The location of the cabin filter on the car. Where is the cabin filter located and when should it be changed? Types of cabin filters

29.06.2020

Microparticles, dust, exhaust gases, which are formed due to the abrasion of car tires, regularly enter the car interior. The mixture poisons our lungs. Wheeled dirt from the roads accounts for about 60% of all pollution in the urban environment. The filter is able to protect our health and purify the air from harmful impurities. Regular operation sooner or later leads to pollution, which affects visibility while driving. We are talking about misted windows, which drivers often attribute to the poor performance of the stove. In fact, you just need to replace the filter. How to change the cabin filter and where can it be installed?

Varieties of cabin filters

The first cabin filters, installed in the early nineties, had much in common with simple engine filters. The effectiveness was questionable, and two-layer variants soon began to be produced. Over time, a three-stage cleaning appeared with coal as the third stage.

Modern automotive cabin filters are categorized as dust-collecting and are based on synthetic fibers that do not get wet and exhibit antiseptic properties, so that fungi do not multiply. Filters with the addition of carbon are considered the best option, since the air undergoes a three-stage purification before it enters the cabin.

Polyester-propylene fibers represent the first layer, designed to trap large soot and dust particles.
A thinner polypropylene microfiber is used as a second layer to trap fumes and fine dust particles.
The third layer is carbon, 90% cleans the air from harmful gases that can enter the cabin. As a result, the air is protected not only from dust, but also from odors.

It is worth changing the filter regularly, it depends on the recommendations provided by the manufacturer. On average, this is 15 - 20 thousand kilometers or the first deterioration in terms of operation. In the southern regions or gassed cities, the frequency of replacement is doubled. Either way, aim for at least once a year. Among the external signs indicating the need for replacement, it is worth highlighting the following:

high humidity in the cabin;
decrease in airflow, poor operation of the air conditioner and stove (read also about);
bad smells in the cabin.

Cabin filter location options

The question of where the cabin filter is located is the first one that arises for the driver when it needs to be replaced. Most often these are the following areas of the car:

special plastic box under the hood;
under the front glass;
behind the instrument panel;
on the back wall of the glove compartment from the inside.

If you're having trouble finding your cabin air filter, check your car's owner's manual.

Buy or do it yourself?

It is worth immediately refuting the prevailing myth that high-quality filters are expensive. Branded parts are twice as expensive as Chinese ones, but in the case of filters, overpaying for a brand does not justify itself. The raw materials used are the same everywhere, and the design is not so complicated as to break too often. The only thing worth paying attention to is the presence of coal and layering. If your car is classified as rare or you need to install a filter that is no longer produced for your brand, you can make it yourself. The procedure is as follows:

Prepare a universal carbon filter used in household air conditioners, glue, metal mesh and an old filter frame.
Thanks to the mesh, the structure will be more rigid. Suitable mesh for air intakes or decorative.
Cut out a piece of the required size from the universal filter and glue it onto the mesh in the frame.
If your filter was not originally on the frame, you will have to make it yourself. Also, a frame suitable in width and length can be selected in the automotive market, and the height can always be cut.

Step by step replacement procedure

Replacing the cabin filter yourself will require a set of screwdrivers and instructions for your car. Your next steps are:

Locate the cabin air filter.
Remove the plastic grill on the hood. Its fastening is carried out by means of several bolts. Get rid of the plastic plugs, unscrew the bolts and remove the right side of the cladding.
To provide further access to the filter, remove the washer tubes and protective cover.
In the next step, you will need to tinker a bit with the mounting bolts, when they loosen, pull the cover up and to the right.
The two plastic latches will hold the dirty filter in place. Replace it with a new one, focusing on the arrows. Please note that the arrow indicates not the upper part of the filtering device, but the direction of air flow - it must be directed downwards.
At the final stage, assembly is in reverse order.

