November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020 AFTERMARKET 33 www.aftermarketonline.net after 6,000 or 9,000 miles depending of vehicle type, once a year, or as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Upgrading or replacing these components with a high- quality alternative will lead to a significant improvement in cabin air quality. Only regular replacement ensures the continued filtration efficiency and good HVAC performance that guarantees a more hygienic, comfortable driving environment.” On EVs, Fatiha added: “Cabin air filter maintenance and replacement is equally important in electric vehicles, which have no other form of filter included in the vehicle design.” Continuous development Commenting on how the changing face of the vehicle engine is affecting filters, Karl Ridings, UFI Filters Aftermarket UK & Ireland Sales Manager said: “This year, UFI Filters has launched an OE oil module for the second generation of BMWs 3.0 litre B57 6-cylinder diesel engine. “Its filter body is entirely made from plastic, reinforced with fibreglass that ensures significant weight savings resulting in reduced fuel consumption and a drop in pollutant emissions. The module features a heat exchanger and a series of valves, that allow for optimal oil management and guarantees the highest performances. The cartridge offers high filtering efficiency fully in line with Euro 6 requirements and the filter media is 100% recyclable. “With its new OE oil module for all of the Volkswagen Group’s mild hybrid system in the EA 288 EVO 2.0 litre engines, UFI demonstrates that the company is prepared to meet the needs of hybrid and electric vehicles with its products. The oil module contributes to the reduction of the engine’s CO2 emissions through thermal management of the oil and coolant circuits and an optimised layout that reduces pressure drops. The complete filter, with an eco- friendly cartridge is installed on the Volkswagen Golf, the Passat, the Škoda Octavia and the SEAT Leon.” He continued: “In 2018, UFI has presented a revolutionary engine air filtration technology: UFI MULTITUBE. This patented system stands out with its tubular structure, which replaces the traditional panel filter; ensuring increased filtration performance and greater engine power in a reduced space. UFI MULTITUBE was initially launched for the Porsche GT2RS and has since convinced DAIMLER AG to supply as per 2021 to Mercedes, AMG and Maybach equipped with its V12 engine.” Karl added: “This cutting-edge technology will soon also be used as OE on segment A vehicles with high sales volumes in Europe. From there it is set to spread rapidly throughout the OE and the aftermarket. The technology has been chosen for one of the most popular city cars on the market: the FIAT 500, in the Hybrid Launch Edition.” Fuel filters There are filters everywhere in the vehicle. For example, in 2020, Bosch is celebrating 90 years of the fuel filter: “At the beginning of the 20th century,” said a spokesman, “impurities contained in fuel was causing a lot of engines to breakdown. Bosch solved this issue in 1930 by means of fuel filters which protect the diesel injection systems– as well as gasoline engines against contaminants. “Although the Bosch fuel filter first used 90 years ago was already effective, it had to be cleaned regularly. Bosch also found a solution for this. In 1936, the first filter paper used as a filter medium was introduced. Although it has been improved and further developed ever since, this material is still used down to this present day because of its high cleaning efficiency. “Thanks to their experience and skill in the areas of injection systems and filters, our highly qualified Bosch development engineers also found solutions for other challenging issues related to engine technologies. For instance, in 1998 the Bosch common-rail diesel filter with water separator was launched into the market. A special gasoline filter for in-tank units was developed in 2001 and a common-rail diesel filter for biodiesel engines in 2009. Fuel filters separate particles and water from fuel to achieve optimum engine performance. High-quality materials, thorough processing and stringent quality controls ensure filters for the workshop market meet the same standards as OE ones.” On the fate of the filter in view of the changing face of mobility, Bosch’s spokesman said: “Hybrid, electric or fuel- cell drives also need these remarkable heavy workers in the engine compartments. After all, all of these powertrain systems need clean fuel, air, water or oil as a coolant or lubricant for their batteries and/or engines. In order to ensure flawless propulsion and high mileage, filters will therefore remain indispensable – even in the future. Cabin filters will also continue to ensure that there is clean air inside the cabin. For this purpose, Bosch offers an aftermarket filter range with a market coverage for passenger cars in Europe exceeding 95%– a range drivers rely on.”