Pollen filter: price, maintenance, when to replace it?

The pollen filter, also known as the cabin filter, is an essential element for breathing clean air inside the car. Harmful substances such as dust, smoke from other cars or ash can end up entering our cabin if our pollen filter is not in good condition. How do I keep the pollen filter in good condition?When should I replace it?How much does it cost? We answer your questions.

How to look after the pollen filter?

Keeping the cabin filter in good condition depends on several factors. The first of these is good maintenance. To do this, we must take care of hygiene inside the car. A clean cabin is a “healthier” place for those who breathe in it, so it is advisable to carry out at least a monthly clean to prevent the build-up of dust, mites, etc. Keeping the interior of the car clean will extend the service life of the pollen filter and, as a consequence, you will also look after other components of the car, such as the climate control system.

“During a one-hour journey, up to 100,000 litres of air enter the interior of a car”, according to Bosch, one of the leading manufacturers of pollen filters for cars.

When should the pollen filter be replaced?

It is important to follow the replacement intervals for the pollen filter. Running with a dirty filter is like running with no filter at all, so it is advisable to check its condition periodically and replace it when the manufacturer recommends. Depending on the car, the pollen filter can last between 15,000 and 60,000 km, but never much longer than that. To check the exact figure, consult your car’s maintenance book, which should specify when it needs changing. Bear in mind that if you usually drive in the city, the filter will get dirty sooner than if you drive on the open road; in this case, it may be advisable to replace it earlier than the manufacturer indicates.

How much does the car filter cost?

Having the pollen filter changed at a dealership usually costs between 30 and 80 euros (final price including labour) depending on the model and brand. To give an example, changing the cabin filter on an Seat Ibiza at an official dealership will cost you 42.07 euros, while doing the same on a Nissan Qashqai costs 45.68 euros. If you decide to fit it yourself (buying the part from a spare parts website such as www.oscaro.es), you could save between 15 and 60 euros. That said, bear in mind that not all pollen filters are the same: those fitted by the manufacturers are usually the most sophisticated, so if you buy one yourself, make sure it comes from a recognised manufacturer such as Bosch, Mecafilter, Knecht, etc.