A guide to how to choose and replace a cabin air filter from DENSO

Although it is usually very difficult to visually assess the level of pollution in the atmosphere, the subject is of major importance globally, as an increasing number of governments around the world measure air quality and many have ‘low’ or ‘ultra-low’ emissions zones in and around major cities to try and reduce the amount of harmful particulates that citizens are exposed to.

Car drivers and passengers are particularly vulnerable to poor air quality as they regularly follow or are close to other vehicles, which are a source of several of the particulates that are included in the measurements that define air quality. However, these are not the only ones that can affect people because there are many naturally occurring particulates, such as pollen, seeds, bacteria and dust, that are present in the air that we breathe in varying quantities throughout the year.

It is to reduce the level of these particulates that cabin air filters are designed, which is why a high-quality filter manufactured by DENSO, for example, will ensure that, providing the windows are kept closed, the quality of the air inside the car is significantly higher than outside, making it safer and more hygienic.

Cabin air filters are extremely effective at filtering out tiny particles of airborne pollutants such as pollen, and generally consist of a first filter medium that keeps out coarse particles, which is supported by a filter fleece that increases its dust retention capacity.

Those with an active carbon layer even filter out unpleasant odours and vapours, as well as hazardous gases, such as ozone, smog and exhaust gases, while the most effective media even neutralise allergens, bacteria and fine dust, including micro-particles with diameters smaller than 2.5 mm, that’s just 0.005mm, which is naturally beneficial to the vehicle’s occupants.

In addition to these personal health benefits, cabin air filters also help to protect the vehicle’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system by preventing airborne particles from entering it and sticking to its internal surfaces and clogging airways.

Over time, however, irrespective of its quality, the cabin air filter will become less effective because it is the barrier that stops all the dirt that would normally come into the cabin and collects it. So, just like the bag in a vacuum cleaner needs to be regularly emptied and the filter cleaned, the cabin air filter will need to be changed, ideally every year, but at the very least, in line with the vehicle’s service schedule.

DENSO’s cabin air filters have been developed to original equipment (OE) quality standards with advanced technologies, to ensure an easy fit design and long-life efficiency. By filtering and trapping potentially irritating and hazardous particles before they enter the car’s cabin, they provide the occupants with a clean and temperate environment.

DENSO Aftermarket offers two types of cabin air filters: the standard Particle Filters and advanced Combination Filters, which have an additional, activated charcoal layer located inside the filtration material.

In detail, the Particle Filters feature a high-capacity dust holding chamber that keeps pollutants away from the vehicle’s interior and minimises airflow resistance, whereas, the Combination Filters are even more effective, blocking particles that are 1,000 times smaller than a human hair. They are therefore capable of removing up to 25% more major pollutants than standard cabin air filters and also eliminating odours from the outside air, trapping almost 100% of dust, pollen and solid particles, preventing them from being inhaled.

Having grasped the significance of these often overlooked, but vitally important components, drivers should ensure they pay attention to the condition of the cabin air filer, and replace it regularly with another of the same specification as the vehicle manufacturer (VM) has specified.

DENSO is an OE cabin air filter manufacturer and has made finding the correct replacement an easy online process as the following link https://www.denso-am.eu/catalog/pv enables owners to enter the details of their vehicle and identify a high-quality cabin air filter that will provide the level of protection that is required.

Naturally, cabin air filter replacement must be carried out following the VMs procedures and the first place to find this information is in the vehicle’s operational handbook. This will not only show the location of the cabin air filter, but also what tools will be required to access it and how to remove it. 

Care should be taken when removing the old filter as a heavily soiled filter, such as the example below, could drop some of the filtered contaminants into the intake system or could be easily knocked, dislodging unpleasant dust into the passenger compartment. Naturally, its careful disposal in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations, is also a necessity.

Generally, installation is in the reverse sequence to the cabin air filter’s removal, and although they can sometimes only be fitted one way round, the replacement with have an arrow indicating the direction of the airflow, which obviously must be adhered to, otherwise it will not filter out the pollutants as it is designed to.

By understanding why a cabin air filter is fitted and being aware of the need to check its condition and regularly replace it, owners will not only ensure they and their passengers are enjoying the health benefits they provide but also that the AC system can operate more efficiently.

For more details on the DENSO cabin air filter program, visit DENSO Filtration page. To find the correct DENSO filter, go to DENSO E-Catalog page.