Features of replacing the filter on different cars

If you already know how to replace the cabin filter, it remains to deal with the nuances of replacing different brands of cars:

LADA Kalina. The filter in this case is located under the hood. It is necessary to remove the glass lining by removing the plugs with a slotted screwdriver. Next, a standard screwdriver is used to remove the screws that secure the cover. Press on the edges of the filter element and remove it, replacing it with a new one.
Ford Focus II. The recommended replacement frequency is 25 thousand km. The location of the filter is under the steering wheel in a niche. Use a 7 wrench to remove 3 nuts from the gas pedal, unscrew the screws that hold the filter cover also with a 7 wrench. The procedure is the same.
Nissan Qashqai. In this case, you will find the filter in a niche under the driver's feet. Remove the plastic panel under the driver's feet with a socket wrench by sliding it to the side. To remove the damper, turn on the air conditioner at full power, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c-IsWUIQ24 and it will fall out without your participation. Even tools in this case are not needed. The next step is to get rid of the mounts of the machine's air system control unit. The filter is right behind it. To get it, bend the fasteners and pull. To install a clean filter element, bend it like an accordion.
Chevrolet Lacetti. You will find the filter behind the glove compartment cover, which must be dismantled with a simple screwdriver. After unscrewing 5 screws, pull the structure towards you. To remove the filter from the niche behind the metal plate, just pull on it.
LADA Priora. The frequency of replacement in this case is 15 thousand km. Open the hood and find the noise isolation. Unscrew the two bolts that hold it on and you will find the filter.
VAZ-2112. Since the filter here is under the protection of the windshield, the replacement procedure will be more laborious than in previous cases. First unscrew the bolts from the outside of the hood using a socket wrench or socket. Next, proceed to unscrew the screws under the hood with a classic screwdriver. Bend back a small part of the insulation, and you will see a cover, under which the filter is hidden. To speed up the procedure, first remove the washer reservoir, unscrew 4 screws on which the cover is attached. When reassembling, remember that the corner of the filter element must be located behind the protrusion used to fix the noise insulation.
Hyundai Solaris. The replacement frequency is also 15 thousand km, and you can get to the replaced element through the passenger compartment and without additional tools, as in most Korean cars. The glove compartment valves must be unscrewed by hand and squeezed on the sides to remove it from the grooves. After dismantling the glove compartment, you will immediately see a niche for the filter.

The air in the car interior is constantly supplied from the environment through the fan ducts in order to keep enough oxygen inside the car for the driver and passengers. In a dense stream of cars, air is directed towards the vehicle in a mixture with exhaust gases coming out of the car of an oncoming car. It is unsafe to breathe such air, and a cabin filter is installed to retain harmful impurities.

Why do you need a cabin filter in your car?

Many drivers underestimate the importance of the element that filters the air that enters the car interior. According to studies, the cabin filter is able to retain up to 99.5% of harmful impurities contained in the incoming air. In the absence of a filter element, the driver and passengers have to breathe the products of fuel combustion, which contain: soot, nitrogen oxides, sulfur and carbon, heavy metals, aldehydes and more than 200 other substances harmful to the body.

According to studies by environmental monitoring services, air pollution on roads in large metropolitan areas exceeds the established norms by 20-40 times. Spending several hours a day in a car, the driver risks getting chronic diseases of the respiratory tract and nervous system. In addition to exposure to toxic substances, microparticles of dust from tires, soot, asphalt and other things cause damage to the driver's respiratory organs.

In addition to maintaining the health of the driver, the cabin filter performs the task of slowing down the aging of the car. Not allowing dust and fumes into the cabin, the filter element helps prevent clouding of the windows.

How often to change the cabin filter

There is no single answer to the question of how often it is necessary to replace the cabin filter. Each car manufacturer sets its own recommended intervals for replacing the filter element, which, in most cases, vary from 20 to 25 thousand kilometers of the car. It should be noted that these values are given for European cities, where the environment is better than in large Russian cities. Russian experts in the field of ecology recommend that drivers change cabin filters every 10-15 thousand kilometers.

