Best Automotive Replacement Passenger Compartment Air Filters in 2022

Last update: December 8, 2022

Are washable cabin air filters worth it?

Most carmakers now offer cabin air filters, which clean the air that comes into the vehicle through the ventilation system. They typically need to be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, at a cost of about $20 to $30. Are they worth it? Yes, they are worth it. Not only do they help keep the air in your car clean, but they also help to improve fuel efficiency.

Can I change my cabin air filter myself?

If your car has a cabin air filter, it’s a good idea to check and replace it regularly. A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can cause all sorts of problems, from musty smells to reduced airflow to actual engine damage. Fortunately, changing a cabin air filter is usually a pretty easy do-it-yourself job, and only takes a few minutes. The first step is to locate the filter: consult your owner’s manual or do a little online research to find out where it’s located in your particular car. Once you

Can you drive a car without a cabin air filter?

Most cars on the road today have some form of cabin air filter. These filters help to remove contaminants from the air that enters the vehicle through the ventilation system. While it is possible to drive without a cabin air filter, it is not advisable. Doing so can allow pollutants and allergens to enter the cabin, which can cause respiratory problems for passengers. Additionally, driving without a cabin air filter can shorten the life of the car's HVAC system.

Can you vacuum a cabin air filter?

Yes, you can vacuum a cabin air filter. However, you should consult your car's owner’s manual first to see if there are any special instructions for doing so. In general, you can vacuum the filter using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Be sure to vacuum both sides of the filter.


CP134 (CF10134) Replacement for Honda & Acura Premium Cabin Air Filter includes Activated Carbon Review:


Okay. It's a filter for air. Would you like it? Depends, really. Have you ever passed an oil refinery, a major brewery, a dog or cat food mill, etc. while driving? You would be aware because, likely with the windows open, you can smell them before you can see them. What about a dead skunk that someone accidentally ran over and dumped on the side of the road? You can still smell the odor miles away, windows open or closed. the carbon/soda filter is now in use. It is what reduces unpleasant smells from a 10 to a 4, makes them less unpleasant from an 8 to a 2, etc. It would be inaccurate to claim that the stench is entirely removed. But it would be accurate to state that it lessens the stench.We have huge and small beer breweries, dog and cat food manufacturers, numerous large oil refineries, and a seemingly infinite supply of skunk here in the lovely state of Colorado. Yes, considering the cost of the filter and the two minutes it took to install. Without a doubt, it is worthwhile. It is not worth paying a technician $50 to $60 to complete the same task because you could complete it yourself for $9 in under two minutes. It's just not logical.For the opposing claims that the mechanic uses an authorized Honda filter when changing the filter. You can tell that the new filter has considerably fewer ribs than the old, filthy filter by looking at the photographs I've included. And yes, the picture does demonstrate that it ought to have far more ribs than I really did. For me, it simply means that I must replace the filter every 10,000 miles rather than every 15–20,000. Let's do some quick math on a piece of paper. Alternatively, $18 for 20,000 miles versus $60 for 20,000 miles, or $9 for 10,000 miles versus $60 for 20,000 miles.Not to mention how much faster you would be able to install the filter than a mechanic. I only know exactly THREE things to do with my car (like changing a flat, etc.), and I completed the task in just two minutes. I don't know about you, but I've never had a mechanic work on my car in less than 20 minutes. And that if they only perform an oil change. not the extraneous garbage like cleaning the windows or changing the filters, etc. Therefore, I want to know how much your time is valuable to you. Additional math: $60 for 20,000 miles and 30 minutes of installation vs. $18 for 20,000 miles and 4 minutes overall. I'm happy to tell you that you just saved $42 and 26 minutes. In order to pay the $60, you would need to earn just under $100 each hour. So stop whining if there are more or fewer ribs in this. Just get this to save yourself the hassle. You will adore it.



