Purolator Air Filters: Finding the Right One for Your Car
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Purolator is a long-established American filter maker, and its PurolatorONE line is the brand’s advanced range of engine air filters and cabin air filters for everyday cars and light trucks. Many people search for “purolater air filter” (the correct spelling is Purolator) when a mechanic or a dashboard reminder says it is time for a new one. The good news is that changing an air filter is one of the easiest car care jobs a beginner can do. The tricky part is choosing the right part, because every filter is shaped to fit specific vehicles.
The six filters below differ mostly by part number, which decides which cars they fit: five are PurolatorONE engine air filters (A36116, A35642, A35592, A36124 and A36122), and one, the C35519C, is a cabin air filter with activated carbon for select Honda and Acura models.
PurolatorONE Air Filters Compared
| Model | Filter Type | Vehicles Named in Listing | Filtration Claim | Listed Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purolator A36116 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air | Engine air | Not listed | 99% of harmful contaminants | 12 oz |
| Purolator A35642 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air | Engine air | Not listed (vehicle-specific fit) | 99% of harmful contaminants | Not listed |
| Purolator A35592 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air | Engine air | Not listed | Up to 99% of dirt, dust and soot | 4.96 oz |
| Purolator A36124 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air | Engine air | Not listed | 99% of harmful contaminants | 10.08 oz |
| Purolator C35519C PurolatorONE Advanced Cabin Air | Cabin air with activated carbon | Select Honda and Acura | Up to 99% of dirt, brake dust and soot | 7.7 oz |
| Purolator A36122 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air | Engine air | Select Toyota and Lexus | 99% of harmful contaminants | Not listed |
First, a quick explanation of the two filter types. An engine air filter sits under the hood in a box connected to the engine’s air intake. It cleans the air your engine breathes, keeping dust and grit from wearing internal parts. A cabin air filter, usually found behind the glove box, cleans the air that comes through your car’s vents into the passenger area. They are different parts and are not interchangeable.
Purolator A36116 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air for Cars That Call for A36116
Purolator
Purolator A36116 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air Filter
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Purolator A36116 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air
Best for: Cars that list part A36116
Pros
- Multi-fiber high-density media
- Traps 99% of harmful contaminants
- Sealing gaskets
- Does not void new car warranty
Cons
- Vehicle fit not named in listing
- Must confirm part number first
The Purolator A36116 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air filter is an engine air filter built around multi-fiber, high-density media, which Purolator says traps 99% of harmful contaminants. “Media” simply means the pleated filtering material inside the frame. Gaskets around the edges form a tight seal in the air box so that only filtered air reaches the engine.
Purolator states that it provides high volumes of clean air for efficient operation and reduced engine wear, improves acceleration and engine efficiency, and does not void a new car warranty. The description mentions specially treated paper media. It weighs 12 ounces, the heaviest engine filter with a listed weight here, which usually hints at a larger filter size. The listing does not name which vehicles it fits.
Buy this one only if your owner’s manual, an old filter or a parts lookup tool shows A36116 for your car. If your vehicle calls for a different number, one of the other filters below may be the match.
Purolator A35642 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air for Vehicle-Specific Replacement
Purolator
Purolator A35642 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air Filter
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Purolator A35642 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air
Best for: Vehicles that call for part A35642
Pros
- Vehicle-specific fit
- Traps 99% of harmful contaminants
- Sealing gaskets
Cons
- Very short listing details
- Compatible vehicles not named
The Purolator A35642 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air filter shares the same PurolatorONE feature set: multi-fiber, high-density media that traps 99% of harmful contaminants, sealing gaskets, high airflow for efficient operation, and no effect on a new car warranty. The listing classifies it as a performance part with a vehicle-specific fit.
The listing is short and does not specify weight, dimensions or which vehicles it fits. The key identifier is the OEM part number A35642. OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer,” and it is used here to show which part this filter replaces.
This suits drivers whose vehicle lookup lands on A35642. As with every filter here, the part number matters more than anything else, so confirm fitment before ordering.
Purolator A35592 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air for Clear Maintenance Timing
Purolator
Purolator A35592 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air Filter Replacement
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Purolator A35592 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air
Best for: Drivers wanting clear replacement intervals
Pros
- Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles
- Traps up to 99% of dirt and soot
- Manufacturer warranty included
- Light 4.96-ounce filter
Cons
- Compatible vehicles not named
- Acceleration gain is a general study figure
The Purolator A35592 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air filter has the most detailed listing among the engine filters. Purolator says it traps up to 99% of dirt, dust and soot, helps prevent engine wear and protects for up to 12 months or 12,000 miles, while reminding you to follow your owner’s manual for your car’s actual schedule.
