Fresh Air Intake Upgrade

[captanzuelo]

hey midnightsun, thanks for the idea. I made a cut out with a similar water pump filter material shortly after seeing your original post. I do believe these are washable so instead of replacing, i will be cleaning mine in soapy water.

 

[Midnightsun]

Not sure but I think the furnace type filters have electrostatic properties so they will remove more smaller stuff if this is the case. Regardless of what you use as long as it is not too restrictive is going to be an asset. In a years time I will remove the main filter for inspection, I am hoping to find a very clean one not in need of replacement then again if I'm there I may just replace anyway since it's such a pita to attain. Will definitely take photos and post when the time comes.

 

[haroldo]

I just made a window screen out of a screen kit.

(Model 3 - 2021)
How do you secure it? Screen isn't rigid, what's to stop it from collapsing, or falling into the channel?

I've seen some recommend a hairnet, but wouldn't that potentially rip, or might the elastic fail, then won't it fall in?

 

[haroldo]

Prefilter is doing a really good job! This is after 4 months to the day after installation

Does this cut down on intake air and cause the fan to whine, or provide less airflow?

 

[Midnightsun]

Not at all. As mentioned do not use hepa filter material or anything else that is dense as it may very well cause the issues you mentioned.

 

[Pianewman]

I did this pre-filter a few weeks ago. There's plenty of airflow (remember, the material is designed for HVAC systems). This won't be filtering small particles, but for sure, will eliminate larger debris from passing. Anyone living in a "leafy" environment would benefit.

 

[Dennisis]

Interesting idea, I'll have to look into this thanks!

 

[Midnightsun]

OK so it's was time to replace the cabin filter. A little over a year and 21,000 kms later. To my surprise it was not complicated like some videos show with a poorly placed torx screw that required some special tools to remove. They have changed things since it was just a single screw at the bottom holding the filter cover in place that needed to come out to swing open the door.

Filters were rather dirty meaning they were blackened but pretty decent overall and there was some larger debris which must have gotten in BEFORE I installed the pre-filter. Overall, the pre-filter is working very well.

Whiter filters are obviously the new one going to be installed.

 

[thesmokingman]

Just saw this thread. About the blue pre-filter, just wanna add that you can get thin sheets of carbon filter on Amazon. They're used on those Winix HEPA filters and come come in sheets. Cut that to size probably will a screen so it doesn't get sucked in, but that should be a good pre-filter versus just a sponge.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RH3MKIS/

 

[Midnightsun]

Forgot to post a picture of the prefilter when I changed the main filter. Doing a great job if you ask me.

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Update: Nov 2021, and I’m swapping to winter wheels and thought I’d look at the “pre”cabin filter I installed. Bunch of leaves and pine needles - and the car is used for work, but garaged every night.

See attached.