Car air filters: types and benefits

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:55

To increase the efficiency of fuel combustion, certain conditions are created, among which it is worth noting the use of purified air. This function is performed by air filters for cars.

Purpose

Oxygen is necessary for proper combustion of fuel in the engine. At the same time, it must be clean and come in a sufficiently large amount. A device for solving such a problem was created at the dawn of the automotive industry. As a result of intensive driving and various tests, it became clear that the engine should be equipped with special protection that reduces the likelihood of breakdowns and extends the service life.

Air filters for cars can have different external designs. Despite this, the principle of operation is always the same: through a special pipe, air enters the housing, inside which there is a filter element. Dust particles during the passage of the stream settle on it, and clean air entersmotor manifold.

Views

Since the creation of this part, many varieties have appeared that differ in the following characteristics:

• number of filtration stages;
• operating conditions;
• filter part material;
• filtration method (cyclone, direct-flow, inertial oil);
• design (flat, square or round shape).

The most widespread are such types of filters as zero resistance, paper and inertial oil. Nowadays, the focus is on increasing mileage, so manufacturers are taking various measures to make air filter changes less frequent. Vehicle-day is a measure of the quality of transport operation, which is also taken into account when calculating the operating time of the filter in industrial conditions.

Paper based device

The most popular option can be safely called a paper filter, which is based on corrugated material. Its structure allows fine particles and moisture to be retained on the fibers, while air passes through it unhindered. The service life is calculated in mileage and is within 15 thousand kilometers. If the car is rarely used, then the device must be replaced every two years. Low cost is the main advantage, also worth noting is light weight, quick installation and easy use. But air filters for carsnot devoid of shortcomings. They are subject to moisture and mechanical stress. Due to the low strength of the paper base, they become unusable if the corrugated element is damaged. Also, the throughput characteristics of the filter tend to decrease over time due to surface contamination, this negatively affects the quality of the engine.

Inertia oil

This air filter of the GAZ car and other brands has also become quite widespread. It has a simple design: mineral oil acts as a filter base and is located in a separate housing through which air flows, while all impurities and small particles remain in the oil. The main feature of this option is the possibility of reusable use. Since the degree of contamination of the oil component has a direct impact on the degree of clogging of the device, after using the oil resource, it is enough to flush the structure and fill it with a new mineral-based composition. But today such a device is used less and less due to the low degree of purification and large mass.

Zero resistance filter

Most often it can be found in sports tuned cars. It has some resemblance to the paper version. The foam inserts used as the filter part are the main difference. Such devices provide an active flow of air into the motor,at the same time, it is pumped almost without delay, due to which it regularly receives the necessary volume of air. They are also great for cars equipped with turbocharged and uprated engines. Due to the high efficiency, the engine power after installing the device increases significantly. During operation, such air filters for cars make noticeable noise - this is their only drawback. At the same time, this parameter is irrelevant for formed power units.

Filter replacement interval

The frequency of device replacement depends on many factors and operating conditions. It is also worth taking into account the recommendations of the manufacturer. It is believed that the replacement of the car's air filter should be done every 10 thousand kilometers. In most cases, this is true, but in winter and when the machine is not actively used, the device may be changed less often.

Operating conditions are critical. Regular installation of new elements is necessary with frequent exposure to dust and driving on dirt roads, in which case the motor will last longer and be protected from harmful effects. With intensive use of the car, you can focus on its behavior and handling. There are main signs that indicate the need to replace the filter:

• power reduction;
• exhaust gases contain an increased amount of carbon dioxide;
• fuel consumption is getting higher compared to the previous period.

The occurrence of such signs is highly undesirable, since installing a new filter element is much easier and cheaper than repairing the motor.

What you need to know

The basis of the filter also affects the frequency of its replacement, since the rate of contamination depends on the type of material. Previously, the production of air filters for cars was limited to the use of a paper base with special impregnation, today it has been replaced by a synthetic, more durable material. Thus, manufacturers were able to achieve a significant increase in the life of the filter element.

How to clean a car air filter

It is believed that devices of this kind can be reused after cleaning. And if this is true for the oil filter, then it does not fit the paper-based option. This device is designed for a certain period of operation, carrying out such measures is not able to significantly increase it, while increasing the risk of damage to the structure at the most inopportune moment.

If there is an urgent need for cleaning and it is not possible to purchase a new filter, it must be removed from the car and carefully knock out large clods of dust. If you have a compressor, you can do without removing the device. Then the base is cleaned with a conventional vacuum cleaner. After carrying out all work, it is necessary to carefully inspect the structure to make sure that there is no damage. The number of such purges can be unlimited, most oftenthey are resorted to in the summer and before long trips.

Although the filter may visually look clean, it will be less effective and the engine will be supplied with poor quality air. To avoid unnecessary problems, it is worth replacing according to the manufacturers' recommendations, especially since new, even the best car air filters are not that expensive.