Air filters in a car are components designed to clean the air that enters the engine. They are crucial in preventing contaminants, such as dust, dirt, pollen, and debris, from reaching the combustion chamber. Air filters ensure that only clean air is supplied to the engine for optimal performance and protection against potential damage.
There are typically two types of air filters used in cars:
Engine Air Filter: This filter is located in the air intake system, usually within a rectangular or cylindrical housing. Its primary function is to remove airborne particles from the outside air before it enters the engine's intake manifold. The engine air filter ensures that clean air is supplied to the combustion chamber, promoting efficient fuel combustion and protecting the engine from harmful debris.
Cabin Air Filter: The cabin air filter, also known as the pollen filter or dust filter, is responsible for cleaning the air that enters the vehicle's interior through the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. It removes dust, allergens, pollutants, and odors from the outside air, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for the occupants.
What Does Air Filter Do for Your Car?
Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
Regularly replacing a clogged air filter can have a noticeable impact on fuel efficiency and acceleration, varying depending on your specific car make and model. It becomes evident that keeping up with air filter replacements is a sensible practice.
But how exactly does an air filter contribute to such a significant difference? A dirty or damaged air filter restricts the airflow into your car's engine, causing it to exert more effort and consume more fuel. Considering that your engine requires over 10,000 liters of oxygen to burn a single liter of fuel, it becomes crucial to maintain unrestricted airflow and avoid hindering this essential process.
Minimized Emissions
When air filters become dirty or damaged, they impede the airflow to the engine, disrupting the delicate air-fuel balance within your car. This imbalance can lead to issues such as fouled spark plugs, resulting in engine misfires, rough idling, and even the illumination of the 'Service Engine' light. However, the repercussions extend beyond these immediate concerns, as the disrupted balance significantly impacts your vehicle's exhaust emissions, contributing to environmental pollution in your surrounding environment. By regularly replacing air filters, you can help reduce emissions and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
Extends Engine Lifespan
Even a minuscule particle, as small as a grain of salt, has the potential to penetrate a damaged air filter and inflict substantial harm to vital internal engine components like cylinders and pistons. Repairing such damage can be exorbitantly expensive. This highlights the crucial significance of regularly replacing your air filter. A clean air filter is specifically designed to trap dirt and debris from the external air, effectively preventing their entry into the combustion chamber. By doing so, it significantly reduces the chances of incurring substantial repair costs and helps prolong the overall lifespan of your engine.
Replacing your air filters
Air filters should be promptly replaced if any damage is detected. However, for optimal car performance, it is advisable to replace air filters at regular intervals, typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km). If you frequently drive in dusty conditions, it is recommended to shorten this replacement interval. To determine the specific replacement schedule suitable for your vehicle, it is best to consult the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer of your car. Following the manufacturer's guidelines ensures that you maintain the highest level of performance for your vehicle.
Affordable and Efficient
The process of replacing an air filter is simple, swift, and cost-effective. However, with the variety of air filters available in the market, it is crucial to select the appropriate one that matches your car's make and model. To determine the correct type of air filter and its location within your vehicle, refer to the owner's manual. Here are some suggested air filter brands and products for renewing your car (note the compatibility between the filter type and your vehicle model):
Universal K&N Filter, K&N Universal Car Air Filters - Videos, Installations & Reviews
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE PROTECTED WITH OUR TOP QUALITY AIR FILTERS
source: https://www.championautoparts.eu/news/3-benefits-replacing-air-filters.html
