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Common problems with pollen filters (and how to make them last)

Common problems with pollen filters (and how to make them last)

Dan is an experienced motoring journalist who has more than 20 years of experience. He has been the editor of titles such as Fast Ford and Redline, and his latest project was converting an old Renault Trafic into a family campervan.

Replacing the filter is just a matter of swapping the old for the new, so it's not common for them to give any problems. It's good practice to dust, or vac out the area where the filter sits to ensure there's no dirt in the area. 

If your filter is beneath the windscreen it's very important however that you replace any cover correctly so that the waterproof seal remains intact. 

If the filter gets wet it will quickly become mouldy and the car will smell damp, and it could even lead to water leaking into the car itself and soaking the carpets. 

So take your time, and make sure any seal is in good order before you replace it.

What tools do you need to change a pollen filter?

A lot of pollen filters can be accessed without any tools - often they are held in place by clips. 

You may have to employ the services of a screwdriver, but they are invariably simple to remove and replace - once you've located them that is! 

Discover how to replace the pollen filter on your car!

Common problems with pollen filters (and how to make them last)

How to make your pollen filter last longer

As it's not a safety critical component it won’t cause any serious issues even if you never replace it - but you could find that the interior becomes smelly, particularly when you use the air con. 

Replacing the filter, and using a good quality air-conditioning system cleaner can often rectify this. 

How long should a pollen filter last?

You'll find that most manufacturers recommend they're swapped for fresh new ones every 12-20K miles, or every 1-2 years whichever comes first. 

If you do a lot of town driving it will probably surprise you just how much dirt the filter traps, and if you don’t know if it needs replacing it's not a bad idea to identify where yours is and check its condition. Unless it's clean and looks recent, swap it for a new one.

How much does it cost to replace a pollen filter yourself?

Luckily pollen filters are cheap, with the majority costing about £10. A carbon filter may cost twice that - but they are still cheap considering their effectiveness. 

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