Replace the cabin air filter for cleaner air and better health, says 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 in close proximity 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 breath 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 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 filter: 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 air flow 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 filters and also eliminating odours from the outside air, trapping almost 100% of dust, pollen and solid particles, and so preventing them from being inhaled.

Having grasped the significance of these often overlooked, but vitally important components, both motorists and professional technicians alike should ensure they pay attention to the condition of the cabin air filer on a regular basis, as a clean and hygienic environment is better and safer for the occupants.

This means that when an owner books their vehicle for its annual service, on the one hand, they should ask the workshop to check the condition of the cabin air filter and, if necessary replace it, and on the other, workshops should ensure they follow the vehicle’s scheduled service interval and not overlook its regular replacement.

Naturally, when selecting a replacement, a DENSO cabin air filter will provide the level of protection only a high-quality OE filter can, and with excellent vehicle parc coverage, they are the ideal aftermarket solution.

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