Activated carbon pollen filter: operation and maintenance

A cabin filter is essential to ensure good air quality in your cab. It filters the air entering the car, eliminating impurities and allergens contained in it. There are several types of filters, but in this article we will focus on the activated carbon cabin filter. Learn about its role, how it works, the symptoms of the defect, and the cost of replacing it.

🚗 What role does the activated charcoal cabin filter play?

The activated charcoal cabin filter allows, due to its composition, to filter allergens as well as gases when air enters the passenger compartment. Also called an air conditioner filter, it also retains Particles even the best in the air, but pollen... It differs from other cabin filters not in size and shape, but in black. This is due to the presence of an additional layer of activated carbon between the layers of the fabric. In addition, since it traps harmful gases, it also neutralizes their odors by purifying the air in the vehicle interior. Its location may vary depending on the car model, and the cabin filter is usually located directly in front of the filter. ventilation or air conditioner either under the hood, under the glove compartment, or under the dashboard.

🔍 Pollen or activated carbon pollen filter?

There are currently 3 types of cabin filters available for your vehicle: pollen filter, activated carbon filter and filter. polyphenol filter... A pollen cabin filter has a lower efficiency than an activated carbon filter. It only works to filter out large particles and pollen, while the activated carbon filter additionally filters out the smallest particles and polluting gases. Its advantage is based on its action against odor which prevents the smell of fuel or exhaust fumes in the vehicle interior.

⚠️ What are the symptoms of a defective cabin filter?

If your activated charcoal cabin filter starts to fail, it will manifest itself in several of the following situations:

• The filter is dirty and in poor condition : it shows up visually, you see layers of particles on it, dust and remnants of leaves outside;
• Ventilation is losing power : efficient ventilation of the vehicle interior becomes more and more difficult;
• One stench comes from ventilation : since the filter is no longer active, all external odors penetrate into your car;
• Le fogging of the screen harder and harder : the air flow is no longer sufficient to completely remove the fog that forms inside your windows;
• Cold air no longer comes out of the air conditioner : you are having trouble cooling the interior of your vehicle.

If you experience any of these 5 symptoms while driving, it's time to quickly replace your cabin filter. In fact, do not delay replacing it, because its failure will affect the air quality in your cabin and therefore your comfort and that of other corridors.

📅 When should you change the cabin filter?

To find out when it's time to change your cabin filter, you should refer to the specific manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle type and model. It is generally recommended to change it every time. emptying your car. This must be done at least Every year or when you have reached 15 000 kilometers. This change may happen earlier if you drive mainly in cities where the air is more polluted and concentrated on gas. exhaust or if you are in a very dusty environment (sand, leaf fall), where the filter is used more intensively.

💰 How much does it cost to replace a cabin filter?

Replacing the cabin filter is not an expensive service. Indeed, this requires little working time from the staff. Depending on the selected filter model, the price for this service may vary from 30 euros and 40 euros. It involves several steps: removing the cabin filter, replacing it, then checking with a test that the filter is working properly. The defective filter will join other used parts, which will be recycled to protect the environment.

The cabin filter is an important part of your driving comfort. It blocks allergens, pollutants and bad odors from entering the car interior. Observe the replacement times of the latter, you can compare verified garages near you with our online comparator. This way you will find a garage near your home and at the best price to perform this service!