EPAuto CPJ6X (KD45-61-J6X) Replacement for Mazda Premium Cabin Air Filter includes Activated Carbon Review:


I recently purchased three of these for my 2016 Mazda CX-5 because the old filter became clogged after only 5,000 miles. Slipped in perfectly, and yes, the arrow appears to be reversed. Really shouldn't affect how things work. Once installed, the carbon sprinkles probably won't accomplish anything and will quickly become saturated. The strange part, in my opinion, is that customers attribute musty smells to these filters. To me, this seems strange. This has almost the same airflow. I utilize an anemometer to test HVAC ducts, so I'm not just speculating like most others on this site. In spite of this, Mazda has terrible AC drain pipes and odors. Another thing I've noticed is that some individuals never turn off their air conditioning. I do this once I'm within sight of my destinations to get rid of the musty smell my CX-5 had when I first acquired it (used). It will be worse if you have automated climate control because the AC will probably be on much longer. I'm sorry, but a wet evaporator will behave strangely. also occurs in houses. No magic here. Just damp, dark places. I've never heard of a homeowner blaming their home filter for a musty AC smell, and automobile owners shouldn't either. Unless your filters get wet in some way, it makes no sense.



2 Pack - EPAuto CP134 (CF10134) Replacement for Honda & Acura Premium Cabin Air Filter includes Activated Carbon Review:


Okay. It's a filter for air. Would you like it? Depends, really. Have you ever passed an oil refinery, a major brewery, a dog or cat food mill, etc. while driving? You would be aware because, likely with the windows open, you can smell them before you can see them. What about a dead skunk that someone accidentally ran over and dumped on the side of the road? You can still smell the odor miles away, windows open or closed. the carbon/soda filter is now in use. It is what reduces unpleasant smells from a 10 to a 4, makes them less unpleasant from an 8 to a 2, etc. It would be inaccurate to claim that the stench is entirely removed. But it would be accurate to state that it lessens the stench.We have huge and small beer breweries, dog and cat food manufacturers, numerous large oil refineries, and a seemingly infinite supply of skunk here in the lovely state of Colorado. Yes, considering the cost of the filter and the two minutes it took to install. Without a doubt, it is worthwhile. It is not worth paying a technician $50 to $60 to complete the same task because you could complete it yourself for $9 in under two minutes. It's just not logical.For the opposing claims that the mechanic uses an authorized Honda filter when changing the filter. You can tell that the new filter has considerably fewer ribs than the old, filthy filter by looking at the photographs I've included. And yes, the picture does demonstrate that it ought to have far more ribs than I really did. For me, it simply means that I must replace the filter every 10,000 miles rather than every 15–20,000. Let's do some quick math on a piece of paper. Alternatively, $18 for 20,000 miles versus $60 for 20,000 miles, or $9 for 10,000 miles versus $60 for 20,000 miles.Not to mention how much faster you would be able to install the filter than a mechanic. I only know exactly THREE things to do with my car (like changing a flat, etc.), and I completed the task in just two minutes. I don't know about you, but I've never had a mechanic work on my car in less than 20 minutes. And that if they only perform an oil change. not the extraneous garbage like cleaning the windows or changing the filters, etc. Therefore, I want to know how much your time is valuable to you. Further math 20,000 miles and 4 minutes of installation time for $18 versus 20,000 miles and 30 minutes for $60. I'm happy to tell you that you just saved $42 and 26 minutes. In order to pay the $60, you would need to earn just under $100 each hour. So stop whining if there are more or fewer ribs in this. Just get this to save yourself the hassle. You will adore it.



