You’ve likely heard of a car’s air filter, but did you know most have a cabin air filter as well? These keep the cabin air free from particles that might be harmful for the occupants. Nearly every vehicle has a cabin air filter, even the 2015 Toyota Corolla.
What’s the best cabin air filter for a 2015 Toyota Corolla?
You can purchase a quality cabin air filter for your 2015 Toyota Corolla at AutoZone and other similar auto parts stores for about $20-$25. High performance cabin air filters may cost up to $50 or so.
There are many types of filters your car needs to function properly and it’s important that you understand what they are and when to replace them. Cabin air filters are among the most critical of these. Here’s what you should know about getting a new cabin filter for your car, truck, or van.
What is a Cabin Air Filter?
A cabin air filter is a type of filter designed to prevent contaminants from reaching the air you breathe inside your vehicle. It’s attached to the outer air intake of your car or truck’s ventilation system and acts as a fine particulate, high filtration medium that keeps your cabin air free of pollution.
Ensuring your cabin air is clean is particularly important if you or anyone in your family suffer from allergies. Contaminants coming into your vehicle are often initially undetectable, meaning that you could be impacted by the allergens and pollution being funneled inside of your closed air space before you realize there’s a problem.
Are Air Filters and Cabin Air Filters the Same Thing?
Many car owners make the mistake of assuming that cabin air filters and air filters are the same thing. They’re two different components and you need both for your vehicle to function. A cabin filter keeps the air inside your car clean from contaminants, while an air filter keeps your engine free of dirt and debris. Both types of filters need to be replaced regularly to ensure the best performance.
Types of Cabin Air Filters
There are four types of cabin air filters you can choose from for your 2015 Toyota Corolla:
Particulate Filters
Particulate cabin air filters are the most basic type of filter available. They are generally made from paper or a thin fiber and work only to filter out physical debris. Very fine particles may still make their way through the filter, and it offers no protection against gasses.
Charcoal Filters
A charcoal filter is one of the most popular types of cabin air filters due to both its affordability and functionality. Not only does it prevent dirt, dust, and debris from entering the cabin’s airflow, it also absorbs microscopic contaminants and gaseous pollutants like exhaust fumes and smoke.
Activated Carbon Filters
An activated carbon filter typically combines both particulate and charcoal filters to harness the benefits of each technology in a single cabin air filter. Activated carbon is more efficient at absorbing gaseous pollutants than traditional charcoal through a process known as adsorption.
Electrostatic Filters
An electrostatic cabin air filter utilizes static electricity to trap particles and other pollutants before they can enter the inside of your vehicle. Not only do they provide superior protection against traditional contaminants, they also protect against spores, pollen, and bacteria.
Indicators That Your Cabin Air Filter Needs Changing
How do you know if you should replace the cabin air filter in your 2015 Toyota Corolla? Here are some indications it may need to be changed:
- The cabin air intake makes a whistling noise. This can be caused by the air intake system trying to pull air in through a much smaller opening due to a dirty or clogged cabin air filter.
- Your car’s heating or air conditioning has a musty or unpleasant odor coming from it. If your cabin filter is very dirty, you may be able to smell it coming through your vents when you turn on your heater or air conditioner.
- Reduced air flow. If you set your air conditioner or heater to high and the fan still doesn’t seem to be blowing enough air, this could be a result of air not being able to flow properly through your vehicle’s HVAC system.
- A rattling or banging noise when running your car’s air. If you hear odd noises coming from your vents when you turn on your air, this could be a sign that your vehicle is struggling to get enough air into the system to run properly.
What Kind of Cabin Air Filter Should You Choose?
Before you purchase a new cabin air filter for your vehicle, you should consider the following factors:
- The recommendations of your car’s manufacturer. Make sure the cabin filter replacement you choose aligns with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
- The material of the filter. Your cabin air filter is what keeps the air you breathe clean from pollution and contamination. Invest in your health with a quality filter made from durable materials.
- The price of the filter. While it’s important not to exceed your budget on a cabin filter, you should understand that generally, you get what you pay for and the least expensive filter is also likely to be the lowest quality.
Taking Care Of Your Car’s Cabin Filter
Most often, vehicle owners have their cabin air filters evaluated and replaced whenever they have their oil changed. The tech servicing your vehicle will typically check both your cabin and engine air filter to see if either need cleaning or replacing, depending on the filter type and its material.
They may show you the cabin filter with the dirt and particulates collected during its lifetime. They should make recommendations on replacing the old filter with a new one. You may also need to change your engine air filter at this time.
