A breath of fresh air with Denso
As the number of vehicles back on the road continues to increase with an easing of restrictions, motorists are particularly reliant on the performance of their vehicle’s air conditioning systems.
With air pollution and hay fever prevalent for much of the year, a cabin filter replacement service not only represents a great profit opportunity for repairers, but for motor factors as well.
The role of the cabin filter
Most passenger cars manufactured after the year 2000 have a cabin filter, which is designed to remove pollutants such as dust, pollen, smog and mould spores from the air that comes through the vehicle’s heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, providing improved air quality inside the vehicle and protecting the occupants from potential health problems.
Since most cabin air filters are situated either under the bonnet where air enters the climate control system or just behind the glove box, they are relatively easy to access and straightforward to replace, which is why factors should ask their workshop customers whether they also need a cabin filter when they are ordering general service items.
Why should cabin filters be replaced?
Sales of cabin air filters typically rise during the summer months both because drivers begin to use their vehicle’s air conditioning systems and the seasonal pollen count increases, which particularly affects those with allergies or asthmatic conditions.
However, whatever the time of year, drivers can be unknowingly exposed to airborne pollutants such as dust, soot and exhaust fumes, which if sucked in through the HVAC system, can cause a number of minor health issues, as well as a distraction to driving.
The cabin filter therefore plays a critical role in preventing these contaminants from entering the vehicle.
However, cabin filters in vehicles that have been left idle for a long time, such as during the country’s three national lockdown periods, can become clogged with dirt and debris, particularly if left parked under a tree or close to a hedge, for example, which compromises both the efficiency of the filter and the vehicle’s air conditioning system.
Left unchanged, the air quality in the cabin will continually be reduced, with consequences for those who have allergies, and can lead to the accumulation of unpleasant odours inside the car.
It is worth noting that cabin filter maintenance and replacement is equally important in electric vehicles, because although they obviously have no need for air, fuel or oil filters, they still require a reliable supply of clean air to the occupants and for the correct functioning of the HVAC system, and their cabin filters face exactly the same challenges as those in vehicles fitted with an engine.
As only regular replacement ensures the continued filtration efficiency and good HVAC performance that guarantees a more hygienic, comfortable driving environment, Denso recommends that cabin filters are replaced after 6,000 to 9,000 miles (depending on the driving conditions), once a year, or as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Upgrading them with a high-quality alternative can also lead to a significant improvement in cabin air quality, which provides factors with another upselling opportunity.
90% car parc coverage with Denso
With 90% coverage of European and Asian cars, Denso’s cabin filter offering continues to grow, with recent applications including Toyota Yaris models I, II and III and the popular C-HR in its various guises, among its latest new to range additions.
Denso offers two types of cabin air filter: standard Particle Filters and Combination Filters, which have an additional, activated charcoal layer located inside the filtration material. Both have been introduced into the Denso Aftermarket range to provide highly effective OE-quality parts.
Denso Particle Filters offer exceptional protection from dust, soot, pollen and particles. Manufactured using a high-quality non-woven fleece material that has up to five individual layers, they also feature a high-capacity dust-holding chamber, which keeps pollutants away from the vehicle’s interior.
Denso Combination Filters are even more accurate, blocking particles that are 1,000 times smaller than a human hair. They are capable of removing up to 25% more major pollutants than standard Particle Filters, which don’t contain the activated carbon media. The components work in three ways:
1. A close meshed, non-woven filter layer blocks particles from entering the cabin. Trapped particles are then deposited into the filter housing.
2. Small particles with permanent or temporary charges are attracted to the filter and held back by electrostatic interaction.
3. A layer of fine fibres is spun into the filter media to prevent pressure drop.
The additional, activated carbon layer on Denso’s Combination Filters ensure greater carbon air filter efficiency. Not only do they trap dust and debris, they also absorb fumes and odours, ensuring an even cleaner cabin environment.
Further details are available online at www.Denso-am.co.uk.