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Bolivia, Sucre
1 Level
712 Review
38 Karma

Review on Premium Cabin Air Filter Performance Replacement Parts ... Engine Cooling & Climate Control by Cory Whitney

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Who likes to buy replacements?

I've been using reusable filters for a long time. To put it into simple math, most cabin air filters cost close to $20 and last about 20,000 or less, depending on the terrain you ride. If you had to buy more than 1 filter, it was already worth it. Will it filter the air in your car with a HEPA rating of 1/10 micron? No. But even if it did, it wouldn't matter. What people don't realize is that there are dozens of ways for air to get into your car through all sorts of little holes in gaskets, firewalls, etc. Most recirculation ducts don't even have seals, it's just a little plastic door that closes and you can feel about 5% of the outside air still being pulled into it. You will never achieve perfect air filtration in your car. They are simply trying to prevent large particles from venting from getting into your face. People notice a decrease in ventilation/exhaust performance because their filters are clogged. This filter is noticeably more open (easily visible through the pleats) and this allows much more air to flow through the vents. I thought I would have to replace the fan motor because the airflow was very weak before. Odor-causing molecules and particles are not filtered out; even a HEPA filter cannot filter out such fine odor particles. The odor filtering is done with activated carbon, which is contained in special air filters. The end result is a filter that captures dust and just about everything else? Yes. Will you feel more air flowing through your vents than ever before? Yes. Will you giggle to yourself if you see someone snatch a discarded $20 cabin air filter after you get it? Yes.Con - As others have pointed out and are definitely not lying, you will notice a slight transient odor from the oil. It reminds me of unpacking a new computer part from a package. This applies to all K&N filters and anything coated with oil. This lasted about a week before the air coming through the vents became fresh and odorless. The reason for the lubrication is that more open pleats allow more airflow with fewer restrictions. The oil is sprayed on it without opening it and makes it sticky by catching dust particles flying through. The decision point is to pay $20 for each replacement filter or live with the faint smell of oil every time you wash and spray it. The. The only real complaint is that I wish it was a dry flow air filter like the ones made by AEM. Simply wash and throw back without greasing. I wish K&N would keep up with the times but unfortunately AEM didn't make this cabin filter for my specific car so I stuck with K&N. Although the purchase does not disappoint at all. would recommend.

Pros
  • Don't waste too much time
Cons
  • 0