It also cites a U.S. Department of Energy study stating that a new air filter may improve acceleration by up to 11%. That is a general finding about replacing clogged filters, not a promise for every car. The filter weighs 4.96 ounces, the lightest listed here, and includes a manufacturer-provided warranty. Compatible vehicles are not named in the listing.
This suits beginners who like clear guidance on when to change a filter. Choose it only if A35592 is the part your vehicle needs.
Purolator A36124 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air for Cars That List A36124
Purolator
Purolator A36124 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air Filter
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Purolator A36124 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air
Best for: Cars that list part A36124
Pros
- Multi-fiber high-density media
- Sealing gaskets
- Does not void new car warranty
Cons
- Vehicle fit not named in listing
- Must confirm part number first
The Purolator A36124 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air filter offers the same PurolatorONE features as the A36116: multi-fiber, high-density media trapping 99% of harmful contaminants, sealing gaskets, better airflow for engine efficiency and acceleration, and no impact on your new car warranty. Its description also mentions specially treated paper media.
It weighs 10.08 ounces. The listing does not specify which vehicles it fits or its dimensions.
This is the choice when A36124 shows up in your parts search. It gives way to the other engine filters whenever your car calls for a different number.
Purolator C35519C PurolatorONE Advanced Cabin Air for Select Honda and Acura
Best for: Select Honda and Acura cabin air
Pros
- Activated carbon blocks odors
- Catches up to 99% of dirt
- Install in under 15 minutes
- Improves HVAC and defroster
Cons
- Cabin filter, not engine filter
- Only fits select models
The Purolator C35519C PurolatorONE Advanced Cabin Air filter is the only cabin filter in this group, and it cleans the air you breathe inside the car. Electrostatically charged, micro-woven fiber layers catch up to 99% of dirt, brake dust and soot. “Electrostatically charged” means the fibers carry a slight static charge that attracts tiny particles, a bit like a dusting cloth. A layer of activated carbon helps filter gases and odors.
Purolator says it improves HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and defroster performance, limits dirt build-up in the air conditioning system and meets or exceeds original equipment performance. Installation can take less than 15 minutes, and Purolator recommends replacing it annually or every 12,000 miles, or more often in dusty areas. It weighs 7.7 ounces, and the package measures 10.08 x 9.88 x 1.54 inches. The listing says it fits select Honda and Acura models and suggests using Amazon Confirmed Fit to verify.
This suits Honda and Acura owners who notice musty smells or weak airflow from the vents. It does not replace an engine air filter. The idea is similar to the replacement filters for a home air purifier: a fresh filter keeps the air you breathe cleaner.
Purolator A36122 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air for Select Toyota and Lexus
Best for: Select Toyota and Lexus owners
Pros
- Vehicle-specific fit
- Traps 99% of harmful contaminants
- Does not void new car warranty
Cons
- Exact models not listed
- Very short listing details
The Purolator A36122 PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Air filter is listed as compatible with select Toyota and Lexus vehicles. It carries the familiar PurolatorONE features: multi-fiber, high-density media trapping 99% of harmful contaminants, sealing gaskets, efficient airflow and no effect on a new car warranty. It is classed as a performance part with a vehicle-specific fit.
The listing does not specify which exact Toyota or Lexus models it fits, nor its weight or dimensions, so run a fit check before buying.
This suits Toyota and Lexus owners whose lookup shows A36122. It gives way to the other engine filters for other makes.
How to Choose the Right Purolator Air Filter
Find your part number first. Check your owner’s manual, look at the number printed on your current filter, or use Amazon’s vehicle fit tool with your year, make, model and engine size. The part number is the only reliable way to match a filter.
Decide which filter you need. Engine air filters protect the engine; cabin filters clean the air you breathe. Many drivers replace both at the same time.
Follow a schedule. Purolator suggests about 12 months or 12,000 miles for the A35592 and the C35519C cabin filter, but your owner’s manual has the final word, and dusty roads mean sooner changes.
Think about home air too. If you are already in a filter-changing mood, remember that home air purifiers also need fresh filters; our guide to home air purifier filters explains the basics.
FAQ
How do I know which Purolator air filter fits my car?
Match the part number from your owner’s manual, your old filter or a vehicle fit tool. Most of these listings do not name compatible vehicles.
Will a PurolatorONE filter void my warranty?
Four of the engine filter listings state they do not void a new car warranty.
What is the difference between engine and cabin air filters?
The engine filter cleans air going into the engine. The cabin filter, like the C35519C, cleans air coming into the passenger area.
How often should I change my air filter?
Purolator mentions up to 12 months or 12,000 miles for some filters, but always follow your owner’s manual.
Can I install an air filter myself?
Usually, yes. Purolator says the cabin filter can be installed in less than 15 minutes, and engine air filters are generally just as simple on most cars.
