How often should the air filter of Volkswagen Touran be replaced?

[OEvelyn]

Volkswagen Touran's air filter should be replaced every 20,000 kilometers, and the replacement cycle can be adjusted appropriately based on actual driving conditions. The air filter is located inside the glove compartment on the passenger side. Some models may have more than one filter, with another one located under the front windshield drainage channel. The air filter is a component installed in the car's air conditioning system that can absorb dust particles, alleviate respiratory discomfort, reduce irritation for allergy sufferers, and protect the air conditioning cooling system. The Touran is a vehicle built on Volkswagen's PQ35 platform, combining the comfort of a sedan with the versatility of an MPV. In terms of body dimensions, the Volkswagen Touran measures 4395mm in length, 1795mm in width, and 1634mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2678mm.

[VonJoanna]

I think it depends on driving habits. For someone like me who frequently drives to construction sites, I need to change it every 8,000 kilometers due to heavy dust. If you mainly drive in the city, changing it once a year or around 10,000 kilometers is fine. Last time I noticed a musty smell from the vents, and when I opened it up, the filter was completely blackened, so I replaced it immediately. Remember to check it during seasonal transitions, especially in northern areas with lots of willow catkins—the filter clogs up really fast. If you're handy, you can replace it yourself—just buy a compatible model online for a few dozen yuan, remove five screws from the glove compartment, and you're done, saving hundreds compared to a dealership. By the way, the Touran's filters come in standard and activated carbon versions—the latter is better at odor removal but reduces airflow a bit.

[JacksonDella]

Focus on two key indicators: time or mileage. According to official data, the Touran recommends replacement every year or 15,000 kilometers, but adjustments should be made flexibly in practice. My car, used for school runs on narrow campus roads, gets clogged with poplar catkins in just six months, causing the AC to squeak when turned on. A 4S shop technician once taught me a trick: pulling out the filter and tapping it a few times each month can extend its lifespan. In humid southern regions, more frequent replacements are necessary—a friend’s car developed mold spots on the filter, leading to days of allergic coughing for the whole family. The latest Touran now features a composite PM2.5 filter, which, though pricier, can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. Families with elderly or children are advised to opt for this upgrade.

[AdalineRose]

The key is to check if there are any abnormal noises or odors from the air conditioning. My 2018 Touran, after two and a half years of driving, recently started making a rustling sound when the AC was on. Upon inspection, leaves and small insects were found stuck in the filter. The mechanic said that not replacing it for a long time could lead to dust accumulation and damage the blower motor, with a replacement costing around a thousand bucks. Regular users can follow the manual and replace it once a year, but for owners who smoke or have pets, it's better to replace it every eight months. When replacing, be careful not to buy the wrong model. Last time I bought one online that didn't fit, and it caused severe air leakage after installation. For the Touran, the filter is located behind the glove box. The first time I replaced it, following a video tutorial, it only took about ten minutes.

[StPiper]

Only by comparing across seasons did I realize its importance: last winter, I kept sneezing when using the heater, and after replacing the filter, I found it completely covered in dust. Recently, with the hot weather, I replaced it in advance, and the cooling efficiency was noticeably better. The Touran recommends an annual replacement, but in practice, driving in congested urban areas turns it black in just half a year. Money-saving tip: when there's a strong odor with the air conditioning on external circulation, run it at maximum speed for five minutes before replacing the filter. I make it a habit to replace it before summer each year, and a regular filter costing thirty or forty yuan is sufficient. The DIY tutorial is simple: empty the glove box → press the clips on both sides → pull out the old filter, noting the arrow direction → insert the new filter with the fleecy side facing down.