Are cabin filters necessary? The Car Doc weighs in.
Boston.com Cars is your go-to resource for coverage of local car news, events, and reviews. In the market for a car or truck? Check out our new car specials and used car specials curated by our local dealer network.Q.
Like most people, I like to do only what’s necessary for car maintenance. My question is regarding the necessity of the cabin filter. I drive with the window open for six months out of the year. My home has no dust filter; why do I need one in my car? Will it cause any problems if I simply remove it and do not replace it? I drive a Lexus. The factory filter is $48, and the brand name aftermarket filter is $16. Is there $32 difference in the two filters?
A. I would not remove the pollen/dust filter; I would just replace it when it gets dirty. Although you may not drive on dusty roads, you do drive during pollen season. With most cars, replacing the filter is generally a very simple do-it-yourself project. Regarding the factory filter, the Lexus filter is charcoal impregnated, which will help eliminate odors. You may not find the replacement filter doing as good a job at odor elimination.
John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years’ experience in the automotive business and is an ASE certified master technician. He answers reader’s questions every week. You can tune in to his radio program Saturday morning from 8:30-10 on am950 WROL or www.wrolradio.com. Email your car question to [email protected]. Follow John on Twitter @johnfpaul and friend him on Facebook @mrjohnfpaul.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com