ŠKODA Air Care aids allergy sufferers

Milton Keynes, 16 June 2021 – With charity Allergy UK estimating that nearly 50% of the adult population may suffer from hay fever symptoms, the consequences can result in more than just a stuffy nose. At only 30mph a sneeze can leave a driver blinded for around 30 metres, meaning exposure to dust or pollen can have serious implications for safety behind the wheel. 

The Climatronic Air Care System in ŠKODA cars can help to remedy the situation. Using a suite of sensors, it monitors air quality and, if necessary, responds by automatically activating the air recirculation function. The cabin air filters in current ŠKODA vehicles, such as the OCTAVIA, KAROQ, KODIAQ and SUPERB, are also crucial for clean air in the interior. These perform three functions simultaneously: catching fine dust particles, preventing allergens from entering the interior, and absorbing unpleasant odours.

The hay fever season – comprising spells of tree, grass and weed pollen – lasts until September. Through effective interior filters and intelligent air conditioning, the Climatronic with Air Care System keeps ŠKODAs like the new, all-electric ENYAQ iV free of the majority of pollen and fine dust particles year-round. The technology helps increase safety for allergy sufferers and fellow road users alike, as well as improving comfort for occupants who might have breathing difficulties, especially individuals that are sensitive to such issues and children.

Air Care system uses sensors for air quality and humidity
The Climatronic with Air Care System, which is available either as standard or as an option across most of the ŠKODA range, uses an array of sensors to measure interior air quality and humidity.

Should excessive air pollution be detected, the air recirculation function is automatically activated, preventing contaminated air from entering the vehicle while cleaning internal air via recirculation. During this circulation process, the air passes through a highly effective activated carbon cabin filter. Not only does it remove small particles from the air flow, but pollen and even unpleasant odours are also absorbed.

Three different cabin filters in use
ŠKODA uses three different cabin filters in its vehicles. In addition to the basic version for the entire ŠKODA model range, the manufacturer uses an activated carbon filter that, in as well as offering the highest filter capacity, also absorbs unpleasant odours. The third version is a filter capable of removing allergens.

“I am convinced that today we offer our customers an optimal cabin-filter package in terms of air quality, filterability and price. We can keep the vast majority of the pollen and particles out of the vehicle interior, thereby contributing to the health and well-being of passengers,” says Jan Hrnčíř, ŠKODA coordinator for the development of air conditioning systems.

Regularly changing the filters increases the effectiveness
To ensure that the filtration remains highly effective, cabin filters should be replaced every 18,000 to 36,000 miles. An ideal time to replace the filters is in spring or early summer. This is the case for two reasons: after many winter journeys in the rain and snow, mould can appear in the filters and, with a new filter in spring, the system is optimally prepared for the first pollen.

At the same time as replacing the filter, it is also a good idea for motorists to check the functioning of their air conditioning ahead of the warmer summer temperatures.