Since it is quite difficult to navigate according to such disparate recommendations, it is easier to determine the clogging of the cabin filter by obvious symptoms:

When the air ventilation system is turned on, dust appears in the cabin;
During the movement of the car, an unpleasant smell began to be felt in the cabin;
Glass began to fog up from the inside.

If you are concerned about these problems, the right solution is to remove the cabin filter and make sure it is dirty or clean.

Important: A dirty cabin filter has a negative effect on the air in the cabin. Over time, harmful bacteria, fungus and mold develop in the filter. If the filter, due to contamination, cannot retain microelements, they will begin to enter the cabin, having a negative impact on the health of the driver.

Where is the cabin filter

Car manufacturers can install a cabin filter in various places in the cabin, but they try to take into account the fact that the filter element has to be changed quite often, respectively, access to it should be easier. It is only possible to say unequivocally where the cabin filter is located in the operating book for a particular car model, in which this information should be displayed.

Most often, the cabin filter is installed behind the glove compartment or under it. You can find cars in which the filter element entering the passenger compartment is installed on the driver's side, for example, under the dashboard. Some car manufacturers put a filter at the air inlet, that is, they place it under the hood in a special housing or recess, in which case it is easiest to replace it.

How to replace the cabin filter

The cabin filter is very easy to replace, just find its location in the car and get to it. When removing the plastic inserts behind which the filter element is located in the passenger compartment, it is important not to damage the latches on which they are held. It is better to look once again in the instructions for the car how the mount is removed than to restore it or completely change the part due to a breakdown.

After removing the old cabin filter, do not rush to install a new one in its place. It is recommended to vacuum or otherwise clean the area where the filter element has been installed. Next, install the part in place of the old one, paying attention to the pointers on it, which will tell you which side to insert the cabin filter correctly.

Types of cabin filters

When choosing a filter, the first thing you should focus on is its size. Depending on the car model, the dimensions of the cabin filters are different, and manufacturers indicate on the packaging with the consumable item which cars it is suitable for. At the same time, cabin filters differ not only in size, but also in the materials from which they are made.

The cabin air filter, found in most modern vehicles, purifies the air that enters the passenger compartment through the HVAC system. The filter traps dust, pollen and other small particles, which is especially important if you suffer from allergies or other breathing problems. If a carbon cabin filter is installed in the car, then such a filter will also protect passengers from unpleasant odors.

When should the cabin air filter be changed?

Recommendations for when an air filter should be changed vary by manufacturer - typically every 20,000 to 25,000 miles - and may depend on how much you drive and where under what conditions (in the Sahara desert or polluted highway). Check the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual for recommended cabin air filter replacement intervals. If, as a rule, you drive in heavy city traffic, where the air quality is undoubtedly poor, then you will be forced to change the filter once a year, or even more. The same situation applies to those cars that drive in a desert climate where there is a lot of dust.

Signs that your car's cabin air filter needs to be replaced.

One of the signs that it's time to change the cabin air filter is a decrease in air flow through the HVAC system, for example, when you set the ventilation to the maximum level, but you get more noise than result. Another sign is a persistent unpleasant odor or fogging of the windshield in the cabin. Even if you do not notice such signs, you should check the air filter at least once a year, and you can do it yourself, without the help of specialists, here is an example.

Where is the cabin air filter located in the car?

Most cabin air filters are located in the inner wall of the glove box. Replacing them is not difficult. You should only remove the glove box from the fasteners (the instruction should be in the instruction manual) and pull out the filter retaining element. Others are under the dash and not easily accessible, or under the hood where fresh air enters the HVAC system. Some filters are quite expensive, especially if you buy them from an authorized dealer, it will be cheaper and easier to purchase "non-original" in any auto parts store and replace it yourself.

If at your next service at the dealership or auto repair shop you are advised to replace the cabin air filter, ask your mechanic to show you the current one first. Depending on how long this filter has been in use, you may be a little shocked by what you see: leaves, branches, insects, soot and dirt that literally cover the entire surface of the filter from the side where the air enters. All of the above signs will once again confirm the recommendations of the service staff to replace the air filter in the cabin.

