Parts specialist Blue Print has highlighted the vital role that cabin filters can play in passive driving safety. 

Blue Print say that the cabin filter is often overlooked during regular servicing, as not everyone is aware of the health benefits it can provide. Whilst it has no effect on a vehicle’s engine or reliability, it plays an important role in protecting the driver and occupants from allergens and potentially harmful air pollution.  

Blue Print’s cabin filters are designed to filter out particles to match the factory fitted specification,  using a combination of technologies to achieve this. The filter media is made from a non-woven synthetic fibre which uses advanced melt blown technology to give it form and strength.   
 
As air passes over the filter fibres, an electro-static charge is generated. The charge attracts particles as small as 0.3 microns, including bacteria and diesel soot nanoparticles. Particles between 0.3 microns and 0.9 microns pose a great risk to health as these particles are too small for the tiny hairs that line our noses to filter, but large enough that they cannot be exhaled.

Activated carbon cabin filters take filtration to the next level. Tiny particles of carbonised and crushed coconut shells are embedded in the filter. These activated carbon particles contain channels that trap noxious gases such as Nitrogen Dioxide (NOx) which is a poisonous gas emitted by petrol and diesel engines. One gram of activated carbon has a surface area of over 1,000 square metres and is the main active ingredient in gas masks. The carbon eventually becomes loaded during the service life of the Filter.

Blue Print points out that some cabin filters can be difficult to install due to poor access, often down to lack of space or obstructions because of LHD/RHD differences. It is important to fit the cabin filter correctly as a poorly installed ‘scrunched-up’ filter will serve very little purpose, with air able to pass by unfiltered.

Cabin filters identified by Blue Print as being in high demand at present include: 
ADV182513 (OE No. 5Q0 819 669). To Fit: Audi A3 (2014>), Seat Leon (2013>), VW Crafter (2016>)
ADH22507 (OE No. 80292-SDC-505HE) To Fit: Honda Civic, Honda CR-V (2012>)
ADP152502 (OE No. 6447.XF) To Fit: Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner (2008>), Toyota Proace (2016>)
ADF122507 (OE No. 1 812 679) To Fit: Ford Transit (2013>) 

It is especially important to replace cabin filters in light commercial vehicles as these are often delivery vehicles where the driver will spend a high percentage of the working day. In this instance the business owner has a duty of care to the employee to provide a healthy working environment and the cabin filter can play a key role in this. 

Full details of all Blue Print cabin filters can be found on the partsfinder online catalogue.