In the first of a two-part series, Mann Filter lifts the lid on the most common myths associated with filters.
MYTH 1
“The same paper is often used in both cheap and expensive filters – at the end of the day, there are only a handful of filter paper manufacturers worldwide.”
Wrong! Consider the facts:
The number of filter material manufacturers is indeed small, but the origin of the paper tells you nothing about its quality – and nothing about the efficiency of the filter. There are many other factors that have a significant effect on the quality of the filter media, such as:
- impregnation of the filter media
- improvement through the use of activated carbon or nano-fibres
- type and quantity of the synthetic fibre added to the paper pulp
- composition of the synthetic raw materials used in production
- drying time and temperature production processing (pleating and curing using heat)
Whatever the application, Mann-Filter selects the right medium for the job from the wide range available, as well as developing special, high performance filter media, which combine all the necessary properties.
MYTH 2
“Filters produced by low-cost manufacturers are less expensive and are almost as good as Mann-Filter filters.”
Wrong! Consider the facts:
Low cost is not good, because expensive raw materials are the main driving force behind the price. Without good material, nobody in the world can make an efficient filter. Here are some of the ways in which Mann-Filter differs from less specialised manufacturers:
■ standardised processes
■ well-trained specialist staff
■ high-quality raw materials and filter components
■ optimum level of automation
Standardised production processes and production technology lead to high product quality and help keep production costs competitive.
MYTH 3
“Mann-Filter filters are produced with the same technology as cheap filters. Cheap filters mainly cost less because they are not so widely advertised.”
Wrong! Consider the facts:
Even if it were assumed that only the paper was pleated and that the other components were thrown together in some way, this statement contains little truth. The key features of an OE-quality Mann- Filter product are:
-
- highest development competence through many years of partnership with vehicle manufacturers
- production technologies certified according to the latest standards
- high quality materials optimally adapted to the application
- latest test methods according to OE specification and international test standards
- continuous quality control throughout the entire production process
Mann-Filter constantly invests in the continuous further development of test standards and production processes. This investment pays off and represents the essential difference compared with cheap products.
MYTH 4
“Unlike with oil filters, the quality of air filters is not an issue – they are more or less all the same and are not as important for the running of the car. You can opt for the bottom price range without any problem.”
Wrong! Consider the facts:
Oil filters are usually highlighted and attract the most attention. However, the importance of the air filter has increased enormously in modern vehicles. Reasons why you shouldn’t skimp on this:
■ modern engines are becoming increasingly efficient and are therefore placing ever higher demands on air filters
■ with the increase in the air volume passing through the filter, both the load on the air filter and its importance have risen
■ an efficient air filter is the basis for optimum fuel combustion
■ if water enters the air filter housing,the correct function of simple air filters can no longer be guaranteed, which leads to a drop in engine power
■ a flame-retardant impregnation protects both the engine and the vehicle’s occupants
The technologies and materials that are used in internal combustion engine blocks have become much more sensitive. If low efficiency air filters are used, the hard surface coating of the cylinder block will be attacked by particles that have not been removed and an active wear process begins. With modern engines, there is then only one solution – replace the original block with a new one.
MYTH 5
“Air filters do not necessarily have to be changed at each vehicle inspection. It is enough to clean them or blow them through with compressed air to restore their function.”
Wrong! Consider the facts:
Permanent temperature loading of 80 ̊C and temperature peaks of more than 100 ̊C can occur at the filter element during vehicle use. Even materials of the highest quality will therefore age and suffer fatigue. Also, any attempt to clean an air filter can have detrimental effects:
- mechanical stress during the cleaning process can lead to the rupture of the pleats – which means the end of the filtration effect
- the high cleaning air pressure may destroy the structure of the filter paper, reducing the dust holding capacity. The reduced holding capacity in turn reduces the service life
- dirt particles can enter the engine through broken pleats and damaged structures
Mann-Filter air filters use the very latest filter media, which achieve high separation efficiencies, so technicians can be certain that even the most modern engines have the best protection at all times. Through special processing, a long service life can be achieved and service intervals greatly extended, even under harsh environmental conditions.