The air entering the passenger compartment through the fan ducts must contain the required amount of oxygen. This not only creates a comfortable environment inside the cabin, but also provides an extension of the life of important units and components of the car as a whole. And therefore, it is in vain that many motorists consider the cabin filtering device to be an insufficiently significant element to pay special attention to it. In this article, we will tell you where the cabin filter is located, what filters are equipped with modern cars and how to change it if necessary.

In a dense stream of cars, a mixture of exhaust gases from other road users with air is directed towards any vehicle. It is extremely dangerous to breathe such an “explosive” mixture, therefore, a cabin air filter is installed in the car to trap harmful impurities.

Cabin filter installation

The simplest paper filters They began to put on cars from the 80th year of the last century. They were exact replicas of the filters used in engines that require mechanical cleaning. Some time later, special cartridges were introduced with two cleaning layers. The key advantage of such a filter was that the first layer retained relatively large debris, and particles smaller than 50 microns settled on the next layer.

Later, filters equipped with carbon elements were created for cars. which absorb dust particles much better. Today, the most effective and costly filters are those that combine the best qualities of their predecessors. And the most popular devices are filters with a carbon cartridge, which have an optimal price-quality ratio.

How the filter works

Air enters the interior of the car through the air intake openings in the heating system. It can do it in two ways:

by gravity;
forced injection by means of a fan.

Based on its functionality, the filter is installed in the body of the heating system. Classic filter devices are made of the thinnest paper, which is filled with electrostatic charges and impregnated with phenolic liquid.

This technology of the filtering device involves not only the retention of large granular air impurities by the device, but also the attraction of smaller particles, in addition, an unpleasant odor is neutralized.

Installation of filters is most effective for people who suffer from respiratory diseases (asthma, allergies, etc.), reacting to all kinds of odors, dust, pollen and other irritants of the inhaled air.

How the filter works

Types of cabin filter devices

The cabin air filter is a rectangular block with specific dimensions. Each device is equipped with special material, which performs filtration and has the form of a corrugated plate. The frame is made of plastic, and its main purpose is to protect the plate from jamming and keep it in the socket.

According to the type of filter material used, the devices can be divided into several varieties.

barrier filter

This copy is made from the thinnest paper or canvas (natural or synthetic). Similar filters designed to hold the smallest mechanical suspensions in the air. They clean the air flow inside the cabin only from dust (sometimes from small insects).

Carbon filter device

A small layer of coal is applied to the filter material of such a device. Exactly it promotes the absorption of hazardous impurities contained in the air, and neutralize unpleasant odors. Such a filter is characterized by improved filtration qualities when compared with its barrier counterpart. But it is important to know that from time to time the filtering properties of the key element (coal) are lost, which leads to their transformation into a conventional filter.

cabin air filter

Carbon element with special coating

In this embodiment, an ordinary carbon filter has an additional polyphenolic antioxidant coating. Such devices neutralize allergens. In them, a layer of activated carbon is applied to one side of the porous material, and a layer of polyphenols, a natural antioxidant, is applied to the other side. This sample has a higher cost and is most in demand during periods of flowering plants and increased activity of allergens.

Electret filter element

Such a device, in addition to the ordinary linen layer, is also equipped with an additional electrically charged thin fiber layer. The first of the layers is assigned the function of mechanical filtration, while the second - attraction of microscopic particles of various impurities air. Manufacturers of such devices claim that this filter delays:

99% of a variety of particles ranging in size from 5 to 100 microns. Such impurities include pollen, fungal spores, dust of various origins;
over 65% of particles having a diameter of 0.3 to 1 µm (smoke/soot/bacteria);
up to 35% of microscopic particles having dimensions equal to a hundredth of a micron.

Combination filter

This device combined carbon elements and electret layers. The device has several degrees of purification. In addition, multilayer filter devices are on sale. They have a mechanical cleaning layer combined with an electrostatic, antiseptic and carbon layer.

