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Above: Fitting a Denso cabin filter C olin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “While they may not be at the forefront of every technician’s mind, filters are vital for the smooth running and general wellbeing of a vehicle. Damage to any one of the four main filters can cause problems and affect general performance. “Oil filters, for example, are instrumental in maintaining a continuous flow of oil to the engine while removing any dirt or metal particles that may appear. A damaged filter can slow down oil flow and allow impurities to pass through, which can lead to early engine wear, poor performance and in some extreme cases engine failure. Similarly, air filters are key in ensuring that the engine receives a good mixture of air and fuel, and help it to function at maximum capacity. With the average engine needing more than 10,000 litres of oxygen to burn every litre of fuel, it’s important not to restrict this air flow. A clogged air filter can result in incomplete fuel combustion, leading to dirty exhaust smoke and poses a host of problems for a vehicle’s efficiency.” He added: “Filters tend to be among the least expensive components to maintain, so we’d always recommend that technicians include filter checks as a part of every service.” Performance On the importance of following the manufacturer schedule on filter replacement, Jonathan Walker, Head of Sales (EMEA) at MAHLE Aftermarket UK said: “Manufacturers set the service intervals after extensive research in all types of operating conditions. This helps to ensure maximum performance of the vehicle, reducing the chance of component failure and protecting the occupants. After a service where the filters have been replaced, customers will notice an improvement in engine response along with improved economy. This is a direct result of changing filtration at the recommended interval.” Vital part It's not just about engine filters though: “For cabin 50 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2021 FILTERS www.aftermarketonline.net With vehicles changing rapidly, where will filters fit, and how will they adapt to the new reality? SIFTING OUT THE BEST filtration,” said Jonathan, “there is a direct link between prompt replacement and the wellbeing of the vehicle occupants, removing pollen or fine dust in the case of traditional cabin filters through to mould spore and airborne bacteria removal technology in advanced filters such as MAHLE Caremetix.” This is an area that is often overlooked, as First Line Global Marketing Director Jon Roughley observed: “One of the filters that regularly gets forgotten is the cabin filter and this plays a vital part in keeping the air in the vehicle clear of fine dust and offers protection against pollen, bacteria and viruses, which left unchecked could cause potential health implications to the vehicle occupants. Along with filtering air coming in, it also helps reduce the dust build-up in the vehicle and reduces the effects of window misting, especially in the winter months. The majority of manufacturer’s schedules advise that if present, the cabin filter is replaced every service, or every year, whichever comes first. Therefore, it is essential that this is understood and able to be communicated effectively to the driver, as they may not even know there is one installed on the vehicle. To help communicate the importance of Cabin filter replacement, First Line, through its Borg & Beck brand, has created an awareness poster for workshops to use as a tool to help convey the message to the driver.” To obtain your copy, visit: mailchi.mp/firstlineltd.co/posters Renewed importance Cabin filters are also a focus for DENSO, and the company has continued to grow its offering to the aftermarket. Fatiha Laauich, Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager Below: Filters from MAHLE