Cold air intake – filter modification Cooler air is denser, bringing more oxygen into the combustion chamber and giving your engine more power as a result. This modification may only have a small impact on your premium, and won't increase it as much as fully remapping your engine.
If you modify your engine or the vehicle's mechanics such as making exhaust system changes, or transmission or air filter modifications, you need to declare this to your insurance provider.
While a K&N filter on its own may not be a true performance enhancement, the insurance company may have a different opinion. They could refuse any claim on the basis that you are in breach of your policy by not declaring a modification.
Generally, changes that improve the value or performance of your car will increase the cost of your insurance. For example, if you've altered the air filter or remapped the engine, you can expect to start paying more for your cover.
Modifications to your car's engine and other vehicle mechanics, such as the exhaust system, transmission and air filter, can increase your vehicle's performance. In 70-80% of cases where a car's engine size is increased, insurance premiums increase too.
But as a stand-alone add-on, a cold-air intake system is probably not going to show much, if any, of a performance improvement. If, however, you're also adding other modifications such as a low-restriction exhaust system, an effective cold-air intake might do more good.
Aftermarket air filters are a hit or miss, but generally, they need to be replaced more often due to their low-quality filter material not holding up quite as long as OEM air filters.
Custom paint jobs and body kits can also increase a car's value and its insurance cost. Even seemingly minor changes, like installing a cold air intake to improve engine combustion, must be declared and may slightly increase premiums. However, not all modifications guarantee a higher premium.
Changing out an air filter is a simple, fairly inexpensive job that can increase the longevity of your engine and keep your warranty valid.
As a general rule, it is never a good idea to run your air conditioner or HVAC system without an air filter in place. Any amount of time spent doing so can lead to permanent damage and the possibility of needing expensive repairs.
For example, turbocharging your engine can increase your insurance premium up to 91 percent. Other changes likely to cause big increases are transmission or gear changes, a complete body kit, replacing the steering wheel, and uprating the brakes.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
"If the dash cam has been wired in, then it's classed as a car modification and needs to be declared to your insurer. This is because some elements of the car have been changed, and your insurer needs to know if your car has been altered in any way.
Jurisdictions often make modifications illegal if they can create safety issues for the driver of the vehicle, other road users or law enforcement officers. Modifications that affect the roadworthiness and safety of the vehicle itself are almost always illegal.
If the insurer finds that a material misrepresentation was made in the application that would have affected the insurer's decision to issue the policy, the carrier may void the policy.
No. In the United States, in order for the manufacturer of a warranted product to void or deny warranty coverage of a repair due to the use of an aftermarket part, the manufacturer must provide proof that the aftermarket part is the cause of the necessary repair.
Cheap air filters don't last as long, are less efficient at trapping particles, and have a smaller surface area to filter. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased health risks.
Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration, depending on your car make and model.
Cheaper Isn't Always Better - Get More Airflow with K&N
K&N filters offer exceptional airflow to your engine - and more airflow often translates to more efficient fuel burn. Disposable filters aren't typically designed with the performance enthusiast in mind; they are designed to be simple, cheap, and functional.
K&N Intake Kits - Are they street legal? This intake system is legal for street use in most states. However, it is not legal for sale or street use in California and the above states that have adopted California Emissions Standards under Section 177 of the Federal Clean Air Act of 1970.
You don't need to tune your car to utilize a new air intake system, but tuning will help with your performance, and it can help make your engine sound better when you're driving too!
The greatest benefit to the cold air intake system can also be its greatest weakness. More specifically, it's due to the location of the filter. Having a low-placed filter outside of the engine bay is great for taking in cooler, denser air. But, that location is also where the most debris and moisture are also present.