Do in-car air purifiers work?

karanddd · 30th October 2021, 14:20

The air in Indian cities is hazardous to breathe. Do the in-car air purifiers offered in the likes of the Kia cars (and now many others presumably) do much to alleviate the effects of air pollution? Could any experts weigh in regarding whether the air purifiers actually work, i.e. manage to achieve a reduction in PM levels of in-cabin air? Should an air purifier be a priority that a car buyer ought to consider?

J4J · 30th October 2021, 14:56

I use air purifier inside my house. For effective purification, it requires a closed space.

There are two options for a car.

Additional air purifier fixed separately.
Using a PM 2.5 air filter instead of the ordinary air filter.

My personal choice would be the second one as it works out to be much cheaper. In all air purifiers, its just a fan placed after a HEPA filter.

Every air purifier takes time (10-15 mins) to bring down the PM 2.5 level. If your drives are short, it may not bring down the levels. For longer rides, it may, provided you keep the windows and doors closed most of the time. Due to this very reason, effectiveness of air purifiers may be subjective depending on the user.

For a car, air purifier is not a priority feature for me. The surrounding areas where I get in and out are polluted. Just a 10-15 min ride in clean air won't be useful for me. Instead, I would prefer investing more on my 8 hours of sleep with a good air purifier.

cryptarchy · 30th October 2021, 15:13

Doesn't car's air conditioner filter outside air? I keep the windows closed at all times and use the AC in recirculating mode if in traffic and in fresh air mode otherwise.

ramnaresh_2000 · 31st October 2021, 22:47

Yes they work. I have been using Blaupunkt car air purifier from 1 year now. It requires filter change periodically and the condition of old filter is enough to convince me. Unfortunately I do not have comparison photo of old vs new filter. Hyundai/Kia are offering them from long time in their Creta/Seltos twins, Kia Carnival, Sonet and MG ZS EV also get them. I would suggest Phillips, Honeywell or Blaupunkt only and not those cheap alternatives on Amazon which are actually harmful.

Mr. Nobody · 1st November 2021, 12:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by cryptarchy

Doesn't car's air conditioner filter outside air? I keep the windows closed at all times and use the AC in recirculating mode if in traffic and in fresh air mode otherwise.

The PM 2.5 particles need a better HEPA filter as they go through the ordinary paper filters unhindered.

VW2010 · 1st November 2021, 12:36

Quote:

Could any experts weigh in regarding whether the air purifiers actually work, i.e. manage to achieve a reduction in PM levels of in-cabin air? Should an air purifier be a priority that a car buyer ought to consider?

We skip airbags and are ok to buy cars with a 0-star rating as long as they have comfort features or brag features. I am not sure what is a priority of others but I prefer safety to be on the top of the list and air quality will probably be on the bonus list of priorities(which is the last item on my priority list)

Is it a priority - No
Is it good to have - Yes
Are they effective - Debatable

RohaNN_kWh · 1st November 2021, 13:50

It does work and is effective as well !!

Once we had our sunroof open and a bus ahead of us passed above sand/construction material on the road and we has a bunch of dust all over the car, we immediately closed the roof, I could see the air purifier sucking inn the particles thanks to the sunlight, it sensed an increase in AQI and switched from normal to turbo mode almost instantly.

RD150 · 10th November 2021, 13:31

Do they work - Not sure, maybe reviewers can come up with some experiments which can validate it's effectiveness.
Shoud it be a deciding factor - Big NO.
Features which add to comfort or convenience can be deciding factors. But features like air filter, air purifier are just good to have features. We never know if they are actually working or just a gimmick.

Venky03 · 11th November 2021, 11:43

So, I've made my own PM2.5 monitor; if someone in Mumbai/Thane region with an air purifier in their car may be interested in running some tests we can do so and publish the results here.

prajwalmr62 · 12th November 2021, 12:28

I have one in my car, and honest to gods, I have no clue what it does apart from eating up one cup holder.

