10 Best Cabin Air Filters in 2019
Cabin air filters are a significant detail of every car because they deal with cleaning of air in the car. Today, above 90% of automobiles are supplied with air filters, seizing dust, pollen, dangerous gases plus other pollutants, which enter the automobile via ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Filters provide you with fresh and clean air in the cabin along with avoiding seasonal allergies, which are provoked by pollen, going inside the car. Thus, your car journey becomes more secure and pleasant for both you and your passengers as you gain an opportunity to breathe clean air.
Being eager to assist you in finding the most efficient cabin air filter, we offer you to cast a look at the greatest ten filters for your automobile. To the purpose, you are free to save some money and install these filters yourself as this process isn’t so difficult as it seems at first sight.
Top Cabin Air Filters Review
#10 K&N VF2037 Cabin Air Filter
K&N VF2037 grabs dust, mold, pollen plus allergens on their way to the car cabin, providing you with purified and fresh air.
Its major advantage is that it can be easily cleaned and installed again. Moreover, the filter goes ready-to-install.
| PROS | CONS |
| Reusable. Is easy too clean and reuse. | This specific product will not fit every car. But, Amazon will suggest one that will fit your car if you enter your vehicle information on the website. |
| This filter captures mold and mildew in the air. Great for people with respiratory issues like asthma where mold and mildew can aggravate their lungs. |
#9 Fram CF10374 Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter
Fram is a famous manufacturer of cabin air filters and CF10374 is among the best selling items of the company.
The filter is easily mounted, serving as an outstanding alternative to original filters. It prevents dust, dirt, mold, pollen, hairs and other particles from getting inside the car. Fram company assures that their filter may cope with 98% of pollutants without restricting airflow.
| PROS | CONS |
| Arm & Hammer baking soda for improved filtration | Bad user’s experience |
| Simple design for quick installation |
#8 Mann Filter Carbon Activated Cabin Air Filter (CUK 2939)
Resembling a soft sponge, the filter comprises a layer of activated carbon in the non-woven material, absorbing almost all kinds of bad gases, like fuels, nitrogen dioxide and ozone, into tiny pores, which are much smaller than a hair.
In such a way, the filter creates a favorable and healthy atmosphere in the cabin and secures a safe journey for everyone, who travels in a car. Besides, it features an activated charcoal layer, non-woven particle filter media and carrier media for refined balance.
Additionally, this item ensures steady functioning and is of superb quality. It can be easily installed and replaced.
| PROS | CONS |
| No tools needed for quick installation | Only fits German automobiles |
| Effective element for flattering spores, pollen, hair, dust, smokes and exhausts gases | |
| Optimum ventilation inside the vehicle through low flow resistance | |
| Greatest filtration efficiency through a combination of mechanical and electrostatic attraction |
#7 Toyota Genuine Parts Cabin Air Filter
If you own a Toyota automobile, it’s advisable to opt for Original Equipment Manufacturer filter, assuring that the
air in the cabin is purified without causing any troubles in the automobile efficiency.
As it’s an original filter, you may be confident in its outstanding quality and durability. Besides, you may save a lot of money by acquiring it for less than $20 plus free shipping.
| PROS | CONS |
| This cabin air filter is exactly the same as the original cabin air filter that came in the car straight from the manufacturer | Low inventory. Worried about not purchasing quickly enough |
| Free shipping and costs less than $20. With a quick delivery of product to your home | |
| High quality and gets rid of any contaminants trying to get in the air of your car |
#6 Cleenaire CAF4561C Activated Carbon
Created for low air resistance, this Cleenaire filter is a guarantee of breezy, healthy and clean air in the cabin. Its innovative technology allows filtering dust, gases, pollen, exhaust smoke, allergens, bacteria, viruses and even odors. Additionally, it rises energy efficiency ratio thanks to making all the concurrent parts function steadily and efficiently.
This filter is simply mounted with no tools needed. Moreover, it has proved its efficiency over the years.
| PROS | CONS |
| Double-sided high end for improved performance | Designed as a replacement part for Mazda CX-5, Mazda 3, and Mazda 6 built from 2014 |
| Activated carbon for better filtration | |
| Effective filtration for a cleaner environment and preventing headaches, sneezing, coughing, dizzy, fatigue, or irritability when inside the car |
#5 EPAuto CP134 (CF10134) Premium Cabin Air Filter
EPAuto CP134 is the greatest option for the owners of Honda and Acura. Maintaining low air restriction, this filter is noted for being easy to install. It purifies air from exhaust smokes, smoke particles, pollen, dust, mold, bacteria, humidity and smells.
Consequently, the filter saves you from various troubles, caused by dirty air. Among them are sneeze, cough, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and irritability.
| PROS | CONS |
| Activated Carbon for the best performance | Only for Honda and Acura |
| Soda for providing fresher breeze air | |
| Recommended replacement period of 12,000 miles or 2 months |
#4 K&N VF2000 Cabin Air Filter
VF2000 filter is a reusable substitute for stock cabin filter of many types of automobiles, dealing with allowing only clean and fresh air reaching your cabin. It grabs dust thanks to its electrostatic charge in addition to preventing odor, mold, fungus, bacteria, spores and microorganisms from entering the cabin.