Barrier and carbon filter devices are most in demand among Russian motorists, since they have a minimum price. Filters with anti-allergenic characteristics are premium devices.

Cabin filter function

When installing a cabin filtering device, it is important to know that any filter, regardless of the type and cost of the device, is a one-time element that must be replaced after a certain period of time.

Location and frequency of replacement

Location of the filter element

Despite differences in filter designs different types and different manufacturers, in appearance, filtering devices often not too different from each other. Although the installation location of the filter element is different in cars of different brands. The most common options are:

under the main panel, behind the glove compartment, opposite the passenger seat;
in the space under the hood of the car on the driver's side;
directly at the steering column above the pedals.

Depending on the location of the filter device(this is affected by the vehicle model), the procedure for replacing it is different. And therefore, when it needs to be replaced, it is better to contact the services of car service masters. Otherwise, there are certain risks of deforming the edge or frame of the filtering device, not fitting the device tightly enough into the seat, or damaging the seat of the filter element.

Filter location

During operation and continuous operation garbage accumulates in the pleated filter element, this leads to its incorrect operation and requires the replacement of this device. The terms for replacing filters are indicated in the operational documentation of the vehicle and, as a rule, coincides with the period of scheduled maintenance.

Note that sometimes the replacement of the air filter is required much more often. For example, when the vehicle is used in conditions of excessive gas/dust contamination. Reducing the period of operation of the filter element is recommended when:

continuous movement by car on a primer;
constant trips during the flowering period of plants from which many petals and fluff are shed;
driving in big cities where traffic congestion is common.

In addition, the quality of the device itself also affects the regularity of replacement. So a solid filter element from a trusted manufacturer will last 15-30 thousand km, then a fake device may not work out even 50% of the period stated in the regulations.

Filter replacement

The fact that the time has come to change the filtering device can be determined by some indirect signs:

The air supplied to the passenger compartment has an unpleasant odor.
When the fan is turned on, dust appears.
The strength of the airflow during blowing has decreased, the air conditioner / stove works worse.
The windows in the passenger compartment of the car began to fog up a lot due to the high humidity.

Violation of the terms for replacing the filter device leads to the accumulation of dirt, which favors the development of fungus, mold and bacteria, which intensively spread through the system ventilation channels. Under such conditions, the device turns from an air-purifying element into a source of the spread of various diseases. You also need to understand that vacuuming, washing or washing do not restore the properties of filter materials.

How to change the cabin filter device

In fact, this element is quite simple to change, you only need to correctly locate it and then get close to him. It is extremely important, when removing the plastic inserts behind which the filter stands, not to damage the snap-in elements that secure them. It is advisable to read the instructions for the car several times, which describes in detail how to remove the mount, how to restore it or completely replace the element due to a breakdown.

Having dismantled the used filter, do not rush to put a new element in its place. Experts advise using a vacuum cleaner or otherwise clean the place where the filter device stood. After that, you can proceed to install a new filter. At the same time, do not forget to look at the indicators on the device - they will indicate which side to install the filter device correctly.

Old and new filters

Some companies indicate the installation diagrams of the filter device. Usually, this is an arrow that indicates the direction of air flow: when the pointer is pointing down, then the air flow comes from above.

In the absence of any indicators, it should be established on which side the grooves are more deepened. It is through this side that the air goes before it is cleaned. The logic is that the grooves having a greater depth suggest a longer collection of large debris, leaves. Consider how the filter device changes on some models of machines.

Changing the filter for Toyota

In the Corolla model, the cabin filter is located at the passenger's feet behind the storage box. Nothing is required to change the filter, only a new device.

There are special latches on both sides of the glove box. When they are unfastened, the drawer lowers slightly. This will give access to the filter block. The block is held on 2 latches that must be pressed out. Now nothing will interfere with the installation of a new filter device.

If the drawer lowered during installation, then the micro-lift drive (small piston) should be checked, which ensures smooth opening of the drawer. Most likely, he simply flew out of the mount.

