Part explained
Replacing the cabin (pollen) filter: interval, price and symptoms
The cabin filter — also called pollen or interior filter — is the part that makes the difference between fresh and stale air in the car. It often gets forgotten in routine service, while it's cheap and fits in fifteen minutes. This page explains when, why and how.
By the onderdelen.autos editorial team · Updated · About the editorial team
What does the cabin filter do?
The cabin filter sits in the ventilation system, usually behind the glove box or under the bonnet on the cabin side. All air entering the cabin via the blower or the air conditioning passes through it first. A standard pollen filter catches dust, pollen and insects. An activated-carbon filter (with a thin black layer on the outlet side) also absorbs odours and exhaust gases — particularly useful in city traffic and tunnels. A saturated filter restricts air flow and creates a musty or even mouldy smell.
Symptoms of a dirty cabin filter
- A musty, damp or sweet smell from the ventilation, especially when the air conditioning kicks in.
- Reduced air flow from the vents, even on fan setting three or four.
- Foggy windows that clear more slowly than they used to.
- Pollen-allergy symptoms in the car, even with the windows closed.
- Air conditioning cooling less well without a clear refrigerant cause.
When to replace
Indicatively every 15,000 – 20,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first — preferably in spring, ahead of the pollen season. A little more often if you do a lot of city driving or sit in traffic; on low mileage, annual replacement is still sensible because the filter stores moisture and organic material. The exact interval is in the owner's manual. A quick visual check (hold the filter up to the light) is enough when in doubt.
Typical interval: 15,000–20,000 km
What does a cabin filter cost?
A standard pollen filter typically runs € 10 – € 18. An activated-carbon filter is € 18 – € 35, and the price difference is worth it in city traffic or for allergy sufferers. OEM filters are roughly € 5 – € 10 dearer than comparable aftermarket. Workshop labour is usually negligible; many workshops don't bill much or any labour separately for this job, especially if they're already working on the dash. DIY is straightforward on most cars.
| Condition | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| New | € 10 | € 35 |
Compare inventory from Dutch sellers — standard and activated-carbon — and order directly from the seller.
DIY or workshop?
Difficulty: Easy
On most cars the filter sits behind the glove box: empty the box, squeeze in the side stops so it tips fully down, and you'll see a rectangular filter cover. Slide the old filter out, note the air-flow arrow, and slide the new filter in with the same orientation. Close the cover and reattach the glove box. Ten to fifteen minutes of work, no tools needed on most models. On French cars with the filter under the bonnet on the cabin side it's a touch more fiddly — check your owner's manual first.
- Phillips screwdriver (clips suffice on some models)
- Work gloves
- Optional: vacuum to clean out the filter housing
Frequently asked questions
How often does the cabin filter need replacing?
Indicatively every 15,000 – 20,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. On low mileage, annual replacement is still sensible because the filter stores moisture and organic material.
What's the difference between a pollen filter and an activated-carbon filter?
A standard pollen filter catches dust, pollen and insects. An activated-carbon filter has an extra carbon layer that also filters odours and exhaust gases — particularly useful in city traffic or for those affected by particulates.
What does a cabin filter cost?
Standard pollen filter € 10 – € 18; activated-carbon filter € 18 – € 35. OEM filters are usually € 5 – € 10 dearer than aftermarket. DIY replacement takes no more than fifteen minutes on most cars.
Why does my car smell musty despite a new filter?
A saturated filter stores moisture and grows mould in the ventilation duct. Replacement fixes the source, but the duct and the air-conditioning evaporator themselves can also be colonised. Air-conditioning disinfection (foam bomb or professional treatment) is the next step.
How do I know which filter fits my car?
The old filter carries a part number; search by licence plate or OEM number on onderdelen.autos and only fitting filters are shown. Decide whether you want a standard or activated-carbon filter — both fit mechanically.
Related parts
Cabin filters from Dutch stock
Sellers stocking pollen and activated-carbon filters are spread across the Netherlands — browse parts dealers and dismantlers by province or city.