Properties of filtering materials used as porous barriers in air cleaners of motor vehicles have been analyzed in the paper. Relations that determine the filter life have been analyzed and the coefficient of dust absorption km of the filtering material has been determined. Methodology of research has been presented of a study air filter element made of filtering fiber used as a second filtering stage downstream of a single continuous cyclone. The results of the investigations into the characteristics of efficiency, accuracy and drag of the filtering fiber for different filtering rates have been discussed. Dust absorption coefficients km have been determined. Changes in the granulometric composition of dust downstream of the investigated filtering element have been presented. Benefits resulting from the application of a two-stage air filtering method have been indicated.