How Much Does Pollen Filter Replacement Cost?

How much it will cost to replace a pollen filter, according to our research, will depend on several factors. This includes the make and model of your car and the garage that you take it to for the work. You may also consider changing the pollen filter yourself, which can be a way to save on labour costs. 

Is It Possible to Replace the Pollen Filter Myself?

If you know where to look, you can usually easily change a pollen filter by yourself. They are usually held in place by clips and can be accessed without any tools, although you may need to use a screwdriver if your pollen filter has been in place for a long time. 

What Other Factors Could Affect a Pollen Filter Replacement?

The cost of replacing a pollen filter may vary depending on the make and model of your car, where you get the work done, and your location. You should also consider that there might be additional issues discovered during the replacement that could impact the price. 

How Much Do Pollen Filter Replacement Parts Cost?

Luckily, pollen filters are cheap and there is only usually one part needed for this replacement – the pollen filter itself. A standard pollen filter will usually cost you about £10 for the part alone, or around £20 if you need a carbon filter. 

How Much Does Labour Cost For Pollen Filter Replacement?

If you take your car to a mechanic to get the pollen filter changed, the labour rates can vary depending on where you go. Prices vary based on location, the type of service offered, and the demand in the local area. Luckily, this is not a very expensive procedure and for a straightforward pollen filter replacement, you can usually expect to pay no more than £100 for the labour and parts included. 

How Long Does it Take to Repair or Replace a Pollen Filter?

Most of the time, replacing the pollen filter can be done during your regular service. Most car manufacturers recommend taking your vehicle for a service at least once per year, or after a certain number of miles depending on which comes first. Replacing the pollen filter is typically a quick job that you can wait for the mechanic to perform. 

Can I Drive if the Pollen Filter is Broken or Faulty?

You can drive safely with a broken or faulty pollen filter, however, bear in mind that the longer you leave it before getting it cleaned, repaired, or replaced, the air quality in your car is not going to be great. You may notice that the cabin is stuffier than usual, especially during the spring and summer months when there is a higher pollen count. You may also notice a bad odour in the car, so it might be necessary to open the windows while driving. 

If the Pollen Filter isn’t Broken, What Else Could Be the Problem?

Most car manufacturers recommend that you change your pollen filter every 1-2 years, or every 12-20k miles depending on which comes first. If you drive in a city or town a lot, then the filter will probably trap more dirt, which could mean that it needs replacing sooner. However, if you have recently had your pollen filter cleaned or replaced and have noticed poor air quality in your car, there might be some other problems that are causing the issue. 

If you have noticed that your car is stuffy even though the pollen filter has recently been cleaned or replaced, this could be a sign of an issue with your air conditioning. It might be worth checking if your air conditioning needs re-gassing – if there is not enough gas, then the system may simply blow warm, stuffy air into your car instead. You may have problems with the air conditioning condenser in your car if you have noticed the system overheating, lukewarm instead of cold air from the vents, or a burning smell coming from the vents. 

What Are Some Signs My Pollen Filter Needs Repairing or Replacing?

The main job of the pollen filter is to prevent dirty air from entering the car. However, if the air ventilation system isn’t performing as it should, it might be a sign that your pollen filter is broken or faulty. Over time, debris, dust, grime, and even insects can accumulate over the pollen filter and cause it to not work as effectively. Like all filters, your pollen filter will need cleaning from time to time to prevent this build-up. However, a pollen filter replacement might be inevitable if the build-up is too much to clean. 

What Happens When the Pollen Filter is Replaced?

A pollen filter replacement is typically a simple and straightforward job for your mechanic to execute and will usually be done as a part of your car’s regular service. The mechanic simply unclips the old filter and replaces it with a new one. The pollen air filter is usually found either in the cabin or the engine compartment and is made of electrostatic paper that collects pollen, debris, and dirt to prevent these from entering the car. Some newer cars use carbon filters rather than electrostatic paper, which will also prevent any fungus or unpleasant odours from entering the car. 

How to Repair or Replace the Pollen Filter Myself?

In most modern cars, you can find the pollen filter under the bonnet, inside a cold air collector box that is located at the front of the engine compartment. It will have a large air inlet duct or air intake hose attached to it. Start by loosening the clamp of the hose sealing it to the box and then undo any clamps, clips, screws, or wing nuts that hold the lid of the box in place. Open the box, and you should find the air filter. You can tell if it needs to be replaced by holding it up to a light – if you can’t see the light through it, you should probably replace it. You can also try cleaning it first with an air hose or vacuum to suck any dirt out. Otherwise, simply clip a new filter into place and replace the lid on the box, before reattaching the air intake hose. 

About Fixter

Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.