Spring is traditionally the time of year when most cabin filters are replaced, but can technicians be truly confident about the quality of replacement filter they are fitting? This is the message from Volvo Cars Ireland, which has highlighted the quality and performance of its cabin filter range.

Cabin filters perform a vital role on a car filtering out incoming particles, pollen and dust, or in the case of is electrostatically charged Multi filters also absorbing odours and potentially dangerous gases. When working properly they provide a much healthier environment for both drivers and passengers, especially allergy sufferers, and also help to protect the air conditioning system and keep windscreens free of dangerous condensation.

However, to be effective, cabin filters need to be replaced at each scheduled service or once a year. If not changed problems such as increased drive fatigue due reduced airflow and unpleasant odours due to bacterial growth in the retained contaminants can occur.

When it comes to replacement, quality is vital and this is something that independent tests commissioned by Volvo have highlighted. The test was performed by Fiatec (Filter & Aerosol Technologie GmbH) in Germany and compared four non-genuine cabin filters for the Volvo V40 models against Volvo filters. The filters were tested for their efficiency in the filtration of particles and gases, for their dust-holding capacity and for performance over time.

Despite being in a similar price range the test found the Volvo filter performed far better. In the test on the filtration of the smallest particles (0.1-0.3 microns), the Volvo Genuine cabin filter was up to 40 times more efficient than the filter with the worst results in the particle collection test. In the evaluation of gas filtration (for example with NO2 test gas), the Volvo filter was up to 7 times better, and its adsorption capacity was up to 10 times better.

Stefan Winter of Volvo said, "The only way to ensure the quality of what you are fitting is to buy Volvo Genuine Parts. Of the alternative filters tested some performed well and some offered little protection. The problem is you won’t know which is which until your customer starts complaining about bad air quality or smells in the passenger compartment.”

Stefan points out that Volvo Genuine filters are developed, tested and manufactured for the best possible operation in specific Volvo models, but they are also designed with the technician in mind. He says, "If we are aware that space is tight when installing a certain filter in a certain model, we can make sure the filter is flexible enough that you can bend it a little, so it is easier to install. Without these types of considerations, the filter might get damaged in the workshop, or might not properly fit.”

Genuine Volvo cabin filters are available from Volvo dealerships nationwide.