Four in 10 UK drivers unaware of cabin air filters

Four in 10 drivers in the UK are unaware of cabin air filters, according to research conducted by eBay.

Cabin air filters are essential for blocking dust, allergens and pollutants from entering the cabin and should be changed at least once a year.

eBay said 35 per cent of drivers said they have never checked or replaced their cabin filter, although some may have had the part replaced by a workshop as part of a service.

Over half (54 per cent) of respondents to eBay’s survey said that they were not confident that they could change the filter, despite the job taking around 10 minutes on most cars.

Younger people were more likely to have checked or changed their cabin air filter, with 24 per cent of ‘millennials’ having done so in the past six months, compared with nine per cent of ‘baby boomers’.

Abir Tewari, UK director of commercial operations, parts and accessories at eBay, said: “Cabin air filters are a good example of how small, often overlooked parts can have a noticeable impact on everyday driving.

“While many motorists understand what these filters do, few feel confident taking action or realising the consequences of leaving them unchanged.

“As we head into spring, we encourage drivers to check and replace their cabin air filter to improve comfort in the vehicle.”