How are Hastings' cabin air filters? AFC1228

[tommygunn]

Hastings seems to be the cheapest name-brand cabin filter for my car, since its cabin filter is a 2-piece design (and each piece has two panels, so it's like having four filters in all!)

I know that unlike the usually US-made oil filters, most air filters are made in third-world countries. Is that the case with Hastings? In particular, part #AFC1228

Of course there is a parts master filter for about half of that price.

 

[dparm]

Amsoil re-sells them under their own name, if that's any indication of the quality. They are the same as Baldwin and are a decent filter. Top-of-the-line? No.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Cabin filter isn't importance at all, remember that about 20+ years ago virtually no vehicle had it and no one suffered at real health hazard. I would not pay more money for "top-of-the-line" cabin filter, but I wouldn't pay for definitely inferior filter either, I rather cut up the good quality furnace filter to size that fits.

 

[tommygunn]

The Parts master is likely on par with Napa Proselect, right?

 

[TrevorS]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Cabin filter isn't importance at all, remember that about 20+ years ago virtually no vehicle had it and no one suffered at real health hazard. I would not pay more money for "top-of-the-line" cabin filter, but I wouldn't pay for definitely inferior filter either, I rather cut up the good quality furnace filter to size that fits.


They've found that the air in homes and vehicles is worse than the outside air due to it being stagnant and also the plastic chemicals in vehicles.

So you need to have fresh air coming in. However, air quality on busy roads is going to be poor also.

Therefore, I think cabin air filters are important. The best design are filters that filter regardless of recirculating setting. When there are no vehicles around I draw in fresh air and change to recirculation when in moderate traffic.

The furnace filter idea is good if you can seal the filter. Furnace filters have more data on effectiveness and you could buy a $20 top of the line 3M and get the best filtering for less than probably all replacement cabin filters.

 

[dparm]

Is it an activated charcoal one? Those can actually help remove pollutants and smells.

 

[rrounds]

I just wash mine, dry it out and reuse it. But I drive a convertible and the top is down most of the time. LOL

ROD

 

[tommygunn]

Originally Posted By: dparm
Is it an activated charcoal one? Those can actually help remove pollutants and smells.


Yes, it is charcoal. Hastings' flyer lists charcoal-impregnated media

Also, Wix 24895 is charcoal too

 

[artificialist]

People might not have suffered ill effects from not having cabin air filters, but the cabin filter removes odors which may not be harmful, but are annoying.

That is what I have experienced.

 

[Kira]

Hello to all,
Charcoal filters will work to a point. I firmly believe the charcoal is quickly laden with all the scuz it can absorb.

I read that cabin filters' jobs include protecting A/C components. Keeping acidic pine needles away from aluminum evaporators is their most nobel task.

I too looked at 3M's highest quality home HVAC filter media and thought that the edges of a cut section would be too flimsy to shove into my filter's slot. I'll look again.

INTERESTING APPLICATION DEPT.: In Saab 9-5's there's a cabin air filter; appx. 7" X 12" X 2".
I changed one FOR THE FIRST TIME and saw there's a big sewn cloth "pillow" of charcoal (equal in size to the filter) as factory equipment.
When you install a new cabin filter there's a gap forward of it.
I concluded it's there to absorb any and all odors a car can encounter before delivery.
I also assumed that the big bag of charcoal was capable of absorbing the smells common to flooding. Cars in transport and storage are susceptible to flooding.
I also assume that "eau d' new car smell" can be added to that pillow.

Waddayouthink? Kira

 

[JustinH]

So my filter is under ten dollars.

I replace it every two years, and it needs to be changed even more often than that.

Lately I have been using the Arm and Hammer Fram filters from walmart.

 

[DBMaster]

Originally Posted By: dparm
Is it an activated charcoal one? Those can actually help remove pollutants and smells.


I put in an ATP activate charcoal filter that cost about 50% more than the standard variety. Since I am not measuring PPM of pollutants I can't say authoritatively if it's removing anything more, but I can still smell diesel fumes and skunk aromas quite strongly.

So, I doubt I'll be spending the extra money again.

 

[JustinH]

Same deal with the arm and hammer filter, I smell nothing different in the cabin of the car.

 

[Revving2Redline]

I used Napa Select cabin but just bought a KN cabin filter. I cant wait to get the sticker. Maybe my car will run 10's. I will post my results from this cabin filter.