DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter!

fredfreedom · Post by **fredfreedom** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 6:33 pm

I know it was discussed already but I wan't to share my own experience!I went to my dealer last week to do my oil change and they ask me if I want to change my cabin air filter because it was really dirty (read deep dark grey couloured, yuck!) after 25000km (15000mi). They wan't to charge me 64,95$CAD for a 8"x8" filter.So 64,95$CAD + tx = 74,01$CAD for one filterBuy the greatest quality of 3M Filtrete in special at Canadian Tire this week http://www.canadiantire.ca/(removed)...70882 for 18,74$CAD + tx = 21,35$CAD for 6 filters so it's only 3,56$CAD per filterSo you save an incredible 70,45$CAD per filter!It's the same price for each dimension of 3M filter, so I strongly recommend the 16"x25". And if you're really lucky, (like me!) you'll find a 16"x24" filter for the same price that you could cut in exactly 6 pieces! You'll be able to do 6 filters instead of 4 with a 16"x20" filter for the same price.To do this you'll need:- 1 3M Filtrete maximum 1500 16"x25" or 16"x24" furnace filter- 1 pair of scissors that can cut metal- 1 felt-tip pen- 1 long rule or 1 measure-tapeand a little bit of patience! First of all, you take your measurements.Then you draw a line on both side of the filter.You cut wires at the junction of both wires (where they form an X), so it'll be more safe and easier to insert in the compartment for the filter.After, you remove the metal part that you cut, you cut the cardboard of the filter to remove some extra cardboard at the top of them for a better filtration and you cut the filter itself in 6 pieces.You install one in your car, and you store the 5 others for a future use!With the money you save, you could sit and have a coffee, or a beer if you prefer, to congrats yourself for your good work! Then, after your coffee or beer, with the extra cash, you'll be able to do some other mods to your Vibe!Sorry, I have no pics for now, because I don't have a numeric camera. If I could borrow one, I'll post some pictures in the future.

binary · Post by **binary** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 12:15 am

That's good info... that's pretty slick if it holds up in the air box.Numeric camera... lol

fredfreedom · Post by **fredfreedom** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 6:53 pm

It fit's in the air box perfectly!As soon as I get a numeric camera, I'll post some pics!Fred

fredfreedom · Post by **fredfreedom** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 7:18 pm

As promised!In the last Montreal meet, I replaced two air filter by mine and, thanks to Sam (ArcsVibe), you can see the before and after result. All of them hold in the box perfectly!I don't need to explain which one is the before, and which one is the after!

mixer · Post by **mixer** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:17 am

Very good info, I did use a different brand though and it works great. I was shocked when I pulled out what looks to be the original filter. I wish I would have thought about this when I had my 99 VW Passat. Thanks

catbb67 · Post by **catbb67** » Sun May 13, 2007 3:36 pm

Good idea! I have done this with my home air filters also. Buy the larger size ones with dimensions in exaclty multiples of what you need and make multiple filters out of it.My Vibe is a Frosty 2007 Vibe. I'm a first time GM owner, first time Vibe owner. My last car was a 94 Civic that I drove until I traded it in for the Vibe end of 03/2007 . Love both cars!!!!

zionzr2 · Post by **zionzr2** » Wed May 16, 2007 5:25 am

I have added this to the DIY Mod Index!

MRCN RCE · Post by **MRCN RCE** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 12:58 am

yep this is next on my list

bittermelon · Post by **bittermelon** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 9:25 am

A mod of this mod is to buy activated carbon sheets from your fish/pet store and place it on the 3M filtrete filter and you got an activated charcoal air cabin filter that helps to eliminate odours that some of the fancy smancy cars have.

aradlaw · Post by **aradlaw** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:28 pm

Can't find those carbon sheets at our local pet store.I also see that Canadian Tire stocks the cabin filters for 19.95, brand name Micron Air, in the same section as their air filters.

Gandalf · Post by **Gandalf** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:55 am

i learned you are FAR better off buying a 20" x 20" filter.The OEM filter is about 8 1/8"So, if you buy a 16" wide filter, as I did, you won't have enough filter to make another 'set' of three, You only have enough filter to make 3 filters from a 16" by 24 or 25" filter. A 20" by 20" filter gives you enough to make 4 filters, that are the exact same size as the OEM, and won't have a gap along one side.FYI

DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter!

DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter!

Re: DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter! (fredfreedom)

Re: DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter! (binary)

Re: DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter! (binary)

Re: DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter! (fredfreedom)

Re: (bittermelon)

Re: DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter! (fredfreedom)