N.A.GTC · 2nd November 2023, 13:32

Hello!

It's that time of the year - it's difficult to breathe outside. Looking to buy a reliable & effective air purifier for car. Any recommendations?

A quick search on Amazon shows me multiple brands, most of which appear to be Chinese with only minor differences among themselves. All of them have very mixed review. One review gave the product 4 stars but said it is not effective in Delhi's air (then why four stars??).

I much rather prefer the feedback of people here at Team BHP. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Mortis · 3rd November 2023, 01:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by N.A.GTC

Hello!

It's that time of the year - it's difficult to breathe outside. Looking to buy a reliable & effective air purifier for car. Any recommendations?

A quick search on Amazon shows me multiple brands, most of which appear to be Chinese with only minor differences among themselves. All of them have very mixed review. One review gave the product 4 stars but said it is not effective in Delhi's air (then why four stars??).

I much rather prefer the feedback of people here at Team BHP. Any guidance would be appreciated.

I would suggest that you buy whichever one you can buy replacement filters for as that is the crucial for effective operation and longevity

amitayu · 3rd November 2023, 14:53

Facing a similar predicament in Delhi.

Planning to go scouting to Lajpat Nagar car accesories market to check which ones have the best after sales service.

Few pointers I have decided on:

A. Not interested in Ionizer/Ozone etc. Most of the time they are mumbo-jumbo. They risk doing more harm than good.
B. HEPA filter is a must. Nothing short of HEPA filter will work.
C. Any USB powered filter will not have the power to pump in-out enough air to clear the whole car. NOt sure even the 12Volt power outlet can power a sufficiently powerful fan, but still willing to take chances.

Happy to have more suggestions.

werfish · 31st January 2024, 12:03

Hello,
I have been off late getting dry eyes when i drive long distances, is there any humidifier available for car's.

Naetik30 · 31st January 2024, 12:47

Yes they work. I have an air purifier built in in my Hyundai Alcazar and the AQI values are displayed all the time.

It is so easy to see the AQI values go right up as soon as I open the door in a dusty place. And then great to see the purifier reduce it back to single digits in a few minutes once the doors are closed.

30th October 2021, 14:20	#1
karanddd BHPian Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Delhi Posts: 269 Thanked: 1,683 Times	Do in-car air purifiers work? The air in Indian cities is hazardous to breathe. Do the in-car air purifiers offered in the likes of the Kia cars (and now many others presumably) do much to alleviate the effects of air pollution? Could any experts weigh in regarding whether the air purifiers actually work, i.e. manage to achieve a reduction in PM levels of in-cabin air? Should an air purifier be a priority that a car buyer ought to consider?
	(3) Thanks

30th October 2021, 14:56	#2
J4J BHPian Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: New Delhi Posts: 76 Thanked: 359 Times	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? I use air purifier inside my house. For effective purification, it requires a closed space. There are two options for a car. Additional air purifier fixed separately. Using a PM 2.5 air filter instead of the ordinary air filter. My personal choice would be the second one as it works out to be much cheaper. In all air purifiers, its just a fan placed after a HEPA filter. Every air purifier takes time (10-15 mins) to bring down the PM 2.5 level. If your drives are short, it may not bring down the levels. For longer rides, it may, provided you keep the windows and doors closed most of the time. Due to this very reason, effectiveness of air purifiers may be subjective depending on the user. For a car, air purifier is not a priority feature for me. The surrounding areas where I get in and out are polluted. Just a 10-15 min ride in clean air won't be useful for me. Instead, I would prefer investing more on my 8 hours of sleep with a good air purifier. Last edited by J4J : 30th October 2021 at 15:09.
	(10) Thanks

30th October 2021, 15:13	#3
cryptarchy BHPian Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Delhi Posts: 130 Thanked: 413 Times	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? Doesn't car's air conditioner filter outside air? I keep the windows closed at all times and use the AC in recirculating mode if in traffic and in fresh air mode otherwise.
	(2) Thanks

