Hay fever season is upon us now, and the last place you’d want a case of the sniffles is behind the wheel. Pollen filters (also known as cabin filters) help prevent pollen from entering your car, and therefore your nose, via your air-con. However, like almost any filter, pollen filters are serviceable parts and will eventually become clogged and need replacing.
We’ve found the best pollen filters that will fit some of the best-selling cars to take the stress out of the task. We’ve also made a guide to finding the correct pollen filter for pretty much any car so can find a pollen filter that is guaranteed to fit.
Original MANN-FILTER Interior Filter CUK 2436
Price: £19.35 | VIEW OFFER
Fits: Ford Fiesta
This active charcoal pollen filter will not only remove odours and particulates from entering the cabin, but it’ll also absorb nasty gases. It fits most modern small Fords, including the Fiesta and Puma.
Original MANN-FILTER Interior Filter CUK 2243
Price: £21.04 | VIEW OFFER
Fits: Vauxhall Corsa E
The newly launched Vauxhall Corsa F doesn’t yet have any pollen filters available, so we’ve looked at its equally popular predecessor the Corsa E. This active charcoal filter will filter out nasty contaminants and should fit any variant of the Corsa E.
Original MANN-FILTER Interior Filter CUK 25 003
Price: £18.95 | VIEW OFFER
Fits: Nissan Qashqai
This active charcoal filter is designed for the Nissan Qashqai that’s just been replaced. It also fits a number of other cars, including the Renault Megane and Renault Kadjar.
Original MANN-FILTER Cabin Filter
Price: £76.99 | VIEW OFFER
Fits: Mercedes A-CL
This filter fits the current Mercedes A-Class and will remove nasty particles and odours from the air.
Febi Bilstein 106915 Cabin Filter
Price: £21.19 | VIEW OFFER
Fits: Volvo XC40
This excellently made cabin filter fits the Volvo XC40.
Bosch M2224 Cabin Filter Standard
Price: £12.87 | VIEW OFFER
Fits: Kia Niro
This filter is designed to fit the Kia Niro, as well as other Hyundai and Kia models.
Original MANN-FILTER Interior Filter CUK 26 009
Price: £17.22 | VIEW OFFER
Fits: VW T-Roc
This pollen filter fits a VW T-Roc and a whole host of other VW models. It also covers some smaller Seats and Audis.
MANN-FILTER Cabin Filter
Price: £12.54 | VIEW OFFER
Fits: VW Tiguan
This filter is designed to fit the VW Tiguan, among other larger VWs.
Crosland Cabin Filter
Price: £20.49 | VIEW OFFER
Fits: Ford Kuga
This pollen filter fits the Ford Kuga.
MANN-FILTER Cabin Filter
Price: £21.72 | VIEW OFFER
Fits: Ford Focus
This pollen filter fits the current Ford Focus.
How to find a pollen filter that fits your car:
Amazon Garage is a handy feature that allows you to add your own cars so Amazon will only show you car parts that fit them specifically. This not only works for pollen filters but also for windscreen wipers, bulbs and even some spare parts.
It’s important to note that Amazon doesn’t stock pollen filters for every vehicle, but most modern cars should be covered.
What else you need to know about pollen filters:
Are all pollen filters the same?
No. The biggest difference between pollen filters is their size and shape. Not only does this vary from brand to brand and model to model, but even different variants of a model. This is why it’s so important to know the exact specification of your car before going shopping.
The construction of the pollen filter is also worth examining:
Charcoal filter – These filters are designed to filter out nasty particles. The charcoal will remove horrible odours.
Activated charcoal filter – These work the same basic way as charcoal filters, but also make use of active charcoal, too. This charcoal absorbs harmful gases, like carbon monoxide.
Particulate cabin filter – These are able to capture the smallest of particulates ensuring that nothing but fresh air reaches the occupants.
How often should I change my pollen filter?
Most manufacturers recommend changing your pollen filter either once a year or every 12,000-15,000 miles. This will usually be undertaken by your garage when your car is being serviced.
If not, you’ll know when your filter is becoming blocked. You’ll notice that your air-con is running louder and the air doesn’t smell as fresh as it once did. If so, it’s time to replace your pollen filter.
How do I change my pollen filter?
One: Find in your car’s handbook where your pollen filter is located.
Two: It will usually be behind a plastic panel somewhere in the interior. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws fastening the panel in place and take off the panel.
Three: The old filter should simply slide out. Make sure to have a bag to place it in to avoid dust from being strewn all over your interior.
Four: Make sure your new filter matches your old one and insert it. Reattach the panel and you’re good to go.
How can I make my pollen filter last longer?
There isn’t really much you can do to make your pollen filter last longer aside from using your car less. Driving your car off-road will expose your pollen filter to more dirt and dust and speed up wear, but not much more than driving your car through a city centre.
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