Now you can check if everything is in order on your next trip!

💰 How much does a filter drier cost?

The price of a filter drier depends on the model and type of filter. On average, count from 30 to 70 €, but some filters may cost up to 100 €... To this rate, you will have to add the hourly wages to replace the filter drier in the garage.

You are now an expert in filter drier for your air conditioner. Remember that it is important to check the air conditioner regularly to prevent possible problems and subsequently to avoid major overhauls!