31st October 2021, 22:47	#4
ramnaresh_2000 BHPian Join Date: May 2017 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 792 Thanked: 2,830 Times View My Garage	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? Yes they work. I have been using Blaupunkt car air purifier from 1 year now. It requires filter change periodically and the condition of old filter is enough to convince me. Unfortunately I do not have comparison photo of old vs new filter. Hyundai/Kia are offering them from long time in their Creta/Seltos twins, Kia Carnival, Sonet and MG ZS EV also get them. I would suggest Phillips, Honeywell or Blaupunkt only and not those cheap alternatives on Amazon which are actually harmful.
	(2) Thanks

1st November 2021, 13:50	#7
RohaNN_kWh BHPian Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: New Delhi Posts: 88 Thanked: 379 Times	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? It does work and is effective as well !! Once we had our sunroof open and a bus ahead of us passed above sand/construction material on the road and we has a bunch of dust all over the car, we immediately closed the roof, I could see the air purifier sucking inn the particles thanks to the sunlight, it sensed an increase in AQI and switched from normal to turbo mode almost instantly.
	(3) Thanks

10th November 2021, 13:31	#8
RD150 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Pune Posts: 208 Thanked: 620 Times	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? Do they work - Not sure, maybe reviewers can come up with some experiments which can validate it's effectiveness. Shoud it be a deciding factor - Big NO. Features which add to comfort or convenience can be deciding factors. But features like air filter, air purifier are just good to have features. We never know if they are actually working or just a gimmick.
	(1) Thanks

11th November 2021, 11:43	#9
Venky03 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Mumbai Posts: 213 Thanked: 1,602 Times	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? So, I've made my own PM2.5 monitor; if someone in Mumbai/Thane region with an air purifier in their car may be interested in running some tests we can do so and publish the results here.
	(2) Thanks

12th November 2021, 12:28	#10
prajwalmr62 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Sagara Posts: 240 Thanked: 1,168 Times	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? I have one in my car, and honest to gods, I have no clue what it does apart from eating up one cup holder.
	(2) Thanks

2nd November 2023, 13:32	#11
N.A.GTC BHPian Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: New Delhi Posts: 242 Thanked: 694 Times	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? Hello! It's that time of the year - it's difficult to breathe outside. Looking to buy a reliable & effective air purifier for car. Any recommendations? A quick search on Amazon shows me multiple brands, most of which appear to be Chinese with only minor differences among themselves. All of them have very mixed review. One review gave the product 4 stars but said it is not effective in Delhi's air (then why four stars??). I much rather prefer the feedback of people here at Team BHP. Any guidance would be appreciated.
	() Thanks

3rd November 2023, 14:53	#13
amitayu BHPian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Kolkata Posts: 416 Thanked: 504 Times	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? Facing a similar predicament in Delhi. Planning to go scouting to Lajpat Nagar car accesories market to check which ones have the best after sales service. Few pointers I have decided on: A. Not interested in Ionizer/Ozone etc. Most of the time they are mumbo-jumbo. They risk doing more harm than good. B. HEPA filter is a must. Nothing short of HEPA filter will work. C. Any USB powered filter will not have the power to pump in-out enough air to clear the whole car. NOt sure even the 12Volt power outlet can power a sufficiently powerful fan, but still willing to take chances. Happy to have more suggestions.
	() Thanks

31st January 2024, 12:03	#14
werfish BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 177 Thanked: 140 Times	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? Hello, I have been off late getting dry eyes when i drive long distances, is there any humidifier available for car's.
	() Thanks

31st January 2024, 12:47	#15
Naetik30 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Bangalore Posts: 328 Thanked: 1,215 Times	Re: Do in-car air purifiers work? Yes they work. I have an air purifier built in in my Hyundai Alcazar and the AQI values are displayed all the time. It is so easy to see the AQI values go right up as soon as I open the door in a dusty place. And then great to see the purifier reduce it back to single digits in a few minutes once the doors are closed.
	() Thanks