Choosing a high-performance air filter is an important decision that can impact the performance, efficiency, and longevity of your car's engine. With so many car air filters out there, it can be confusing to know how to begin.
What type of air filter should I use? You should consider using a synthetic air filter for your car. Synthetic filters are more effective than traditional paper or cotton filters in terms of their ability to trap dirt, debris, and other contaminants that could lower the air quality of your vehicle.
If your air filter has a higher MERV rating, then you will have more surface area to filter particulate matter. A high-quality air filter that costs a few more dollars can help keep the dust and other contaminants out of your lungs while also helping reduce allergens in the home.
The easiest way to know which size you need is to open the engine air-filter housing, remove the filter, and bring it with you to the auto parts counter. You can also check in your owner's manual for the air filter part number or look it up online.
Your Engine Air Filter is Designed for Your Vehicle
When properly installed it only allows filtered air through to the engine. If debris sneaks by the wrong filter, it can pit and scratch your cylinders, which lowers horsepower and can lead down the path to overheating the block, cracking or even seizing.
The most common problem you will face with a backwards facing filter is simple inefficiency. If your furnace is forced to blow air through the non-porous end of a filter, it will take more energy to do so. The blower will be overworked and you will pay more money for your heating.
Replacing a clogged air filter can play a crucial part in improving fuel efficiency and acceleration based on the make and model of your vehicle. A dirty or damaged air filter limits the quantity of air flowing into your vehicle's engine, making it work harder and using more fuel.
Q: Do you know how often to change the car air filter? A: Typically, it should be inspected once a year or every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but this can vary based on the car and driving environment. If you often drive through dusty terrain or on unpaved roads, you may need to change it more frequently.
Find the right oil and oil filter for your car
Please consult your vehicle manufacturer's manual for information specific to your vehicle.
Most engine air filters will cost between $20 to $85, depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, and whether you do it yourself or take your vehicle to the dealer or a mechanic.
Yes, high-performance air filters make a significant difference in your vehicle's performance by increasing torque and horsepower. One test concluded a high-performance air filter increased horsepower by 2.6% and torque by 3.7%.
No Air Filter
The air filter is like the lungs of your car, providing clean air to the engine for combustion. This air mixes with fuel to power up your ride. Without it, or when it's clogged, your engine struggles to breathe, leading to all sorts of problems.
Expensive air filters often have a higher MERV rating than cheap air filters, which means that they have a larger surface area to filter and can trap smaller particles. MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value,” and it's a measure of how well an air filter can remove particles from the air.
While you may think you want your air filters to be the most efficient kind, NAFA notes it is important to keep in mind that the greater the efficiency rating, the lower the airflow. That means it could potentially cost more to run the system due to the greater resistance caused by the air filter.
Factory air filters are affordable since they are made of lower-priced materials. However, they cannot sustain the engine for a long time. On the other hand, the premium performance filters can be very expensive as they are made of high-quality materials that are more economical.
Your engine does not work well with contaminated air. The engine does not put out enough power or performance when it is dirty. If your car jerks when you try to accelerate, it may not be getting enough oxygen. The horsepower in your vehicle is dependent entirely on the amount of oxygen the engine receives.
Choosing the right engine air filter is more critical than you think. A high-quality filter maximizes fuel efficiency and prolongs the life of your engine. But a poor choice can lead to reduced performance and costly repairs down the line.
The lower the MERV number, the less effective the filter is at capturing particles (measured in microns) from the air. As the value increases, the filter captures smaller and smaller particles at a higher rate but also restricts airflow.
To determine your air filter size, you need to measure its length, width, and depth. These measurements are usually printed on the side of the filter. If not, you can use a tape measure to get the dimensions.
But when the filter wears down and gets dirty, it can choke off your car's air flow and hurt your engine's acceleration power. If you've noticed slower acceleration or other issues with your vehicle's performance lately, replacing the air filter could be the answer.
If none of the previous issues are forcing you to replace your spark plugs, you can typically change them every 30,000 to 90,000 miles depending on the make and model of your car. Your owner's manual reveals the schedule of your vehicle.
It used to be accepted practice to perform an oil change every 3,000 miles but modern lubricants have changed that. Today, many carmakers have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Also, if your car requires full-synthetic oil, it could even go as far as 15,000 miles between services.
A new, clean new air filter keeps your HVAC unit running smoother and running longer, extending its useful life.
Neglecting your air filter can lead to several issues. Over time, it can cause reduced fuel efficiency, diminished horsepower, and even engine damage. Keeping up with this small maintenance task can save you from more significant, expensive problems.
Takeaways for You. If you're running a stock airbox, splurge on an OEM air filter (or quality OEM-style brand) over the cheapest thing on the auto parts store rack. But don't spend crazy coin on a fancy-looking one.