Room air in the car: Experts recommend changing the pollen filter every six months

Created: 11/27/2022, 08:00

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

Some car owners only change the pollen filter very rarely, others at least once a year.

Experts even recommend a swap every six months.

Cleaning the windows, checking tire pressure and checking the oil level: these are the things most drivers take care of before a long journey – after all, they are extremely important for safety and ensure that the vehicle is not damaged.

However, it can be worth investing a little time elsewhere - namely in replacing the cabin air filter, which is often also referred to as the pollen filter.

It filters a lot of pollutants out of the air.

A change can be worthwhile, especially for allergy sufferers.

Room air in the car: Experts recommend changing the pollen filter every six months

According to the Association of German Engineers (VDI), a filter should be replaced every twelve months at the latest – even better, every six months.

Preferably before the start of the spring season and then again before the onset of winter.

You should at least check the filter after extreme events, such as the so-called “blood rain”, which left a lot of Sahara dust on the cars some time ago.

In many car models, changing the filter is relatively easy to do yourself - unfortunately not in everyone.

That's why the ADAC recommends researching the possible effort and level of difficulty in advance.

The interior air filter (also pollen filter) should be replaced regularly.

(Iconic image) © Panthermedia/Imago

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Pollen filter replacement: In some models it is located in the engine compartment, in some behind the glove compartment

There are models in which the filter is in the engine compartment, while in others it is in the interior - in some cases the entire glove compartment has to be removed.

This is also a solvable task in most cases – but not for everyone.

The problem: Information about changing the filter cannot always be found in the car's operating instructions.

In such a case, you should simply research the Internet.

If in doubt, however, it is advisable to consult a specialist.

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Pollen filter replacement: Activated carbon filters are particularly worthwhile for people with respiratory diseases

A classic cabin air filter consists of paper or non-woven materials.

For just a few euros more, however, you can get an activated charcoal filter - which is already installed as standard in many current car models.

This also filters out toxic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

Because of the low additional costs, replacing the filter with an activated charcoal filter is recommended, especially for drivers with respiratory diseases or allergy sufferers, according to the ADAC.