When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, one of the most overlooked aspects is the air filter. It is very similar to a vacuum cleaner; when you notice a decrease in power, the cause may be a dirty filter because literally, air is expelled at the cost of your vehicle's energy. But do upgraded air filters really make a difference?The numbers may be small, but upgrading your air filter can still make a difference. If you've ever been to an auto parts store, you've probably seen boxes that promise more power and torque than factory filters.
One of the advantages of a high-flow air filter is that, unlike normal filters, it doesn't need to be changed as often. All you have to do is clean it approximately every two years. This is because they don't clog as quickly or as easily, but they offer better airflow and better filtration of the air that enters the engine. And if your engine gets more air, then it can work better. In fact, a high-flow air filter can increase its power by 3 to 5 HP and also increase its torque.
At the same time, this can increase fuel efficiency. How? In some of the more expensive units, the filter comes with a cold air intake unit. It is installed to extract air from outside the car instead of the hot air used inside the engine compartment. Cold air is denser and therefore burns better, which improves engine performance. Yes, high performance air filters from the aftermarket work. But don't expect lots of extra ponies to suddenly appear when you step on the accelerator.
Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. When you realize that, it makes sense to replace air filters regularly. How can an air filter make so much difference? A dirty or damaged air filter limits the amount of air that enters the car's engine, causing it to work harder and therefore consume more fuel. Since the engine needs more than 10,000 liters of oxygen to burn each liter of fuel, it is important not to restrict this air flow. Naturally, air filters must be changed in case they are damaged.
However, to maintain the maximum possible performance of your car, it is recommended to replace air filters at least every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km). This interval should be reduced if you frequently drive in dusty conditions. It's best to check the maintenance schedule provided by your car manufacturer for the appropriate replacement program. A high-performance air filter is more technically known as a high-flow air filter, which explains how it differs from a regular air filter. One is the original air filter that came with the car after traveling thousands of miles, the second is a new OEM filter from Subaru, the third is a low-cost replacement from CarQuest, and the last part is a K&N air filter. A particle as small as a grain of salt can pass through a damaged air filter and greatly damage internal parts of the engine, such as cylinders and pistons, which can be very expensive to repair.
It's important to note that high-performance air filters are considered a modification and can void your warranty if you have a new vehicle that's still within the warranty period. Although the original dirty filters and the new ones had an almost identical speed (9.01 seconds between 20 and 100 km/h and 3.61 seconds between 45 and 100 km/h), aftermarket air filters improved their performance. Air filters are one of the easiest and fastest components to exchange for a replacement part, and many companies claim that their design will increase power, torque and improve acceleration. For some people, adding a high-performance air filter isn't a necessity but something worth buying simply because they're interested in modifying their vehicle. When performing routine maintenance on your vehicle, one of the most overlooked aspects is the air filter. It is very similar to a vacuum cleaner; when you notice a decrease in power; the cause may be a dirty filter because literally, air is expelled at the cost of your vehicle's energy. The aftermarket filter generated more power but Fenske wondered if in general it also filtered less.
