CEN SEP
23
COVER
STORY
PRODUCT
PR FILE
TECHNI AL
TIPS
IN JUST A SINGLE DAY
of driving, an engine can consume up to
four thousand cubic metres of air. If contaminated with suspended
dirt, dust or insects, this can cause even the toughest engines to
cease, resulting in costly repairs and unplanned downtime, or, worst
case scenario, having to send a vehicle off to the scrap yard.
To ensure a fleet is filtering filth optimally, replace worn-out filters;
do not clean and re-use them. Many vehicle owners think they
save money by doing this, but they risk losing their investments, as
most manufacturer warranties only apply if NEW filters are properly
installed.
The facts
Soot and other fine particles are almost impossible to remove from
filter media, preventing a filter from offering adequate protection.
Many cleaning methods actually damage the filter media, rendering
them less effective and reducing their lifespan. Every time a filter is
cleaned – which tends to be more often than filters that are replaced
– vehicle owners risk exposing the air intake system to contaminants.
In addition, unnecessary handling of filters during a cleaning process
risks damaging the filter media, once again, exposing the system to
contaminants.
Use an air restriction gauge to monitor a filter’s condition. This
measures the air intake system’s air flow resistance, helping vehicle
owners to know when the manufacturer-recommended replacement
criteria have been met.
Change the secondary air filter regularly. If the vehicle requires an
outer and inner filtration element, make sure that the inner filter
is changed at roughly every third outer element change interval.
This will ensure that if the outer element is removed for scheduled
maintenance, the engine is adequately protected by the secondary
‘safety’ inner filter element.
Where possible, avoid using the inner element without the outer
element in place, as this can result in major engine damage.
How to get the most out of
TECH TIPS
air filters
