Is it illegal to install a cold air intake?

Author: Prof. Edythe Keebler MD  |  Last update: Sunday, June 29, 2025

The answer largely depends on where you live. While many states have no restrictions to air intake upgrades, several other states do—and it all starts with California.

Are cold air intakes street legal?

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.

Can I put a cold air intake on my car?

Cold air intakes is good for your car, as long as it is correctly installed. Colder air is more dense, meaning the mixture entering your engine will be richer in oxygen, which will increase your performance (although minor numbers).

Are K&N cold air intakes legal?

As a result, K&N® sells intakes that are legal in all 50 states, legal in 49 states (excluding California), and legal only for racing vehicles.

Will installing a cold air intake void my warranty?

No, an intake alone will not void the warranty as a whole(in the US). It will however, remove any coverage for any item connected to that intake directly, or, that which is replaces. So, most of your filter/housing/elbow/MAF/MAP, TB etc would lose coverage, potentially the PCV. From there, the rest remains in-tact.

Why Not to Buy a Cold Air Intake - Bad Car Mods

Do cold air intakes damage engines?

Myth: Cold-air intakes can harm your engine. Fact: A properly installed and maintained cold-air intake system should not harm your engine. In fact, by reducing engine heat, it can extend the life of your engine.

What modifications will void a car warranty?

A number of things can void your car's warranty, including misuse of the vehicle, an altered odometer, environmental damage, and an insurance company declaration that the vehicle is a total loss.

Why are air intakes illegal?

But since a cold air intake has a direct effect on your combustion and air/fuel mix, it also impacts the function of the emissions-related equipment on your vehicle. That means installing one may put you at risk of running afoul of your state and local regulations.

Are cold air intakes pointless?

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.

Do you have to tune your car if you add a cold air intake?

Usually, you only need to tune your vehicle once after installing a cold air intake, provided there are no further modifications to your car. The tune optimizes your vehicle's ECU settings to work in harmony with the new intake system.

What are the disadvantages of a cold air intake?

The cold air intake does typically get denser air than the stock intake. However, since it is longer and more requires more complex routing, it is often more expensive. This increased complexity also leads to a more difficult and time-consuming installation.

How long do cold air intakes last?

K&N replacement air filters that fit in the factory air box can go up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is required (under normal highway driving conditions), and the larger conical filters included with K&N air intake systems can go up to 100,000 miles before needing to be cleaned (under normal highway driving ...

How much HP does a cold air intake add to a car?

Cold air has more oxygen in it which will create a larger combustion in the engine. A larger combustion = more power. Cold Air Intakes are said to improve your vehicle's performance by 5-20 horsepower. This number will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Is it illegal to modify your car?

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.

Is a cold air intake a mod?

Gearheads are always looking for new mods to squeeze any amount of extra power or performance out of their vehicle. One such mod that is very popular is the cold air intake, about which aftermarket parts manufacturers make some pretty lofty claims for a relatively inexpensive component.

Can I block my fresh air intake?

To close the damper in your air intake, and block the supply of outside air, follow the system's owner's manual. It may require: Sliding the dampers manually into a closed position. Turning off a fan switch if the intake is fan-operated.

Does a cold air intake increase MPG?

No, not all cars will see an increase in MPG with cold air intakes. Some vehicles may already have efficient air intake systems and may not see a noticeable difference.

Does cold air intake make a car louder?

Besides performance, your vehicle's cold air intake enhances the sound of your car. It empowers your car to sound louder and perform better. Additionally, installing a cold air intake systems in your vehicle allows you to hear a unique sound from your engine — the sound of cold air dashing into your car's engine.

Is a cold air intake hard to install?

Installing an intake kit might seem intimidating, especially if it's your first DIY car modification, but thankfully you don't have to be a seasoned mechanic to successfully install a CAI yourself.

Do you have to declare an air intake?

If you make any modifications to your vehicle, no matter how small, you must declare them to your insurer.

Can an air intake damage your engine?

Can A Cold Air Intake Damage Your Engine? A no-tune-required cold air intake, if properly installed and maintained, will not damage your engine. However, you have to be more careful with tune-required cold air intakes. Tune-required intakes use a larger tube diameter for increased airflow to the engine.

Can I put an air intake in my car?

Most systems will work for any vehicle, but when in doubt, it's a good idea to choose a cold air intake system from a brand that caters to your vehicle type.

Does Underglow void warranty?

Underglow won't void your warranty lol, and it's easy to install as well.

Can I change my own oil and keep the warranty?

Changing your own oil won't directly void your car manufacturer's warranty. However, the manufacturer won't cover the repairs if you damage your car while trying to change your own oil. If you're going to do your own oil changes, use the type of oil recommended by the car manufacturer.

Will adding a turbo void my warranty?

Will adding a turbo to my car void my warranty? Yes, installing an aftermarket turbocharger kit alters critical engine systems like air intake and emissions, changes that violate most factory warranty and extended warranty terms. It's best to avoid this mod if warranty protection for the engine is essential.

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