Urges Drivers to Change Cabin Air Filters for Winter

MAHLE, the original equipment (OE) manufacturer and systems supplier, is renowned for its innovative work in filters. One of the market leaders in filtration, the company recommends that cabin air filters be replaced annually in Winter, to avoid health issues and blockage in the thermal management systems.

Cabin air filters reliably supply the driver and passengers with clean air, reduces dust in the cabin and prevents dangerous fogging on the windows. It also eases the load on the blower and protects the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) from contamination, which can cause irreparable damage to the thermal management systems.

Jonathan Walker, managing director of MAHLE Aftermarket UK commented on the importance of these filters: “Cabin air filters are a vital component to replace, especially in Winter because they will become blocked in the Summer due to excess particulates, which can prevent air circulating from the heater blower effectively. MAHLE cabin filters, which are of OE quality, will help prevent the windscreen from misting up on cooler mornings, as well as preventing pollen and particulates from affecting passengers’ health.”

MAHLE recommends that cabin air filters should be replaced every 9,000 to 12,000 miles as best practice, if not annually, which can be easily upsold by motor factors and garages to their respective customers. The fan blows up to 100,000 litres of air into the cabin during an hour of driving, by not replacing the filters often, it can cause passengers health problems due to pollutants, smog, ozone, pollen, fine particulates and exhaust gases that can enter the passenger cabin.

If the cabin air filter is not replaced during the allotted mileage recommended, moisture builds up in the captured dirt and the filter becomes full of mould and bacteria. This can spread into the lines of the HVAC system that can give off unpleasant odours and unhealthy emissions.

During the seasons, the filter can be affected differently: Spring can bring a vast amount of pollen and grass seeds, which can lead to a blockage in the pleated surface. Summer can cause soot and fine particulates; Autumn is similar but at a higher air humidity. If the cabin air filter has still not been replaced by Winter, the filter will be clogged and need replacing immediately.