2 Pack - EPAuto CP285 (CF10285) Replacement for Toyota/Lexus/Scion/Subaru Replacement Premium Cabin Air Filter includes Activated Carbon Review:


MY AUTOS I purchased 2 of them because I own 2 automobiles. The first was for a Lexus, while the second was for a Rav4.AMOUNT OF PLEATS. Less pleats (folds) are present than what is depicted in the image. This is significant because more air is filtered because of the greater number of pleats. Naturally, the manufacturer wants fewer pleats because they utilize less material and hence are less expensive. There were 13 pleats that I received. There are 19 pleats visible in the image.QUALITY. Both carbon and baking soda are used in this filter. This is a significant plus, especially considering how much less expensive this filter is than all the others on Amazon.FLOW OF AIR Air flow is the only other significant issue I can see. Due to the carbon and baking soda, this filter is rather thick despite having fewer pleats. The air flow from the air conditioning vents appears to be decreased when compared to another brand of air filter, but it is still adequate.FIT. One of the filters, I had previously noted in a post, did not fit my Rav4. I discovered that my car was to blame for the issue. I discovered that no filters work well with this vehicle. The car's compartment has an odd shape. However, I did discover slight variances in the filter's dimensions. The differences in measurements are 1/8 of an inch. That's somewhat of a huge thing because it implies that these filters do not provide a perfect seal because air will pass through the hole that offers the least amount of resistance.CONCLUSION. I give a little thought to the amount of pleats, but not enough to prevent me from buying a more expensive filter. Since all filters quickly become dirty as a result of the outside air, I'd prefer to just purchase more filters (depending upon where you live).Given that this filter is only $9, I strongly advise you to purchase it. I'll bet you that it filters just as well as OEM and other filters because it still contains charcoal. Additionally, the pricing is unbeatable. Just be careful to replace it every six months.Please select "useful" if this review was of value. (I want to know if my reviews are helpful.)



ACDelco CF188 GM Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter Review:


My Silverado High Country (2014) has fewer than 30,000 miles on it. I would occasionally smell musty air when it was humid outside. I reasoned that it would be worthwhile to inspect and replace the cabin air filter. By doing this, I discovered that a mouse had once attempted to construct a nest on top of my filter.The original one was simple enough to remove. On the bottom glove box, there are four T15 torx screws. Two on the top and two on the side facing down. It ought to come out effortlessly. The filter itself is covered in a black honeycomb-like cover once the glove box has been removed. The top of the cover has two tabs that you can pull up to effortlessly remove it.THE MOST IMPORTANT PART IS HERELocate a thin, sturdy piece of cardboard that will hold the filter's shape before you remove it. Slice off a piece that is just a little bit broader and longer than the filter, then slide it UNDER the current filter. The rationale is that, unlike what happened to me, any leaves or other debris on top of the old filter when you remove it will fall on the cardboard. To prevent the cardboard from falling, you can vacuum up the debris at the top of it.Reassembling was simple if you followed the aforementioned directions. Replace the filter cover, insert the replacement filter with the air direction arrow pointing down, reinstall the glove box, and tighten the four T15 torx screws.You'll either have to reach your hand into the filter slot and clear the debris there if you didn't follow the directions, or.. (good luck).Alternately, you'll need to remove the three T15 torx screws from the blower motor and the four 7mm hex screws holding the kick plate to the blower assembly in place. You can take the blower apart, clear the debris, and then put it back together by going backwards. One of the four 7mm hex screws on the kick plate is very difficult to remove, as a side note. It is at the firewall in the very top right corner. Reinstalling that particular screw is considerably worse.



EPAuto CP285 (CF10285) Replacement for Toyota/Lexus/Scion/Subaru Premium Cabin Air Filter includes Activated Carbon Review:


