Which air filter to choose

Many motorists are suitable for choosing a car air filter for a slipshod car, apart from an important element of the design of this device. And in vain: the air passed through the filter is fed directly into the cylinders, and in case of poor cleaning, dust, grains of sand and other debris flies there, which will lead to the formation of scuffing on the cylinder walls. For this reason, the choice of the air filter must be taken as responsibly as possible.

Top Air Filter Manufacturers

Selection of experienced car owners recommend to give in favor of air filters manufactured by famous European and Japanese concerns:

1. Purflux

2. Filtron

3. Knnecht

4. Mahle

5. Mann

6. K & N

In order to make an optimal choice, it is necessary to pay attention to the technical characteristics of specific models, as well as to user feedback, taking into account the features, advantages and disadvantages. The latter can be found on the Internet.

Types of air filters

The air filter is a plastic frame into which a special filter element is integrated. The structure, as well as the materials used in its manufacture, are diverse. Depending on them, the main types of air filters are distinguished.

Traditional air filters

The basis of such models is a special porous material, vaguely reminiscent of foam rubber. Easily passes air and interferes with hit in the engine of dust, sand, garbage and moisture. Widely used in modern cars.

Virtues

• Inexpensive;

• Variety of models;

• Good degree of filtration;

disadvantages

• Requires regular replacement;

• Do not protect against microscopic particles and chemical compounds;

Carbon filters

A more advanced design that cleans the air of high quality from dust and sand, as well as all sorts of impurities. In addition to synthetic materials and cellulose, the composition includes coal, famous for its absorbent characteristics.

Virtues

• Close to the maximum degree of purification of air supplied to the intake manifold;

• A large number of different models and sizes;

• Long service life;

disadvantages

• More expensive than traditional models;

• Requires regular maintenance and replacement;

Liquid air filters

Mineral oil is used as a filtering element, by means of which the incoming air is cleaned of impurities and dust. Thanks to this design, it allows repeated use: all that is required is to replace the oil in time.

Virtues

• High degree of purification;

• Easy installation and maintenance;

• Reusability and the ability to change the oil yourself;

• Ease of monitoring pollution levels;

disadvantages

• More expensive than classic air analogues;

• Not suitable for all types of cars;

• Large own weight;

• Low air permeability;

Zero resistance filters

Sports models designed to solve the problem of the most efficient supply of air mass to the engine cylinders and its high-quality cleaning. Almost always have a round shape and are installed in a regular air filter mount at the entrance to the intake manifold. Are reusable devices that allow cleaning and re-use.

Virtues

• Minimum resistance to air flow and power gain as a result;

• Installed in place of a regular filter;

• High quality workmanship;

• Allow multiple use;

disadvantages

• Reduced interval cleaning and maintenance;

• High price;

Air filter selection options

Having defined the specific class of the device, it is necessary to pay close attention to the technical subtleties and peculiarities of the design of a particular filter.

Filter capacity

It is measured in liters and displays the volume of air passing through the insert at a specific point in time. This parameter should be as close as possible to the original one, otherwise the probability of intake air intake and improper mixing will increase;

Filtration degree

It is displayed as a percentage and indicates the amount of impurities that a filter is able to stop. The higher the value, the better. For modern cars, a value of 90% is the minimum acceptable threshold. Filters with a smaller number automatically become the threat of scoring on the walls of the cylinder and engine failure.

The integrity of the filter element and the quality of its performance

Any gap not provided by the manufacturer, or violation of the integrity of the structure automatically increases the passage of abrasive substances past the filter. It is for this reason that the closest attention should be paid to the quality and integrity of the insert.

The minimum size of the filtered fraction

Even the smallest speck of dust that can cause a bully in a cylinder has a certain size. The task of the manufacturer is to ensure a balance between the free passage of air through the filter and the maximum permissible filtration. Filters that can trap particles down to 1 micrometer are considered optimal.

Recommended replacement interval

A parameter independently defined by each filter manufacturer. You shouldn’t believe the indicated numbers: even if the package shows the numbers every 30-40 thousand times as a periodicity, the interval should be reduced at least twice. In the case of severe operating conditions - tripled.

 

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.