Corteco recruits the services of loyal customer and HGV technician, Andy Reynolds from AJR MOT, to discuss the requirements of a healthy approach to cabin air filter maintenance.
Without cabin air filters, pollen, soot, dust and gases, as well as unpleasant odours, reach the interior of the vehicle directly, and occupants breathe in unfiltered air, complete with pollutants.
It is not only exhaust emissions and industrial pollution that can significantly impair the health and well-being of the occupants; agricultural substances such as fertilisers and liquid manure, and natural irritants, such as ozone, can also have a negative impact. This is where cabin air filters come in. These products work to block out any pollutants and irritants emitted by other vehicles on the road.
To gain insight into how technicians approach the maintenance of cabin air filters, Corteco spoke to Andy Reynolds of AJR MOT: “With the health of vehicle occupants becoming more and more of a consideration for vehicle manufacturers, it has become all the more important to inspect those hidden parts that prevent the spread of germs and allergies, and protect occupants from the harmful gases outside the vehicle.
“If a customer questioned the need to replace these cabin filters, it is always advisable to consider the health factors. For instance, should a driver with an allergy use his or her air conditioning on recirculation, the same air will always remain in the truck. Should a filter be blocked or collapsed, then this air will become contaminated, potentially affecting other drivers or anyone who happens to be in the truck’s cabin. Not only that, but the efficiency of the air conditioning unit will likely be compromised as the ducts in the system may be blocked.
“Failing to replace cabin air filters can lead to an inefficient clean air flow and reduce the driver’s protection from a build-up of outside contaminants. Eventually, this will completely block the filtration process as the debris continues to build up. To avoid this, regular inspections should take place, with replacements if necessary. Cabin air filters are often overlooked and are not replaced as often as they should be. For full functionality, technicians should be vigilant when inspecting and replacing these components and should always do so to the correct specifications.”
Filter range
Corteco’s filter range includes the Simmerring and MicronAir filters. Both were designed and manufactured by Corteco’s parent company, Freudenberg. MicronAir cabin air filters consist of an in-house produced, multilayered filter medium that protects occupants effectively against fine dust, pollen and other fine respirable particles. They ultimately minimise health risks in the vehicle and improve driver comfort.
