Opinion: Why you shouldn’t ignore cabin filters

Helen Robinson, marketing director at Euro Car Parts, says proper filtration is essential in hay fever season

Opinion: Why you shouldn’t ignore cabin filters
Helen Robinson, marketing director at Euro Car Parts, talks about the importance of replacing cabin filters and the opportunity they present to workshops in hay fever season.

“It’s just a cabin filter” is a phrase often used to dismiss replacing a vehicle’s only cabin air cleaning system.

It may originate from a disgruntled past customer complaining about a charge they deemed unnecessary, speeding up an aircon service or simply the genuine belief that it is not an important service item.

Either way, it’s important to see cabin filter replacements as essential.

“Cabin filters are a quick and easy job that can drastically reduce the driver discomfort caused by pollen and dust,” explains Robinson.

“While the perceived change may be subtle, it can make a substantial difference to the air quality within the vehicle.

“Many drivers suffer through these months unnecessarily, because of old or clogged filters that are failing to protect them from irritants.

“In fact, clogged filters often make cabin air conditions much worse than the outside air.”

Odours and pollutants

While all cabin filters will remove small particles like dust and pollen from the air, some are even able to remove odours and pollutants.

Active carbon cabin filters use charcoal to trap pollutants, attracting the molecules to the material’s surface.

As charcoal is porous its surface area is very high – allowing many harmful or unpleasant gases to be trapped.

“We are noticing an increasing number of garages explaining the potential health benefits of cabin filters to their customers,” explains Robinson.

“High-quality pollen filters are ideally-suited to many drivers, but those living or commuting in built-up areas may wish to consider an active carbon option.

“Few drivers realise that sitting in traffic means they are, essentially, breathing in vehicle exhaust gases.

“An active carbon cabin filter will remove 98% of diesel fumes from the air, significantly reducing the exposure of occupants to harmful pollutants.

“Health benefits”

“Opening up a discussion with customers about the health benefits of proper filtration is also a great way for independent workshops to up-sell and provide drivers with advanced cabin filtration products.”

Cabin filters should be replaced every two years or 12,000 miles but, in some circumstances, should be replaced annually.

Geographical location has a significant impact on cabin filter service intervals, with places high in pollution degrading the filter far quicker.

For those affected by hay fever or other air-based allergens, annual replacements of either pollen or active carbon units will ensure the air within the cabin is well filtered: an essential comfort.

Euro Car Parts stocks a wide variety of cabin filters, including high-quality brands like Crossland, Mahle and Mann+Hummel.

To find out more, visit your local Euro Car Parts branch or select the ‘more details’ link below.

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