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I’ve been going down a maintenance checklist for my 2009 Hyundai Sonata – and saw that its way past time for the cabin air filter to be changed. I see also that Eric has shot a series of “How To” videos for an aftermarket maker of same.
True Confession: I was only dimly aware that Cabin Air Filters existed.
From a purely engineering/scientific/logical standpoint – I certainly understand the rationale behind why carmakers would put such a feature in their vehicles. But I question a) how effective they really are at removing contaminants and b) what – if any – consequences are likely to ensure if the maintenance schedule is skipped, or if the filter itself is completely removed.
I’m guessing here – but no one has ever found themselves stranded because they didn’t change their cabin air filter. No one ever ended up looking at a huge repair bill because they skimped on changing them.
The filter for my Hyundai costs less than $10. Replacing it looks like a tool-free five minute job. But even so – like any operation, there is a risk that I might break or damage the trim in the process.
So I’m trying to run the risk/reward calculus on Cabin Air Filter replacement. Any info – and especially links to tests showing the effectiveness of such filters – would be much appreciated.
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They are quite effective at cleaning the cabin air, there is a difference.
The main issue you will run into with a fully clogged one is heating and cooling effectiveness. I diagnosed a Camry the other day, and the complaint was “vents not blowing very well”. As it turns out, the cabin air filter was very clogged and dirty. I replaced it and the problem went away and there was a drastic difference in how the ventilation system performed.
Moral of the story? Just do it, your respiratory system and your ventilation system will thank you.
[quote=”Chevyman21″ post=151355]Just do it, your respiratory system and your ventilation system will thank you.[/quote]
I’m assuming you mean the respiratory system on ME, and the ventilation system on my CAR… 😆
Thanks for your answer. That makes a lot of sense. I haven’t noticed any diminution of the blower fans effectiveness – but it can’t hurt to swap it that filter out for a new one. My lungs – and my defogger – will thank you.
[quote=”vrDrew” post=151359][quote=”Chevyman21″ post=151355]Just do it, your respiratory system and your ventilation system will thank you.[/quote]
I’m assuming you mean the respiratory system on ME, and the ventilation system on my CAR… 😆
Thanks for your answer. That makes a lot of sense. I haven’t noticed any diminution of the blower fans effectiveness – but it can’t hurt to swap it that filter out for a new one. My lungs – and my defogger – will thank you.[/quote]
Of course thats what I mean lol.
You’d be amazed at what collects in those vents, you’d also be amazed what a cabin air filter looks like if it has never been changed.
I should have taken a picture of that customers filter….no wonder why air wasn’t passing.Cabin filters really are important and keeping debris from outside, outside. Animal hair, road grime, dirt, dust, you name it. I’ve pulled some cabin filters so nasty that I refused to take them back and put them back in the car.
The worst are when you get mice in the hvac system and they make a nest in your cabin filter.
[quote=”Pitt” post=151379]Cabin filters really are important and keeping debris from outside, outside. Animal hair, road grime, dirt, dust, you name it. I’ve pulled some cabin filters so nasty that I refused to take them back and put them back in the car.
The worst are when you get mice in the hvac system and they make a nest in your cabin filter.[/quote]
Oh ya, for sure. You can tell when you should try to upsell one too. Whenever you see dog or cat hair on the seats…pull it. If it looks like the veichle goes offroad often, also pull it.
Mice wreak havoc on everything. I’ve seen plenty of nest in airboxes, cabin air filters, and hood insulation as well as wires chewed up for ignition coils and knock sensors.
Just a little follow up:
After reading the helpful replies, I started researching the correct part for my Sonata.Which is where things got interesting.
Basically I’ve got three options: I can buy an STP brand filter for seven and a half bucks. I can buy the Fram “FreshBreeze” cabin filter for $25 or so. Or I can go all-out and get the K&N “High Performance” cabin air filter for a whopping $44.
As I general rule, I try to avoid “the cheapest” in my purchases, especially when it comes to my vehicle. Tires, motor oil, fasteners, brake parts – no place for economy.
But spending almost fifty bucks for a “high performance” cabin air filter is absurd. Does K&N have such a reputation that people think they are going to improve their quarter-mile times with a fancy cabin filter?
That cheap STP filter is now in my Sonata. (The old one didn’t look that dirty. And I didn’t notice any evidence of rodent infestation either……) And for less than ten bucks – I’ll change it every year, whether it needs it or not.
Thanks again for the earlier advice and comments.
The paper filter will remove particulates – dust, sand, leaves, etc. If the OEM filter is paper, it’s all you really need.
The Fresh Breeze filter contains charcoal or activated carbon to remove odors in addition to particulates. IMHO, I don’t notice a huge difference with the charcoal filter.
[quote=”Hanneman” post=151468]The Fresh Breeze filter contains charcoal or activated carbon to remove odors in addition to particulates. [/quote]
Thats interesting to know.
I’ll admit – I don’t often drive through areas with a lot of stink in the air. But they certainly exist. I’ve known people who live downwind of some of those industrial-size pig farms in Iowa, and they can give off some eye-watering bad reek when conditions are just right. The worst I ever encounter is the odd whiff from a fast-food joint whose deep fryers are overdue for an oil change.
My mom lives in an agricultural area where farmers quite often spread cattle manure over their fields. And more than a few times you get whacked in the face with a wave of the pungent and unmistakable aroma of fresh cow poop. I’ll have to see if Fram makes a “Fresh Breeze” filter that will fit her BMW. Because I’ll guarantee you – whatever the villains at the BMW dealership put in her car a) costs a fortune and b) doesn’t do diddly at cutting down on odors.
vrDrew, you made the right choice. Same for me on brakes, tires, spark plugs, I don’t go cheap. Cabin filter I will go mid tier.
Unless I’m doing restoration or a performance build with very little budget, I always go with and recommend the medium price range parts. Never go cheap and dont’ spend more than you have to.
You will be amazed at the crud this filter catches, and why it needs to be changed.
Since your first time you may also need to vacuum out some debris out of the filter box.
[quote=”ChrisKaye” post=151522]Does the K&N save you fuel and add 5hp? ;)[/quote]
I have run K&N filters in the stock air box in my last three vehicles and it is difficult to determine if a 5HP gain is true, but on average maybe a 1 or 2 MPG increase over the stock filter depending upon the driving style.
The one advantage over replacing the filter is piece of mind knowing I am not throwing out a filter every 12,000 miles. Cleaning the filter is not difficult and preparation with the oil is a snap. I would estimate the filter pays for itself on the 5th cleaning when comparing to purchasing the middle quality replacement filter.
[quote=”BigDanIL279″ post=151540][
I have run K&N filters in the stock air box in my last three vehicles and it is difficult to determine if a 5HP gain is true, but on average maybe a 1 or 2 MPG increase over the stock filter depending upon the driving style..[/quote]That may very well be true about the filter that cleans the air going into the engine. But I question whether its possible to justify paying five times as much money for a filter that cleans the air going into the passenger compartment.
K&N is a trusted, high-quality brand of filters. But even the best companies sometimes test our credulity- and our pocketbooks.
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