Resembling air intake filters, this item is well-built and is easily maintained. If to mount this filter following to the manufacturer’s guide, you will cope in a couple of minutes. Bear in mind that it must be cleaned or replaced every year or after 12,000 miles are run. You can perform that task with no troubles using K&N Care Kit.
Furthermore, VF2000 is the debut cabin filter apt to substitute an automobile’s stock cabin air filter, which can be washed and reused. Besides protecting from dust and pollutants, it eliminates the source of odors and creates a more favorable environment for journeys.
| PROS | CONS |
| Amazon’s best seller for cabin air filters | |
| Easy to Clean and Reuse | |
| Helps capture most mold, mildew, fungus, spores, bacteria, germs, pollen, and allergens |
#3 Fram CF10134 Cabin Air Filter
Like the Fram filter we described above, this version is apt to seize up to 98% of pollutants, including dust and pollen, making your driving safe and comfortable. Simultaneously, it comprises a hammer, arm, activated charcoal plus baking soda in the filter media, dealing with taking away all the odors, reaching the cabin via ventilation system.
Furthermore, it’s quite simple to mount this filter. After opening the glove compartment, you will see a latch with a hook on the right. By unhooking this latch, you will provoke the glove compartment dropping. Then, uncover the filter zone by pushing in the upper part of the glove compartment.
| PROS | CONS |
| Filters up to 98% of dust, pollen, and other contaminants | A little pricey, but you’re saving a lot compared to having the dealership replace it |
| Arm & Hammer baking soda combined with carbon cleans air flowing through the ventilation system | |
| Provides more air flow for improved performance | |
| Keeps damaging particles from entering the engine and causing increased engine wear | |
| Prevents musty odors |
#2 EPAuto CP132 (CF10132) Replacement Air Filter
EPAuto CP132 is a qualitative filter apt to make cabin air fresh and clean. Thanks to good quality materials, it provides great airflow plus enhances performance.
Protecting a driver and passengers from sneeze, cough, irritability and fatigue, the filter seizes all the dangerous pollutants and dust, which can reach the cabin via the ventilation system. CP132 is a decent rival to original filters for Toyota and Lexus, but costs less. Moreover, it’s simply mounted.
| PROS | CONS |
| Premium quality from the best efficiency | Gray carbon filter means it’s difficult to visually inspect for dirt. Doesn’t filter out as much vehicle exhaust as some customers would like. |
| Activated Carbon for maximum filtration | |
| Soda for generating fresh breeze air | |
| Enhanced HVAC performance for a cleaner cabin |
#1 EPAuto CP285 (CF10285) Cabin Air Filter
Superior CP285 is one more assistant to supply purified air to the cabin. Containing activated carbon and soda, it guarantees fresh breeze air for a long period. Having increased production standards, EPAuto provides great quality at affordable price.
Good news: this well-constructed and eye-catching filter is applicable for every kind of automobile. Its steady and efficient work is ensured by activated carbon. Moreover, it keeps an amazing strong box.
| PROS | CONS |
| Multifunctional design to suit different car models including Lexus, Toyota, Subaru, and Scion | Gray carbon filter means it’s difficult to visually inspect for dirt. |
| Activated Carbon for effective filtration | |
| Enhanced HVAC performance | |
| Tight seal all-round for maximum effectiveness |
When to Replace a Cabin Air Filter
Cabin air filter purifies all the air, reaching the cabin via ventilation, heating or cooling systems. According to what brand you choose, the filter’s lifespan differs. Many producers claim that a filter must be substituted after 12,000-15,000 miles run while others suggest that it requires exchanging rarer. Moreover, frequency of filter exchange may be different depending on where and how often you drive.
If you are an urban citizen, you are aware that the air is rather contaminated. In this instance, a filter must be substituted minimum once a year. The situation is identical with desert climate as it contains much dust.
Though, if you detect the decreased air flow via your climate control system or constant bad smell in the cabin, it’s just the time to substitute a filter. These are the most widespread symptoms of dirty or broken filter.
Usually, cabin air filters are situated behind the glove compartment and can be reached as a piece of cake if you unhook the glove box fasteners, according to the directions of the vehicle’s manual. Also, some cabin air filters are placed under the dashboard and it’s quite a challenge to reach them. Or, some vehicles employ air filters situated under the hood, where fresh air reaches the climate control system.
Note that some filters can be rather costly and you may save some money by installing them yourself.
CONCLUSION
The majority of cabin air filters are akin and operate identically. Clearly, some of them are more durable and reliable. Many filters manufacturers do their best to make carbon filters function with no faults while others, like K&N, have already constructed reusable filters. While seeking for the proper filter, it’s advisable to inspect the original filter prior to purchasing its substitute.
When you want to by a non-OEM filter, make certain that the one you are acquiring looks identical to the one you have. Besides, while installing a filter yourself, you need to follow the instructions, provided by the producing company. Though, all the filters are easily installed for the most popular car models.
So, we hope that our list of the best cabin air filters will be helpful to you. We have provided you with reviews of the most reliable filters, which will protect you from dust, dirt and other pollutants and will make your driving comfortable and healthy.
Written by Andrew Price
