NAPA filters -- New Quality Concern?

I've found some carbon infused air filters for air conditioners at a thrift store and used two layers of 'em and was disappointed. Was also bummed in the basic paper filter the car had in it when I bought car a year ago. You need carbon in your filter if you really want to filter the smells.

The one that worked the best and could make a cabin that filled with diesel fumes smell like fresh air in 20 seconds with the fan on high is the one I bought on ebay for $14 bucks (includes shipping). I've had enough with experimenting, I'm gonna stick with those from now on.

Here's the link to it if you're interested: 04 05 06 07 08 09 Toyota Prius Carbon Cabin Filter | eBay

 

Normally...I don't use my CAF, and there have been loooooooooooong and very nasty debates about this filter versus that one.
Usually these 'discussions' are data rich but fact poor.

If it were "my" car....I'd do about three things:

* Keep the $8 filter installed and get price quotes on an OEM replacement filter(s) online. You may want to see if some of the Gucci 'designer' companies make CAFs (K&N, Amsoil Ea, etc...) They won't be orders of magnitude better than the stock filter or the NAPA, but if you suffer from respiratory ailments they may be worth the extra cabbage (to you.)
If you don't want to wade through all of the daffy opinions....just stick with the OEM filters, especially with oil filters.
If you're like me and would rather ride with the window partially open?
Any CAF filter will do.
PS...some of the more militant hypermilers out there will probably (loudly) remind you that open windows reduce mileage. This is why some of them are the way that they are...because if you're not willing to open the windows every now and again you're better off just taking the bus.
One last thing about air filters. DO NOT use an oily piece of gauze in place of an (engine) air filter!! It won't make your car any faster...or any more efficient.
K&N sells them for about $50, and it's proof positive that PT Barnum was right.
If you have a 6.2 liter LS-9 motor?
Maybe.....

* See if there's a way on the upstream side of the cabin air intake to install a metal screen to (help) keep the little mieces out. Make sure that it's metal, or you'll just be providing them another plastic chew toy to play with.

* Get some glue traps or some hungry cats (or both.)
Me? I have both. The mieces that get past the cat get stuck in the trap. You can take a pair of pliers and pull them off and give them to the cat. (Sometimes their little feet will stay on the trap, but this doesn't seem to reduce its effectiveness )

Good Luck with the mieces and the filter!

 

I recently invested in one of the carbon filled cabin filters. I bought it from Toyota, however it can be had on Amazon for a few bucks less. It definitely makes a difference in the freshness of the air.

Sorry to hear about the critters, they can really be a pain.

Toyota Genuine Parts 87139-YZZ03 Cabin Air Filter : Amazon.com : Automotive

Ron

 

That's crazy talk... Or maybe you're a cigarette smoker and have convinced yourself clean air doesn't matter?

Fine particulate is the biggest cause of lung disease and is a significant cause of heart disease. Vehicle cabin air intakes are exposed to these particulates at a much greater level than any other exposure source because they are in the path of diesel exhaust on roads and highways. Especially at risk are the elderly, as well as young children who can very easily develop asthma. Do you ever give rides to kids or elders?

Also according to the EPA: "Even healthy people may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to an elevated level of particles. Symptoms may include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest tightness; and shortness of breath." Health Effects of Fine Particles and Smoke

 

As far as engine filters go, I change plenty of them. I remove aftermarket, junk filters all the time. I see fuzz coming off of air filters all of the time which is not something we want getting into an engine. I only use genuine Toyota air and oil filters on my customers cars. I guarantee you can't go wrong with them.

As far as cabin filters go, you can almost see through the genuine Toyota ones used on Prii. On those I see nothing wrong with aftermarket ones and can tell you from experience the charcoal ones are worth it. My understanding is that rodents do not like charcoal. If this is true, charcoal filters might help with your problem.

If I were you, I'd consider ordering them online and having them delivered to you.


Avi

 

I am glad to hear that you are recommending the charcoal filters. That makes me feel a lot better about my recent choice and purchase of the cabin filter that is being used in our Prius.

Ron

 

Prius Camper furnished you a link to a good quality filter for a very reasonable price. Activated Charcoal is well known for it's removal of odor's and impurites. However, in your case I suggest you buy the cheapest thing you can get.

FYI, Activated Charcoal does not have a smell. It does however drastically improve the air quality inside the cabin IMO. The filter that Prius Camper and I suggested utilizes Activated Charcoal. It is imbedded within the paper element of the filter.

Ron

 

It's sad when you must choose between dog, mice and charcoal scents. I prefer "none of the above".

Why not buy the Toyota filter from one of the dealers that sell online, then you don't have to drive to visit your local pirates. Since you do your own oil changes, I am sure you can think of filters and other items to place on the order to make the shipping charge worthwhile.

 

I love it... Someone gives you a way to discourage the mice and I give you a link to that way in a $14 price that will also protect the long term health of your lungs and keep the air in your car smelling fresh and clean and it's all rejected with a claim that your car will smell like a barbeque. Seriously?

Kinda reminds me of the thread where you decided not to install the simple metal screen in your air intake to keep mice out, or my suggestion of bringing a towel with you to dry off window condensation so you don't waste gas using your fan and A/C and you said no way because the towel in the car will attract mice.

You sure are good at making everyone who's trying to be helpful feel disrespected.... I think I'll refrain from participating in your threads from now on. It's not worth the effort.

Happy mice breeding... They'll love the smell of your dog... Maybe get a snake to feed all the mice too?

 

Is that laboratory or Labrador work?

Rubbing the filter on your Lab gave me a good laugh, thanks.

 

The procedure for installing a screen in the air intake seems pretty straight forward. Don't let fear of screwing up limit you, ever!

To be safe, find a friend who's good with cars and feed 'em Pizza and beer while they watch you do it yourself without needing help. That way they'll be impressed with you and if something does go wrong they'll be their to help out. Oh, and if you have a 'funny' response to me trying to be helpful again, please don't... I'm at the end of my rope!