MY AUTOS I purchased 2 of them because I own 2 automobiles. The first was for a Lexus, while the second was for a Rav4.AMOUNT OF PLEATS. Less pleats (folds) are present than what is depicted in the image. This is significant because more air is filtered because of the greater number of pleats. Naturally, the manufacturer wants fewer pleats because they utilize less material and hence are less expensive. There were 13 pleats that I received. There are 19 pleats visible in the image.QUALITY. Both carbon and baking soda are used in this filter. This is a significant plus, especially considering how much less expensive this filter is than all the others on Amazon.FLOW OF AIR Air flow is the only other significant issue I can see. Due to the carbon and baking soda, this filter is rather thick despite having fewer pleats. The air flow from the air conditioning vents appears to be decreased when compared to another brand of air filter, but it is still adequate.FIT. One of the filters, I had previously noted in a post, did not fit my Rav4. I discovered that my car was to blame for the issue. I discovered that no filters work well with this vehicle. The car's compartment has an odd shape. However, I did discover slight variances in the filter's dimensions. The differences in measurements are 1/8 of an inch. That's somewhat of a huge thing because it implies that these filters do not provide a perfect seal because air will pass through the hole that offers the least amount of resistance.CONCLUSION. I give a little thought to the amount of pleats, but not enough to prevent me from buying a more expensive filter. Since all filters quickly become dirty as a result of the outside air, I'd prefer to just purchase more filters (depending upon where you live).Given that this filter is only $9, I strongly advise you to purchase it. I'll bet you that it filters just as well as OEM and other filters because it still contains charcoal. Additionally, the pricing is unbeatable. Just be careful to replace it every six months.Please select "useful" if this review was of value. (I want to know if my reviews are helpful.)



Ecogard XC35519 Premium Cabin Air Filter Fits Acura MDX 2007-2020, TL, RDX 2007-2018, TSX 2004-2014, TLX 2015-2020, ILX 2013-2019, RL 2005-2012, RLX 2014-2020, ZDX 2010-2013 Review:


The facts show that this is a very effective cabin air filter. When I called Ecogard for information about this filter, they told me that it has a 99.5% efficiency rating between 3-5 microns. The filtering efficiency of Fram Fresh Breeze is just 98%, according to a report I read, and the 98 is between 5 and 10 microns. This air filter's Ecogards High Efficiency version has a 99.8% efficiency rating at 3-5 microns. There is a reason why not many other manufacturers list the micron values for their filters. This Ecogard, which has an incredibly high filtration rate and costs roughly $6 on average, is a great option for any car. Additionally, Ecogard told me that their High Efficiency (HE) model, which is green in color, not only filters 99.8% of particles at 3-5 microns, but is also 88 or 86% (I can't remember which one) effective at 0.3 microns. The HE model also features carbon and baking soda in a triple layer construction. Now that you are aware of the filter's capabilities, you shouldn't be hesitant to put it in your automobile despite the fact that it doesn't bear a well-known brand name, such as Purolator, Fram, EP Auto, Mann, Wix, or the name of another manufacturer. If you chose to phone Ecogard and ask them directly, they will be pleased to repeat these filtration percentages and micron ratings to you. I think this Ecogard filter performs nearly as well as all of others.



FRAM CF10134 Cabin Air Filter Review:


September 19, 2017 - UPDATE They were selling a 2-pack for the same cost as a single filter at the time I got them, in April 2017. Consequently, the cost is more now than it was when I purchased mine. However, the filter is still effective. simply not as much anymore.The FRAM CF10134 Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter is the subject of this review.I got two of them from Amazon and saved a ton of money after being shocked to see that WalMart was selling the same filter for almost $16.This is what my 2012 Honda CRV has installed. In my video, I demonstrate how simple installation is. You won't need any tools and it will only take you five minutes or less to complete this.How to change the filter on a 2012 Honda CRV is shown here.1- Clean out the glove compartment.2-On the right side, there is a little strut that is fastened to the glove box's side and that you must remove. The bottom edge of the strut will gently pop out of the glove box with a gentle press.3. To disconnect the glove box and let it swing down out of the way, gently press in the top front sides.4-A large rectangular panel inside must be removed in order to access the filter. This cover has plastic tabs on either end that must be pulled in order to be removed. On these tabs, press in rather than pull out. Pull remove the old filter after removing the panel.5-Keep the filter level when you pull it out because there may be a lot of dirt and debris within.6-It's crucial to position the new filter correctly before installing it. Place the filter in the slot with the arrow facing down so that you can see the airflow direction arrow written on the side of the filter. There may be an arrow pointing to the location of the air filter on the plastic enclosure. Make sure the filter is installed with the folds going left to right rather than front to back. The filter may be tight, so move slowly when inserting it.7-After installing the filter, snap the cover back into place, reopen the glove box door, and fasten the strut. You've finished.The combination of baking soda and carbon integrated into the air filter will filter outside air to some extent but does not provide any smell to the interior of the automobile.The filter must be changed at least every 15,000 miles. You might want to inspect it more frequently if the air is unusually dirty. I change mine every six months on average.If your automobile is several years old and you've never cleaned the cabin air filter, you might be startled at how filthy and clogged it could be. After changing the filter, you'll notice enhanced operation and a greater flow of air through your heating and cooling system.



