Commenting on how the changing nature of vehicles is affecting filters, Karl Ridings, Sales Director UK and Ireland – Aftermarket at UFI Filters said: “Downsizing and modularisation trends, e.g. for oil filter modules are ongoing.” He continued: “The new plastic housing offered by UFI Filters is made of heat stabilized and hydrolysis resistant polymeric blends, reinforced with glass fibre. It guarantees important weight reductions, high heat and chemical agent resistance, excellent structural and fluid dynamic performances. In comparison, the aluminium housing, designed with different aluminium alloys, engineering and moulding technologies, offers high structural resistance, excellent resistance to heat and to chemical agents’ and the components are produced with precision machining. “The most advanced media are multi-layered compounds, for example FormulaUFI.Stratiflex. These are made from fibre glass or synthetic materials which allow optimal interaction with the biofuels and carbon particles dissolved in the oil. They guarantee the highest motor performance even with the introduction of new oils, additives, mineral and non-mineral oils and their consequent degradation. The traditional, cellulose-based filtering media, such as FormulaUFI.CELL, still have a wide range of application, because they guarantee 50% filtering capacity up to 8 μm, high dust holding capacity as well as high chemical compatibility and pressure resistance.” Important solutions On significant recent developments, Karl added: “One of the most important solutions engineered and produced thanks to the R&D experience built up by UFI Filters over the years have been heat exchangers. These provide excellent heat exchange and reduce pressure drops, ensure cleanliness and absence of defects. Heat exchangers are installed in green oil modules that allow the integration of several functions, with the aim of reducing engine size and weight. “The E-axle module is a variant of the oil module developed for BEVs, PHEVs and FCEVs. It combines the functions of oil filtration, thermal management of the electric engine transmission and oil recirculation all in a single, compact module. Assembled directly on the e-axle, it ensures the best management of the components and a long lifespan for the transmission and electric engine.” Quality filtration According to Andrew McCluskey, Head of Sales at First Line, more garages are taking on board the importance of filters: “We’re seeing a lot more understanding now of the importance of replacing air and cabin filters. These can help protect drivers and passengers from pollutants and allergens, not to mention the health of the vehicle itself. 42 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2023 FILTERS www.aftermarketonline.net “It is one of the filters that regularly gets forgotten or ignored. However, it plays a vital part in keeping the air in the vehicle clear of fine dust and offers protection against pollen, bacteria and viruses, which if left unchecked could cause potential health implications to the vehicle occupants. “The majority of manufacturers’ schedules advise that if present, the cabin filter is replaced every service, or every year, whichever comes first. It is therefore essential that this is understood and able to be communicated effectively to the driver, as they may not even know there is one installed on the vehicle.” On replacement, he said: “It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s schedule on filter replacement. Failure to do so could harm the vehicle’s performance and in some cases lead to major damage. Plus, to ensure warranties are not compromised and engine performance is maximised, motor factors and technicians should make sure that they source filters from premium quality, well established brands such as Borg & Beck. Quality filtration is key to ensure the engine is in good working order. Filters have several major elements to ensure that they function correctly and in the case of oil, air and fuel filters, will preserve the life of the engine.” Andrew added: “First Line has introduced cabin filters with greater levels of protection. Tesla vehicles now have option of the HEPA filter, which is the highest level of filtration, and was initially intended for the military. Tesla refers to it as ‘bio-weapon defence mode’. One of the filters that has been introduced recently is BFC1464. This is a particulate/cabin filter that sits behind the engine chamber, same as HEPA, and acts as a pre-filter before the standard cabin filter, providing an extra layer of protection. This product is for Tesla Model Y.” Performance and longevity Commenting on the importance of cabin filters, Kevin ALL-YEAR ROUND Find out what’s new with filters and how you should be performing checks with every service performed Above: Oil filter from UFI Filters being installed on a Renault Clio
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