Cabin Filters and Ventilation

Does the air from the blower smell musty, or do the windows fog up faster than before? A clogged cabin air filter can be the cause. In this category, we bring together cabin air filters and accessories for your car's ventilation – for you who want cleaner air in the cabin and a blower that can draw air freely.

What the cabin air filter does for the air in your car

The cabin air filter cleans the air before the ventilation blows it into the cabin, trapping particles such as dust and pollen. If the filter becomes clogged, airflow can drop, so the blower delivers less and the windows can take longer to demist. A carbon filter, such as aFe's carbon cabin air filters, can also absorb some odours – how much depends on the filter and the conditions. You'll find all the filters together under cabin air filters.

How to choose the right cabin air filter

Fitment is what matters most. The filters are made for specific models and model years, e.g. Honda Civic 01-05, Mazda 3 10-13 and RAM 1500 16-24, so check make, model, year and engine against the specific part number. Beyond that, you can choose between:

• Disposable filters, e.g. K&N Disposable Cabin Air Filter Advantage Plus, which are replaced once used.
• Carbon filters, e.g. from aFe, where the carbon can help against odours in addition to trapping particles.

The choice depends on whether you mainly want to trap particles or also reduce odours, and on which filters are available for your particular car. Also see the filters from K&N and aFe.

Installation and replacement

Replacement typically doesn't require special tools, but access depends on the car – often behind the glovebox or under a cover by the windscreen. Follow any airflow direction arrow, and check that the filter seals tightly in the housing so air doesn't bypass it. How often the filter needs changing depends on driving and environment; lots of dust, pollen or city driving can require more frequent changes. If it still smells after fitting a new filter, the cause may lie in the air conditioning system – see air conditioning parts and the rest of cooling and heating.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a carbon filter and a regular cabin air filter?

A regular cabin air filter traps particles such as dust and pollen. A carbon filter, e.g. from aFe, also contains carbon that can absorb some odours and gases. How strong the effect is depends on the specific filter.

How often should the cabin air filter be changed?

It depends on the car, the driving and the environment. Use the car's service interval as a starting point, and change it earlier if airflow drops, the windows fog up more, or odours come from the ventilation.

Can I fit a cabin air filter myself?

Often, yes. The filter is typically located behind the glovebox or under a cover by the windscreen, but the location depends on the car. Turn it according to any airflow direction arrow, and make sure it seals tightly.

Why does the ventilation still smell after a filter change?

The odour can come from moisture and deposits in the air conditioning system or the ventilation ducts, not just from the filter. Also check that the filter fits the car and seals tightly so unfiltered air doesn't bypass it.