Air quality in Bangkok from December through February worsens on days when high atmospheric pressure weakens and winds are calm, making the city seem trapped in toxic dust. This reaches levels harmful to health, posing risks to drivers and passengers on the roads. According to the Global Traffic Scorecard by INRIX, Bangkok drivers spend as much as 64.1 hours stuck in traffic. The city ranks 12th globally among the most congested. Replacing car air filters or air-conditioning filters is often overlooked by drivers, unlike battery changes which clearly affect vehicle performance. However, dirty or degraded air filters can increase in-car air pollution by up to six times since pollutants entering the cabin circulate continuously, causing passengers to breathe impure air.
PM2.5 pollution, consisting of particles 2.5 microns or smaller, poses health risks because these pollutants can enter the cardiovascular system. Choosing a high-quality air filter that prevents such pollutants from entering the vehicle interior is important. Regular replacement of air filters is necessary to maintain optimal air filtration efficiency.
PM2.5 dust, air pollution, CO2, and prolonged time spent in traffic congestion expose drivers to health risks. In major Thai cities, traffic congestion increases time spent in vehicles, raising pollutant exposure above normal levels. Air-conditioning filters help make in-cabin air up to six times cleaner compared to outside air.
Car cabin air filters trap dust, pollen, and various pollutants entering through the HVAC system to improve air quality and air conditioner efficiency. Typically located behind the dashboard or glove compartment, these filters must be replaced regularly—annually or every 12,000 kilometers, or sooner if clogged—to prevent unpleasant odors and maintain airflow. Options range from basic particle filters to activated carbon filters that trap toxic dust.
Using genuine, high-quality air filters helps keep the air inside car cabins cleaner. To effectively block external pollutants, air filters should be replaced every 15,000 kilometers or once a year.
Traffic congestion and toxic pollution in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, are increasing. Drivers and passengers inevitably face pollution on the roads. Air filters should be replaced every 15,000 kilometers or annually, or sooner if unpleasant odors are detected inside the vehicle.
Most vehicles come equipped with air filters designed to trap and prevent small pollutants from entering the cabin. However, air filters vary in quality and fiber density, which indicate their effectiveness in capturing airborne pollutants, especially PM2.5 particles exceeding safety standards.
After some use, air filters become clogged with dust and pollutants and must be replaced. Clogged filters hinder airflow into the cabin, forcing the air conditioning system to work harder to cool the interior, consuming excess energy and fuel. Worse, pollutants can bypass clogged filters into the cabin, reducing the filter's effectiveness. Vacuuming or continuing to use clogged filters is ineffective at removing trapped dust and may further reduce pollutant capture efficiency.