How to change the filter

Changing the filter on a Chevrolet Cruze

Replacement sequence filter device is:

From the sides, inside the glove box, you need to remove 2 snap-on limiters, slightly pushing them away, and then pulling them towards you.
Unfasten the stroke limiter from the right edge.
When the glove compartment lowers, the plastic cover of the filter device will become visible. The element can be changed after removing the cover, which is held by three snap elements.

Change the filter to Daewoo

In the Lanos model, an internal filter is installed in the space under the hood. The steps to replace the filter element are performed in the following sequence.

22.06.2016

For many motorists, the issue of car maintenance is in the first place. At the same time, many forget about the importance of replacing the air filter, which is a key element of the intake system of the power unit. What is the purpose of this node? What functions does it have, and what types are there?

A bit of history

Few people know, but cabin filters appeared in cars later than classic air filters (installed at the inlet to the power unit). Awareness of the need for the process of filtering the air entering the car came in the 70-80s, when the number of vehicles on the roads became very large, considerable traffic jams appeared. Due to excessive gas pollution, I had to think about the health of the driver and passengers in the car.

The first filter in the cabin appeared in the early 90s of the last century. The cleaning article was a conventional filter paper for small particles larger than 5 µm. As for harmful gases, the filter element was powerless here. By the end of the 90s, cabin filters were on cars even in the middle price segment. A feature of the new products was the addition of activated carbon to the composition, capable of absorbing sulfur and nitrogen oxides. At the present stage, it is impossible to imagine even the most budget car without a cabin filter - this device has become an indispensable assistant on the way to ensuring health.

Purpose

The main task of the filter element is to remove various harmful elements that enter the car through the air supply systems (through the nodes of the ventilation system). At the same time, many are interested in why filter the air, because it enters not only from the engine compartment, but also through the air intake or gaps in the seals. In a way it is. But studies have shown that the most dangerous substances enter the cabin when driving in active traffic. For example, in a traffic jam, the exhaust pipe of the car in front is very close to the radiator of another vehicle. As a result, life-threatening gas enters the passenger compartment (if there is no air filter).

The cabin filter is able to capture not only toxic substances, but also small elements of rubber, soot and dust. Such nodes are very large, so there are no problems with their delay (air purification).

Reliable protection against harmful influences

The ingress of a large volume of exhaust gases leads to a number of problems - the appearance of a headache, pain in the eyes, sneezing and other problems. There are even standards that prescribe the permissible rate of harmful substances, the excess of which is strictly prohibited. In particular, there are norms for average daily and one-time concentrations.

The most dangerous is carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous compound without color. It has no smell or taste, which makes the gas even more insidious. CO appears as a result of incomplete combustion of the fuel mixture in the engine. Inhalation of carbon monoxide can result not only in the symptoms mentioned above, but also in death. That is why one of the main tasks of cabin filters is the fight against carbon monoxide. Often CO enters the cabin when the air recirculation process is disturbed, in the event of a long standing in a traffic jam (in the absence of a filter), in the event of the engine warming up in the garage.

The second most dangerous are nitrogen oxides, which have a negative effect on the respiratory system. NO compounds after a series of photochemical reactions (interaction with water from the atmosphere) lead to the formation of nitric acid. The latter rises to the top and returns to earth along with acid rain. At the same time, responsible motorists should not be afraid of anything - nitrogen oxides are successfully eliminated by air filters. The main thing is that activated carbon is included in the composition of such products. We must not forget that over time, coal loses its properties, and the filter element itself needs to be replaced.

Formaldehyde is a toxic element that is a colorless gas. With an increased dosage, there is a risk of poisoning if the permissible concentration is exceeded. The big advantage of cabin filters is the elimination of any harmful effects from formaldehyde.

Other elements that can enter the cabin include hydrogen sulfide, benzapyrene, nitrogen dioxide, black carbon (soot), methane and formaldehyde.

