Some may even be superior to OEM parts. But when it comes to air filters at least, research has shown that there is little to no improvement in performance to using aftermarket air filters.
Aftermarket air filters are notorious for being low quality. It's common for aftermarket air filters to have thin, cheap filter media that tears easily. Aftermarket air filters can also have shallow, widely spaced pleats.
Cheap air filters are often less efficient at trapping particles, which means that more harmful airborne contaminants can enter your HVAC system and circulate throughout your home or office. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased health risks.
OEM and Aftermarket Differences
OEM filters typically cost more, as many carry the brand name of the manufacturer of a given piece of cleaning equipment. These can be up to 60 percent higher in cost than aftermarket filters, simply because of the brand name. Supply chain and other factors contribute to this cost.
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.
How Much Does Brand Matter? Different brands will offer different ranges of MERV ratings and filter sizes. More importantly, not all filters are built equal – the quality of the filter materials determines how long the product lasts and how consistent it is in performance.
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.
While it is always recommended to use OEM parts when possible, it is unlikely that using off-label oil and air filters will cause you any issues.
Quality: One of the reasons aftermarket parts can be cheaper is they aren't always made of the same high-quality materials as OEM parts. These inferior materials can lead aftermarket parts to fail and negate any initial savings that a driver may have experienced.
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.
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%.
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.
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 nobody in your home has allergies and you don't have pets or significant air quality concerns, for instance, an inexpensive filter can still be effective. The main drawback with cheaper filters is you'll need to replace them more often.
New and clean air filters improve gas mileage
It has been scientifically proven that by simply replacing the air filter on a car, it's possible to get at least 10% better gas mileage. That's as good as saving 15 cents a gallon every time you fill up, all whilst helping to keep your engine in optimal condition.
You bet your new car warranty and the long life of your engine! An OEM filter is designed to handle the exact flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and filtration requirements demanded by your performance engine. Going with anything less than OEM quality can lead to costly repairs.
NAPA parts are designed to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards, ensuring that they provide the same level of quality and performance as the original parts.
Cons of OEM
While there are many benefits associated with using an OEM, one of the main drawbacks is that it typically has a higher cost than white-label manufacturing. This is due to the extra time and resources needed to produce custom products from scratch.
Some consumers worry about the quality or safety of aftermarket parts but these fears are unfounded, according to auto experts. Using aftermarket parts can be more cost-effective than using OEM parts.
It's not only imperative to replace your filters at the right times and frequencies, but with the right type: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters are a far better option than “knockoff” brands.
A clogged filter can lead to sluggish acceleration and potential engine damage. Replacing it at recommended intervals improves horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency.
Disadvantages of a High Flow Air Filter:
It can also increase the amount of dirt/dust in your engine oil that can increase the wear of the engine's moving parts. Another problem with the High Flow Air Filters is that water splashed from the road can be soaked by this kind of filters.
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.
Cleaning the air filter only improves its appearance. When should an air filter be replaced? The air filter should be replaced after the period indicated by the vehicle manufacturer.
Without an air filter in place, the engine may also be sucking dirt and debris in at the same time. This can cause damage to internal engine parts, such as valves, pistons and cylinder walls. The result is excessive oil consumption, poor engine performance, and eventually engine failure.