Is 1 really all that different from driving in a car with the AC on? If I understand correctly, car filters typically only filter very large particles that would damage the engine.
Engine air and cabin air are two separate intake paths.
The cabin air in modern cars is highly filtered.
"
Most dust filters will stop 100 percent of all particles that are 3 microns or larger in size, and 95 to 99 percent of particles 1 to 3 microns in size. The combination dust and odor filters have a layer of activated charcoal or baking soda to absorb odors and air pollutants. Some of these filters may even be lightly scented to enhance the driving experience."
For most commutes the car would still win even if the air inside was the same as the air outside, because the car would be faster so you would have less total exposure.
As far as car interior air goes, I've noticed that when I walk to a nearby market during times when there is a fair amount of traffic I can really notice the smell from the cars, but when I myself am driving on that same road in similar traffic I cannot smell it.
My guess is that the rate of exchange of air between the car and outside is low enough that at least for short trips (a few miles, say) it mostly remains air that was from my neighborhood, which is half a mile away from any heavy traffic road.
Zhenya|8 years ago
The cabin air in modern cars is highly filtered.
" Most dust filters will stop 100 percent of all particles that are 3 microns or larger in size, and 95 to 99 percent of particles 1 to 3 microns in size. The combination dust and odor filters have a layer of activated charcoal or baking soda to absorb odors and air pollutants. Some of these filters may even be lightly scented to enhance the driving experience."
https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/filtration...
So yes. Being in a car with AC on is much better.
deskglass|8 years ago
tzs|8 years ago
As far as car interior air goes, I've noticed that when I walk to a nearby market during times when there is a fair amount of traffic I can really notice the smell from the cars, but when I myself am driving on that same road in similar traffic I cannot smell it.
My guess is that the rate of exchange of air between the car and outside is low enough that at least for short trips (a few miles, say) it mostly remains air that was from my neighborhood, which is half a mile away from any heavy traffic road.
Note: this is without using the AC.
05|8 years ago
foota|8 years ago