More than 500.000 liters of air per hour flow into the vehicle via the ventilation and air conditioning system. Pollen, fine dust, and pollutants are captured by cabin air filters. (Photo: © kwangmoo/123RF.com)
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April 2026
Spring is here! And with it comes its constant companion: pollen. Drivers – especially those with allergies – should therefore ensure a good indoor climate in their vehicles.
Im Spring The world blooms in joyful colors, but the Pollen from trees, grasses or herbs Hay fever and other allergic reactions trigger. Drivers, especially those with allergies, should therefore pay close attention to clean air in the vehicle lay.
Because: About 500.000 liters of air per hour flow over Ventilation and air conditioning into the car – and with the incoming outside air, pollen, fine dust, or pollutants can enter the vehicle's interior. Cabin air filters are designed to trap such particles.
"To ensure truly good air quality in the vehicle, owners should pay attention to the following Filter selection pay attention and a regular maintenance "ensure," emphasizes Frank Schneider, Automotive engineering consultant in the TÜV AssociationAn exchange is advisable. once a year"That's what TÜV says," they added. Springtime, which coincides with pollen season, is a good time for this; otherwise, one should... at the latest after 15.000 to 20.000 kilometers driven. Replacement filters should be provided. The manufacturer's recommended inspection dates or a spring check are suitable for this purpose.
"Allergic reactions, which can lead to sneezing fits, watery eyes or coughing, can..." Impairing driving ability", Schneider emphasizes with regard to the Pollen poses a danger to allergy sufferers"That makes it all the more important for allergy sufferers to ensure their vehicles have functioning and efficient filters." Also the Parking lot location This is crucial. "Those who suffer from allergies should avoid parking their car under trees if possible," advises the expert. People with asthma should take particular care to keep the interior of their car as free of fine dust as possible.
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Usually are Car owners are responsible for the condition of their cabin air filters."Their inspection is not part of the main inspection," explains Schneider. The main inspection only checks the functionality of the ventilation systems to prevent fogged-up windows.
The filters are often installed behind or below the glove compartment, but they can also be located in the engine compartment near the windshield and occasionally under the dashboard. Schneider adds: "If the Cabin air filter near the windshield Drivers should ensure that the Air supply not obstructed by leaves or dirt becomes."
When changing cabin air filters, it's important to install them the right way round. Arrows on the filters usually indicate the direction the air should flow. "We recommend that the Have the replacement done by a workshop and use original parts from vehicle or filter manufacturers.", according to the TÜV expert.
The Performance of individual filter types It varies. TÜV examines the different options.
1️⃣ Basic variants: These use fiber or nonwoven material to keep the indoor air clean.Pollen, dust and larger particles will be held back"That is true, however," says Schneider. not for exhaust fumes"If you are being enveloped in smoke from the vehicle in front of you in stop-and-go traffic or driving through a busy tunnel, you should probably shut off the air supply."
This is what the recirculation switch is for, which shows a curved arrow in a vehicle silhouette. The existing air in the vehicle is then only recirculated, but no new air is supplied.
2️⃣ Activated carbon filter: These go a step further and can also Nitrogen oxides and the so-called VOCs – volatile organic compounds released by synthetic resins or adhesives – nowwhich can originate within the vehicle itself. "Especially in new vehicles, there can be stronger emissions," explains Schneider. "This is a particular risk at high temperatures in summer." Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the fresh air supply is functioning properly. Activated carbon filters hold to add to the rest unpleasant odors and gases are removed.
Incidentally, TÜV organizations can help determine possible pollutant emissions in the interior of vehicles by carrying out appropriate measurements.
3️⃣ HEPA filter: HEPA stands for "High Efficiency Particulate Air". This "premium class" of cabin air filters promises even Keeping bacteria and viruses out of the vehicle interior. Furthermore They reliably capture fine dustStandard cabin air filters are available from five to eight euros, while HEPA models can cost between 60 and 80 euros. "These are often only found as standard equipment in premium models," says Frank Schneider. "But retrofitting is usually straightforward."
Extra tip against odorsA small change in how you use the air conditioning can counteract odors that originate inside the vehicle. "You should Shortly before the end of the journey, switch off the air conditioning cooling, but leave the fan running."," reveals Schneider. One possible source of odor formation can be moisture on the evaporator of the air conditioner.
What happens if cabin air filters are neglected for maintenance? Mold growth or the colonization of bacteria These can be the consequences. "This is a risk if the cabin air filter is clogged or otherwise defective," warns TÜV expert Schneider. If the filter isn't changed for an extended period, it can become clogged and cause problems. Health hazards These are signs that indicate a filter change is necessary:
! ️ It smells musty: If a musty or moldy smell is noticeable in the vehicle, especially from the ventilation system, bacteria or mold may have formed.
! ️The windows are fogged up: If the windows fog up slightly, moist air can no longer be properly transported out of the interior.
‼️The ventilation is weak: If ventilation, air conditioning or heating no longer works at full power, one possible cause is that hardly any air can get through the clogged fleece.
‼️Occurrence of allergic reactions: If frequent sneezing fits, acute rhinitis or burning eyes occur in the vehicle, defective pollen filters may be the cause.
Recommendation from VDI and ZDKIn the joint Guideline VDI/ZDK 6032 recommend Association of German Engineers (VDI) and the Central Association of the German Motor Vehicle Industry (ZDK) in addition to the regular replacement of cabin air filters, also the Cleaning of the associated components, for example, the car's interior. "This is neglected by many drivers," says Schneider. Another tip from the expert: "Regularly cleaning the interior – especially seat covers and floor mats – can also reduce dust levels and thus improve air quality in vehicles."Source: TÜV Association e. V.
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