Which air filter to choose

Many car enthusiasts approach the choice of an air filter for a car carelessly, not considering this device an important design element. 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 fly there, which will lead to the formation of scuffs on the cylinder walls. For this reason, the choice of an air filter must be taken as responsibly as possible.

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We recommend reading an article from an expert on choosing an oil filter and the secrets of choosing a cabin filter for a car.

Top air filter manufacturers

Experienced car owners recommend choosing air filters made by renowned European and Japanese concerns:

1. Purflux

2. Filtron

3. Knecht

4. Mahle

5. Mann

6. K&N

In order to make the best choice, you need to pay attention to the technical characteristics of specific models, as well as user reviews, 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 in which a special filter element is integrated. The structure as well as the materials used in its manufacture are varied. Depending on them, the main types of air filters are distinguished.

Traditional air filters

Such models are based on a special porous material that vaguely resembles foam rubber. Easily breathes air and prevents dust, sand, debris and moisture from entering the engine. It is widely used in modern cars.

Advantages

• Inexpensive;

• Variety of models;

• Good filtration rate;

disadvantages

• Requires regular replacement;

• Does not protect against microscopic particles and chemical compounds;

Carbon filters

More advanced design that efficiently cleans the air from dust and sand, as well as all kinds of impurities. In addition to synthetic materials and cellulose, it contains charcoal, renowned for its absorbent properties.

Advantages

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

• A wide variety of 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 filter element, with the help of which the air entering the inlet is cleaned of impurities and dust. Thanks to this design, it can be reused: all that is required is to change the oil on time.

Advantages

• High degree of purification;

• Easy to install and maintain;

• Reusability and the ability to change the oil yourself;

• Simplicity of control over the degree of pollution;

disadvantages

• More expensive than classic air counterparts;

• Not suitable for all types of vehicles;

• Large unladen weight;

• Low air permeability;

Zero resistance filters

Sports models designed to solve the problem of the most efficient supply of air mass into the engine cylinders and high-quality cleaning. They almost always have a round shape and are installed in the standard mount of the air filter at the inlet to the intake manifold. Are reusable devices that can be cleaned and reused.

Advantages

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

• Installed in place of the regular filter;

• High quality workmanship;

• Reusable;

disadvantages

• Shortened cleaning and maintenance intervals;

• High price;

Air filter selection options

Having decided on a specific class of device, it is necessary to pay close attention to the technical subtleties and design features of this or that filter.

Filter throughput

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, otherwise the likelihood of getting a lack of air at the inlet and improper mixture formation increases;

Filtration degree

It is displayed as a percentage and indicates the amount of impurities that a particular 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 fewer numbers automatically become a threat of scuffing on the cylinder walls 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 utmost attention should be paid to the quality and integrity of the insert.

The minimum size of the filtered fraction

Even the smallest grain of dust that can cause a scuffing in the cylinder has a certain size. The manufacturer's task is to provide a balance between the free passage of air through the filter and the maximum permissible filtration. Filters are considered optimal if they are capable of retaining particles down to 1 micrometer.

Recommended replacement interval

Parameter independently determined by each filter manufacturer. You should not believe the indicated figures: even if the packaging displays figures every 30-40 thousand times as periodicity, the interval should be at least halved. In the case of severe operating conditions – three times.

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