Daily operation of the car requires the correct and reliable operation of all its mechanisms. In this case, we will focus on the filter systems of the machine, each of which performs important, but different tasks. The similarity and difference between cabin and air filters, the mechanism of their operation, replacement and installation will be discussed below.
This element of air purification is in every modern car. The cabin filter is no longer a luxury that wealthy motorists can afford. The quality of the air in the cabin, the intensity of blowing, the reduction or complete removal of the concentration of harmful substances (nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, dust) depend on this filter. Depending on the design of the filter element, cabin filters are divided into cartridge and case filters. 
Cartridge filters are the most popular among car enthusiasts because they allow you to change the used plate (cartridge) rather than a fully assembled filter (body with mount and cleaning element). The cabin filter is located behind the glove compartment, most often closer to the driver's seat. A little less often it is installed directly under the hood - this is typical for many European cars.
It is located in front of the “stove”, so the purified air through the damper system will flow directly into the car interior.
The cabin filter can be carbon or simple, depending on the materials located on the plate. A simple filter consists of ordinary polypropylene, which traps dust and purifies the air of odors. The carbon option will be more effective - activated carbon placed between the layers does an excellent job of removing unpleasant odors and cleans the air of chemicals. But the price of a carbon filter will be noticeably higher. 
The frequency of replacing the cabin filter can be different, but at least once a year. A certain mileage (15, 20, 50 thousand km.), In this case, the landmark is also very conditional. Poor operation of the heating system, an unpleasant odor, fogging of windows from the inside of the passenger compartment, a filter element plate clogged with dirt and dust - these are the main signs of a worn-out cabin filter.
The air filter is an important element in the operation of the car. It is designed to clean the air entering the engine, and also regulates the temperature of the combustible mixture in gasoline vehicles. Filter wear can lead to a drop in engine power, increased fuel consumption and an increase in the concentration of harmful substances in the exhaust. 
The air filter can have a different shape (panel, in the form of a cylinder and not having a frame, or frameless), and the effectiveness of a particular filter is determined by the number of air purification stages and the dust intake system.
A multi-stage system allows you to better clean the air from trace elements that can damage the engine.
Dry dust collection is more efficient than oil systems, so their spread is understandable. They are easy to replace, although they have a rather complex structure, which includes porous cardboard, various light metals and polymeric substances. The percentage of particles passed by dry air filters is very low and does not exceed 1%, while oily systems may “not notice” 2-3%. 
The need to replace this element arises during the operation of the car, it is directly related to the mileage, and the appearance of the filter will be an additional factor that influenced the decision to replace. On vehicles with a diesel engine, as well as with engines equipped with a turbocharger, the replacement of the air filter occurs even more often.
Similarities and differences
Air and cabin filters are very similar elements in terms of the principle of operation and the final result. Both purify the air from dust, dirt and other trace elements. The air filter has a more complex design than the cabin filter - at the same time, the air filter is quite variable depending on the specific car, while the cabin filter is more versatile in use. These elements are not directly related to each other, but work separately from each other. But, if the air filter serves for the correct and safe operation of the engine, then the cabin filter provides comfort and clean air for the driver and passengers.
