Wix Offers Drivers A Breath Of Fresh Air With Expanded Line Of Cabin Air Filters

Monday, 06 May 2002

The air inside a vehicle can be six times more polluted than the air outside, according to recent air quality studies. In response, WIX Filters is now offering more vehicle owners and passengers a chance to breathe cleaner air with its expanded line of Cabin Air Filters (CAFs).

WIX Cabin Air Filters are used to capture contaminants like soot and dirt as well as dangerous airborne gases and odors that enter a vehicle while its moving.

WIX’s multi-layer design traps microscopic airborne particles, but unlike most aftermarket competitors, WIX Cabin Air Filters employ an Activated Carbon Layer to absorb the gases and odors that can cause a variety of problems ranging from headaches and nausea to allergic reactions. This style of Cabin Air Filter is known as a Combination Air Filter. Most OE manufacturers use the combination style.

“Measurements have shown that the air inside vehicle compartments has significantly higher concentrations of exhaust gases than the outside air,” said Bruce Coffey, Ph. D., Light Duty Product Engineer Manager for Wix Filtration Products. “That’s because vehicles in front of your car produce an ‘exhaust gas tunnel’ and these gases are then drawn into passenger air compartments in a concentrated form.”

Cabin Air Filters are becoming standard equipment on many foreign and domestic vehicles, and by 2005, 80% of new vehicles sold in North America are likely to have CAFs. However, most drivers and even mechanics are unaware of them and their many benefits.

“We need to educate everyone about the benefits of changing Cabin Air Filters, explained Bruce Johnston, Brand Manager for Wix Filtration Products. “People often confuse Cabin Air Filters with the engine air filter. Engine intake filters are designed to protect the fuel injector, while Cabin Air Filters are designed to protect our respiratory system.”

Since the mid ‘80s, auto manufacturers have recognized the many benefits provided by the addition of Cabin Air Filters, and as air quality is becoming an increasingly important issue for many Americans, demand for CAFs will continue to grow.

An estimated 50 million people suffer from hay fever and other allergy related problems (USA Today, March 9, 1999). An even larger number of people live in areas of the country that do not meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s national air quality standards. Excessive concentrations of pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and volatile organic chemicals can also lead to variety of health problems — from minor eye and skin irritations to serious damage to the lungs, kidneys, liver, central nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Improper maintenance of a Cabin Air Filter will hinder its performance and can also affect other vehicle systems.

Vehicle recommendations may vary, but the general guideline for replacing Cabin Air Filters is every 12,000 to 15,000 miles — or at least once a year. “In addition to an unpleasant odor,” said Johnston, “filters not changed after 20,000 miles can result in decreased heating and air conditioning performance caused by restricted airflow through the cabin air filter.”

Since 1939, Wix has been an innovator in filtration products. Wix designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks and off-road equipment. WIX is the #1 filter in NASCAR and the only filter Officially Licensed by NASCAR. Wix Filtration Products is part of Dana Corporation's Automotive Aftermarket Group, one of the world's largest independent suppliers to vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. WIX Filter's Internet address is www.wixfilters.com.

Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers of components, modules, and complete systems to global vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 300 major facilities in 34 countries and employs nearly 70,000 people. The company reported sales of $10.3 billion in 2001. Dana's Internet address is www.dana.com.