Cabin filter quality...........or lack thereof,

[dkryan]

I just changed the cabin filter in my wife's 2005 Toyota Highlander. I made the mistake of purchasing an over-priced STP cabin filter ($18) from AutoZone. Never again.

Compared to the Napa Gold cabin filter I removed, instead of using the STP filter, I probably would have been better off taping a Kleenex tissue across the filter holder.

From now on, I'll stick with Wix/Napa Gold or OEM.

 

[MarkC]

Good call.

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

Why not make your own? I cut mine from 3M furnace filter. $1.50 a pop. $6 for a big anti-allergen filter from Home Depot. Enough to make 4 for my Tacoma. Make sure it has wire backing, and use duct tape to cover sharp edges.

 

[rszappa1]

That is a great idea...Might try it for my Accord...

 

[mstrjon32]

I'm thinking I might do the environmentally responsible thing and replace the evaporator in my Cherokee this year. It doesn't have a cabin air filter, but maybe while I've got the whole dash out of the car I'll fashion one using one of those Home Depot filters. Thanks, Ursae_Majoris!

 

[The Critic]

Agree 100%.

I bought an "AirQualitee" branded cabin air filter for a Corolla from Kragen. The filter was of a very, very poor quality compared to the Toyota or NAPA Gold/Wix branded filter. The AirQualitee branded filter had half as many pleats and the filter media was thinner than wax paper.

Needless to say I returned it and bought the NAPA Gold filter instead.

 

[Dave Hess]

I order Wix from RockAuto and they are very low cost compared to what I would pay locally.

 

[stockrex]

comeon mate don't hold back how cheap is it at rockauto?

 

[ChiTDI]

drykan - I service the same vehicle and found Fram (of all people) to have a terrific cabin filter. Charcoal element and laced with Baking Soda for smell retention. $12 to $16 range.

A standard filter, but dirt cheap, is here:
http://www.logical-source.com/TOYOTA/2005/2005-TOYOTA-HIGHLANDER.html

 

[heathenbrewing]

Originally Posted By: Ursae_Majoris
Why not make your own? I cut mine from 3M furnace filter. $1.50 a pop. $6 for a big anti-allergen filter from Home Depot. Enough to make 4 for my Tacoma. Make sure it has wire backing, and use duct tape to cover sharp edges.


DIY for the win!

I do the same for my Scion. Mine came with a giant activated carbon "sponge" material as well, and I make a filter sandwhich w/ the carbon in the middle. Cut out the plastic grid to match the tray size and you have an easy, inexpensive filter.

 

[Jason8691]

I wonder how people survived all those years without $18 cabin filters?

 

[heathenbrewing]

Originally Posted By: Jason8691
I wonder how people survived all those years without $18 cabin filters?


Pull one out after a year and see how it looks...I wonder if they are responsible for the increase in the average lifespan!

One thing you will notice is your interior stays cleaner for a longer period od time.