Aftermarket May 2022

MAY 2022 AFTERMARKET 45 www.aftermarketonline.net MAHLE vehicle diagnostics tool—the MAHLE TechPRO or BRAIN BEE Connex. The diagnostic system can detect and eliminate defects in the electronics or air conditioning system and check the status of the system and individual components. To better diagnose complex defects, the system can also activate compressors, valves, and fans.” Concerns According to DENSO A/C Product Specialist Richard Groot, as the seasons change, air conditioning system service should be a priority: “The two most regular concerns that owners tend to raise that should point workshops to issues with the A/C systems are the fact that the air coming into the cabin doesn’t get as cool enough and there is an unpleasant odour in the vehicle, which is often accompanied by misty windows that do not clear effectively. The refrigerant is a key element within the A/C system, as its constant recirculation removes heat from the air. So, to cool the incoming air effectively, it needs to be at the right level and clean enough to run through the system’s components efficiently. When it comes to the odour and misting issues, it’s the cabin filter that must be considered because, over time, their performance naturally drops as they become contaminated by the pollutants they filter out. “Workshops should recommend that their customers have their vehicle’s A/C system serviced preferably every year, but certainly at a minimum of every two years, which should include the replacement of the cabin filter. This will allow technicians to detect potential faults within the system before they become major problems, so saving their customers precious time and, over the lifetime of the vehicle, money.” For more A/C service advice from DENSO, visit: www.denso-am.eu/news/seven-essential-steps-of-an-ac- service-dv-comments-en Cabin filters Also with filters in mind, Karl Ridings, Sales Director UK & Ireland – Aftermarket at UFI Filters said: “The standard rule of thumb for a cabin filter replacement to be carried out is once a year. A properly functioning cabin air filter is of utmost importance. Although the concentration of dust in the atmosphere and the presence of various harmful particles such as PM10 and PM2.5 varies with weather conditions and geographic location, levels inside the vehicle can be as high as six times the outdoor level. This is due to the tunnel effect created by the ventilation circuit.” Latest developments On the latest developments around cabin air filters, Karl commented: “In the past, there were mainly two kinds of cabin air filters; Anti-pollen filters and active carbon filters. Recently, the manufacturers have extended these product groups with more effective solutions that are designed to block and destroy bacteria even more efficiently. Internal tests have shown that these solutions, however, tend to deteriorate within only a few working cycles after installation. “UFI ARGENTIUM is a different concept featuring distinct blue fibres and a special fabric structure which incorporates silver particles with powerful antimicrobial characteristics. It maintains its ability to neutralise bacteria, fungi and mould, reducing the bacterial load by over 99% throughout the filter’s entire lifetime.” Developments On how changes in the car parc are affecting cabin filters, Karl added: “Some carmakers require extremely sophisticated filtration systems, with the intent of protecting passengers not only from air pollution, but also from bacterial and viral contamination. These latest developments have had a big boost especially in conjunction with and as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased the sensitivity of people for enhanced air quality in the vehicle. This represents a big opportunity. Indeed, the electric cars of a well-known manufacturer will be equipped with UFI high tech cabin filters, with very high filtration efficiency.” Below: MAHLE Aftermarket’s thermal management range continues to grow