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We’ve tried a variety of cabin air filters. We like the factory original we got from the dealer but don’t like the price. We tried a high filtration filter from Fram for a lower price than the filter offered by the dealer but it restricted the air flow. We want OEM level of filtration and air flow but for a lower price. I’ve seen some websites that have canine air filters for under $10 but we’re not sure we should trust them.
Are there any brands of filters you would recommend and those you would avoid that are available at stores like Walmart, Auto Zone, Advance Auto, O’Riely, and other auto parts stores?
I've used the EP Auto ones from Amazon. I drive dirt roads with my job so I'm constantly changing them. Occasionally I'll blow them out with my air compressor and reuse them.
You can usually find the OEM filters sold by discount online retailers.
I saw Rock Auto had some listed as OEM for under $10. NAPA has one available for slightly more, closer to $10 per filter. My concern is I’ve read some reviews of some off brands that they don’t always fit the compartment properly due to poor quality control. Considering vehicles for decades never had a cabin air filter, even a micro screen permanent washable filter would be better than nothing. I have access to metal filter screen material and thought about making one as a permanent washable filter. Doubt I would do this but it wouldn’t be hard.
I saw Rock Auto had some listed as OEM for under $10. NAPA has one available for slightly more, closer to $10 per filter. My concern is I’ve read some reviews of some off brands that they don’t always fit the compartment properly due to poor quality control. Considering vehicles for decades never had a cabin air filter, even a micro screen permanent washable filter would be better than nothing. I have access to metal filter screen material and thought about making one as a permanent washable filter. Doubt I would do this but it wouldn’t be hard.
It really just needs to filter good enough to keep your evaporator from getting clogged with dust, hair, and lint.
It really just needs to filter good enough to keep your evaporator from getting clogged with dust, hair, and lint.
Saw some filter that claim to be HEPA or N95 level filtering. No way would I consider these. There were some that claim to have some charcoal for helping to reduce odors. If I lived near certain factories I would consider this. Use to drive past a canning factory that stunk up the car until well past. If I drove past such places regularly I would consider such a filter. Only thing we deal with is an occasional skunk smell. Doesn’t linger long enough to warrant such a filter.
I buy that stuff on Amazon, same for engine filter, same for replacing a cracked driver's side rear view mirror. Someone broke into my auto over a year ago and tried to hot wire it. They damaged the right hand side wiper mechanism and the housing was torn open. Auto shop quoted me $500 to fix. I looked into it myself and determined all I had to do was replace that mechanism. Got a used one on Ebay for $10 from a junkyard, it plugged right in. Sealed the housing with gorilla glue.
I saw Rock Auto had some listed as OEM for under $10. NAPA has one available for slightly more, closer to $10 per filter. My concern is I’ve read some reviews of some off brands that they don’t always fit the compartment properly due to poor quality control. Considering vehicles for decades never had a cabin air filter, even a micro screen permanent washable filter would be better than nothing. I have access to metal filter screen material and thought about making one as a permanent washable filter. Doubt I would do this but it wouldn’t be hard.
It comes down to understanding what OEM means. Typically, parts are noted as:
original equipment - made by the company as original equipment
OEM - makes parts for the automaker but not this specific part
LKQ - like kind quality.
If I can, I buy the OE or OEM products for my vehicles via Amazon by limiting myself to the brands that I know are in that business:
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