Types of cabin filters

Regular or Barrier.Such filter elements are made from paper, synthetic or natural cloth. The main task is to delay small impurities that are found in the air stream. Such filters reliably protect the interior from large particles, insects and dust;

Coal.A feature of the filters is the presence of a layer of activated carbon, which eliminates the negative effects of harmful gases in the air. In addition, such products are able to eliminate unpleasant odors in the air. The advantages of filters are high filtering qualities (when compared with conventional products). But we must not forget about the risk of depletion of the coal resource, which reduces the efficiency of the device;

Coal with an antioxidant coating.Such products are able to effectively neutralize allergens. One side of the material is covered with a layer of activated carbon. On the other hand, the filter is coated with polyphenol, which is a natural antioxidant. The main feature of such products is the high cost and increased level of demand in summer and spring, when allergens are most active;

electret- filters, which contain a conventional barrier layer of non-woven fabric. The device consists of several layers - a barrier layer that performs mechanical filtration, as well as an additional layer that attracts small impurities in the composition of the air. According to the manufacturers, the device is capable of retaining up to 99% of pollutants having a diameter in the range of 5-100 microns. In particular, the filter element traps cement or tire dust, fungal spores, plant pollen, soot, bacteria, smoke and other harmful elements;

Combined- filter elements, which are a combination of carbon and electret layers with several levels of purification. There are also products with several layers for various types of cleaning (charcoal, antiseptic and electrostatic).

Principle of operation and design features

The task of simple dust filters is to clean the incoming air masses from soot and dust, pollen from vegetation and other allergens. The filter element is a synthetic fiber or special paper that can hold particles up to one micron. A feature of the material that underlies synthetic fibers is the presence of electrification, therefore, an additional effect is also provided due to the electrification of the composition. The main differences between dust filters (when compared with air filters) are the low density of the filter element. For this reason, the system cannot create thrust that provides a vacuum in the intake manifold. The disadvantage of dust type filters is a certain helplessness in the fight against unpleasant odors and toxic gases.

Carbon filters, unlike the products described above, remove all harmful compounds from the air. Problems arise with only one element - carbon monoxide. The main working element is activated carbon - a special substance with a large surface. The latter is formed due to a large number of microscopic pores, the smallest of which are up to one nanometer in size. Due to the action of these pores, molecules in contact with activated carbon are trapped. This filter function is called adsorption. The effectiveness of the phenomenon directly depends on a number of factors, including air temperature and flow rate.

Structurally, the cabin filter is a special substrate made of textiles with activated carbon. Modern air purification devices are a multilayer structure, where anti-dust and carbon layers alternate with each other. In this case, each of the layers is responsible for trapping particles of a specific size and type. After several stages of processing, the air enters the cabin purified and safe for the body.

Where is the air filter located?

Despite the variety of car models, the design and installation location of cabin filters are almost the same. The product, as a rule, is a rectangular cassette with a built-in filter element. The latter is distinguished by a rigid frame around the perimeter, which guarantees high-quality installation without the slightest distortion and with a sufficient fit. The place for mounting the filter differs slightly. Most often they are located in the engine compartment (in the area of \u200b\u200bthe passenger seat on the right side of the driver). For a more precise location of the filter, refer to the instruction manual.

In many models, the cabin filter is placed under the glove box (glove box). Here, to replace the device, it is enough to gain access to the filter (remove the glove box) and replace the cassette. But there are models in which the replacement process is complicated due to the impossibility of gaining access to the assembly without dismantling certain elements. At the same time, there remains the risk of an error during the installation process (lack of insufficient fixation), the appearance of a gap, and so on. This, in turn, can lead to a number of problems with the quality of the filtration.

Thus, there are three main places where the air filter is located:

Under or behind the glove compartment of the car.In this case, when opening the glove compartment, you can find a special section with a latch. Such a product has the shape of a rectangular compartment having a width of 15-20 centimeters and a thickness of 2-3 centimeters. To remove the cabin filter, just unfasten the latches and remove the cleaning element;