When and why should you replace your car’s cabin air filter?

What is the purpose of a cabin air filter?

The cabin filter blocks air pollutants, allergens, and dust before they enter your vehicle. In urban areas, especially in spring and summer, the indoor air quality of your car can actually be more polluted than the air outside.

A well‑maintained cabin air filter reduces these irritants, limits unpleasant odours, and helps your car’s heating and air conditioning system operate more efficiently, delivering cool air in summer and warm air in winter. It also provides better comfort for passengers, particularly those who are sensitive to poor air quality, such as people with allergies or asthma, while lowering exposure to harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

Important: Do not confuse the cabin air filter with the engine air filter. The engine air filter protects the engine from outside impurities, while the cabin filter is key to improving indoor air quality inside the car.

Types of cabin air filters and how to choose

There are different types of cabin filters available: 

• Pollen filter (standard model) 
  Blocks most fine particles. Ideal for normal driving conditions. 

• Activated carbon cabin filter 
  Neutralizes harmful gases (such as ozone or nitrogen dioxide) and reduces unpleasant odours. Slightly more expensive, but offers high-quality protection. 

• HEPA cabin air filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) 
  Provides very effective filtration of ultrafine particles. Often used in higher‑end vehicles, this option is especially recommended for people with allergies or asthma. 

Do electric vehicles have cabin air filters?

Yes. Both electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids come equipped with cabin air filters. Their role is exactly the same as in gasoline cars: purifying the air entering the cabin. The filter should be inspected and replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, as outlined in your owner’s manual. 

When should you check or replace the cabin air filter?

Your cabin air filter should be inspected during every routine car maintenance service, such as when you get an oil change at your mechanic. In general, it should be replaced every 15,000 to 25,000 kilometres, or at least once a year, depending on your car model and manufacturer guidelines.

Certain conditions require more frequent inspections: 

• If you often drive in city traffic or heavy congestion 

• If you regularly travel on dusty or unpaved roads 

In these cases, dirt builds up faster, reducing the filter’s efficiency. 

Tip: Activate the “air recirculation” mode on your HVAC system to help limit the entry of unpleasant odours from outside. 

Where is the cabin air filter located?

As its name suggests, the cabin air filter is located inside the vehicle, though accessibility varies by model. You may find it: 

• Under the hood, at the base of the windshield 

• Behind the glove compartment 

• Under the dashboard 

To replace it, simply remove the dirty filter and install the new one. 

Important: Follow the airflow direction marked by arrows on the filter. Incorrect installation can reduce the system’s effectiveness. 

How to improve air quality in your vehicle

In addition to replacing the cabin air filter regularly, you can improve the quality of air inside your vehicle by: 

• Avoiding smoking in the car 

• Ventilating the cabin regularly, especially after the car has been parked for a long time 

• Cleaning mats and surfaces to reduce dust build‑up 

• Disinfecting ventilation ducts with a non‑toxic, VOC‑free product, especially if you notice a musty smell 

A small maintenance task that makes a big difference

The cabin air filter plays a major role in both your driving comfort and your health. If not properly maintained, it can cause problems such as unpleasant odours, poor indoor air quality, and reduced performance of the ventilation system. 

Make sure to have it inspected regularly and replaced on time to maintain clean and healthy air inside your car.