Ecogard XC36080 Premium Cabin Air Filter Acura RDX 2019-2020, Honda Civic, CR, Fit 2009-2019, HR-V 2016-2019, Odyssey 2018-2020, Insight 2010-2019, Clarity 2017-2019 Review:


In order to replace the cabin air filter in my 2016 Honda HR-V, I purchased this. My objective was to stay away from the dealer, a highway robbery. I should also add that I am not at all handy when it comes to mechanical or multi-step tasks. I conducted my homework and discovered that this was quite similar to the dealer model and significantly less expensive. I made the transaction right away. After checking out a few YouTube videos to make sure I could install it, I placed the order. I ordered it since the car's air conditioning was occasionally giving off a musty scent. I was fortunate enough that my brother-in-law decided to help me install this on the day I made the decision to alter it. In approximately 10 minutes, we removed the glove box, removed the old air filter (which, indeed, was really dusty), installed the new filter, and then put the box back in. Very simple, and the air is currently odorless! Definitely a great approach to save money.



Ecogard XC36115 Cabin Air Filter Review:


I genuinely thought DIY vehicle projects would save me a ton of money after watching some YouTube videos because Subaru wanted to charge me approximately $50 to get this changed but the filter was only about $20!I went to an auto parts store, found an aftermarket one, and quickly and cheaply changed it!After reading about this filter, I decided to buy it because the filter mesh is thicker than a lot of other aftermarket items. I compared the filter mesh because I couldn't remember which brand I had bought from Autozone, and I discovered that it is in fact thicker than what I had previously bought! I'm hoping that this will cut down on the amount of pollen in my automobile.Last but not least, unlike what the directions on the box claim, installing the meshes took only 3 minutes for my 2013 Subaru Impreza. Simple as pie!


Can you wash and reuse cabin air filter?

Yes, you can wash and reuse your cabin air filter. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly and let it dry completely before putting it back in your car.

Does cabin filter affect gas mileage?

Cabin filters are designed to keep the air inside your car clean and free of pollutants. However, they can also affect your gas mileage. A dirty cabin filter can restrict air flow and cause your engine to work harder. This can lead to a decrease in gas mileage.

Does changing cabin air filter make a difference?

If you have ever been in a car with a dirty cabin air filter, you know it can make for a stuffy and unpleasant ride. But does changing your cabin air filter really make a difference? A cabin air filter helps to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air inside your car. Over time, these particles can build up and make the air inside your car feel dirty and stale. Changing your cabin air filter regularly can help to improve the air quality inside your car and make for a more pleasant ride. If you have allergies or respiratory problems,

Does Napa install air filters?

Napa does not install air filters, but they do have a wide variety of filters available for purchase.Air filters are an important part of keeping your car’s engine clean and running smoothly. Over time, dirt and debris can build up in the air filter, restricting air flow and causing the engine to work harder. Replacing a dirty air filter can improve fuel economy and restore power.

How do you change a passenger compartment air filter?

If your car has an cabin air filter, over time it will become filled with dust, pollen, and other debris. A clogged cabin air filter can cause your car to have a musty smell and can also cause your car’s heating and cooling system to be less effective. To change your cabin air filter, first locate it. The filter is usually located behind the glove box or under the dash. Once you have located the filter, remove it and replace it with a new one.

How do you know you need a new cabin filter?

If your car's cabin air filter is dirty, you may notice reduced airflow from the vents, or strange smells coming from the vents. You may also see increased dust on the dash or other surfaces in the cabin.