Different Types of Cabin Air Filters

Understanding the Different Types of Cabin Air Filters

Cabin air filters are the unsung heroes of your car, quietly working to keep the air you breathe clean and safe while driving. They block dust, pollen, and other pollutants from entering your vehicle's ventilation system. But did you know that different types of cabin air filters offer varying levels of filtration efficiency, with some even capable of removing odors? Continue reading to learn more about the different types of cabin air filters available and discover which one is best for your driving conditions.

Types of Cabin Air Filters

Particulate Filters

Particulate filters are the most common type of cabin air filter. They're made of a material similar to paper, which is great at catching fine dust, debris, and allergens from the air. Particulate filters typically remove between 90% and 99% of airborne particles ranging in size from 5-100 microns. A good example is FRAM Drive®. With up to 12 months of protection, this filter is a great choice for most driving conditions.

Activated Charcoal (Carbon) Cabin Air Filters

Activated charcoal, or carbon cabin air filters, offer an added level of filtration and odor elimination. The FRAM Fresh Breeze®, for instance, can block up to 98% of road dust and pollen particles from entering your vehicle. What's special about FRAM Fresh Breeze is its use of ARM & HAMMER™ baking soda and carbon in the filter media. This removes odors flowing through the ventilation system as well as harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide, maintaining the air inside your car fresh and safe. 

Electrostatic Cabin Air Filter

Electrostatic cabin air filters feature a specialized media with an electrostatically charged layer that attracts and captures a broad range of ultra-fine particles, such as cigarette smoke, ozone, and diesel carbon. This provides a significant advantage over traditional filters, which rely solely on the physical size of the filter mesh to block particles.

FRAM TrueAir® is a premium cabin air filter designed with dual-layered protection. The first layer captures 95% of airborne bacteria and viruses entering your vehicle's cabin, while the second layer filters out 99% of dirt, dust, pollen, and allergens. Using such high-quality filters regularly can extend the lifespan of your car's HVAC system by reducing strain and wear. With FRAM TrueAir®, you not only enjoy a fresher drive but also make a smart investment in the long-term health of your vehicle’s systems.

Carbon Cabin Air Filter vs. Regular Cabin Air Filter

Carbon cabin air filters offer enhanced filtration compared to regular filters. In addition to capturing dust and pollen, they are highly effective at removing odors and harmful gases, such as exhaust fumes, due to the presence of activated carbon. For this reason, carbon air filters like FRAM Fresh Breeze® are an excellent choice for drivers who frequently find themselves in heavy traffic or urban areas.

At FRAM, we rigorously test our products to ensure at least 95% filtration efficiency. Whether you need dust and pollen filtration, odor elimination, or the ability to eliminate ultra-fine particles, there's a FRAM cabin air filter that will meet your needs. Remember that filters must be changed regularly to maintain filtration and HVAC performance. Trust FRAM to deliver high-quality filters that meet the demands of today’s drivers.

Questions? We're here to help. Reach out the FRAM specialists for product and maintenance support.

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FRAM TrueAir™
Cabin Air Filter

FRAM Fresh Breeze®
Cabin Air Filter

FRAM Drive™
Cabin AIr Filter