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I bought a carbon Kootek branded package of 2 for both the GX and the Camry from Amazon. Less pleats than OEM but fit and work the same. Pretty cheap too and I plan to replace them every 10k or earlier since I also suffer from allergies.
I don't have any severe allergies, so I use the absolute cheapest filter you can find.
Every time you open the door and get in or open a window/sunroof, you've basically wiped out any "filtered air" in the cabin. So I'm sort of skeptical how much of a difference a car cabin air filter really cuts down on that from one brand versus the next in a car where you're constantly introducing outside air that isn't filtered.
On something like a house where it's more of a "closed system" I can see the value in keeping it better filtered, but most HVAC people recommend against the really restrictive air filters for the sake of the equipment.
Bottom line, I would try out the "cheap" filters and see if you can tell a difference.
I can definitely tell a difference in the amount of dust accumulated inside as well the odor coming from outside.
I see very little dust with the GX and I could tell the air is better when I put on Refresh. I also use Recir to circulate the air and I'm sure some dust are caught in there too.
My old pathfinder didn't come with the cabin filter installed and I drove like that for 10+ years. I finally cut out the slots and installed them and it was a HUGE difference.
I am using a carbon filter from TYC. Less than $15 a piece and I have it set on my Amazon account to automatically send me one every few months, this way I don't have to remember about changing it, one will just show up to my door and that will be my queue to change the filter.
Toyoya did a great job of making replacing the filter a piece of cake on both the GX and Camry. On my Odyssey, I have to drop the glovebox which is still very easy. However, on the Honda Pilot, I have to cut out a plastic bar (for first time installation) that is holding the dash straight when they installed it and have to remove a metal bar behind it to get to the filter. Stupid engineering from Honda.
Nissan can be a nightmare as well... my Infiniti and Maxima before that also required glove box drop. The Maxima made you disconnect the passenger side airbag harness where it was attached to the glove box. You didn't disconnect the airbag itself but just a harness mount point. My CX-5 is pretty easy as well. You just pinch the glove box together for the same access. Toyota has them all beat though.
The best cabin air filter would be the K&N washable & reusable cabin filter. You just clean the filter with their solution and rinse the filter thoroughly. It's definitely worth upgrading from the stock filter.
Tecman,
Have you used one of these before? I ask because I just bought one and im getting a strange sound, especially on high. Kind of like its wheezing a little bit.
Have you heard this noise?
I am using the one that bbqsoup recommended in another thread. This one seems to be doing well.
Not sure how well it will wash up but will post back when I do. Some talk about "oiling it" on the Amazon Q&A... yeah... I'm not gonna go all K&N on the cabin filter. :-)
#Cabin #Air #Filter
