The cabin air filter, often referred to as “Particulate Filter” or “Pollen Filter”, is designed to trap pollen and dust.  Other filters include activated charcoal to adsorb harmful gases and undesired smells, often referred to as “activated charcoal filter.” Advanced cabin filters include an anti-bacterial layer that prevents the buildup of mold on the filter.

Obviously not all filters are equal. Some would offer higher filtration efficiency in terms of their ability to trap fine dust. Filters also differ in their life span before it clogs.

Ideally, a cabin air filter should block out all debris, dust, pollen, allergens, mold, and mildew, as well as pollutants such as carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide. When looking for a new cabin air filter for your car, those features are the gold standard and should be carefully considered when you make your purchase. Imagine that your mouth and nose are at the front of your car, the level of your grill: everything that is blowing right into that spot, the exhaust, the dust, the particulates, the pollution–it’s all coming right into the cabin through the HVAC. Having a cabin air filter in your vehicle can prevent much of that from entering the cabin (and entering your lungs).