Sneezing at the wheel? Your car's air filter probably needs changing

BERLIN: Fumes, soot, brake dust, tyre particles and pollen - these are all things you don't want to inhale when you're behind the wheel. And yet there's only so much your car's air filter can handle before it needs replacing.

To make sure your cabin air filter is doing its job, you need to change it regularly. If you don't feel up to the task (which is relatively simple), you should at least make sure the mechanics at your local workshop are checking it.

It's all the more relevant if you suffer from allergies when pollen levels are high. In this case, the best time to replace a filter is at the start of spring, before the pollen count rises.

A multi-layer filter will also stop soot particles, brake dust or tyre abrasion and only lets clean air through (not all air filters are equipped to filter out virus particles, however).

Over time, all filters will become clogged, making them less effective over time. Old, rotten filters can even cause mould spores, promting severe allergic reactions.

Old carbon filters meanwhile can become permeable to fumes, potentially leading to a shortness of breath in sensitive passengers like children.

Replace it yourself

So how often will it need replacing? Most industry estimates say around every year or two - or every 20,000 km. However this may vary depending on your allergies and whether you're driving on relatively clean and unpolluted roads.

At the very latest you should consider changing it when you find yourself sneezing often or notice engine smells.

You don't have to rely on your mechanic to replace it, however, and installing a new filter doesn't require much technical expertise.

Your car's cabin air filter is most likely located in the water tank between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment, in front of the cabin fan. The car's manual should give you a simple description of how to change it.

If you can, try to use an active carbon filter. It will probably be more expensive, but they're the better choice (not only for allergy sufferers) as they are better at filtering dust and pollen, as well as harmful exhaust fumes like nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

While you're at it, give the water tank a clean. Old leaves, debris and dirt will collect there over time and caln also contaminate the filter.

How to avoid sneezing at the whee

Don't forget to keep the windows and sunroof closed, as the filter won't do much if air still finds a way in. Drivers with allergies should also avoid parking under trees because of the falling pollen they can produce.

If you need to air out a car that has been parked in the sun, first open all the doors and let the interior ventilate for one to two minutes, before turning on the air conditioning when you have closed all the doors.

To avoid bringing any pollen into the car, you may also want to take off your jacket or any outer layers of clothing and store them in the boot.

When taking allergy medications, drivers should always pay close attention to potential side effects, since over-the-counter products can influence reaction times and alertness.

And what happens if you still sneeze at the wheel?

Safety experts at the German inspection agency Tuv advise pulling over as soon you notice your nose tingling and only resuming driving once symptoms have improved.

If all precautions fail, drivers can try stopping a sneeze by exhaling through the nose, while carefully slowing down and keeping both hands on the steering wheel.