Which air filter for internal combustion engines is better
Content
Which air filter is best? This question is asked by many drivers, regardless of what brands of cars they own. When choosing a filter, two basic factors must be taken into account - its geometric dimensions (that is, in order for it to sit tightly in its seat), as well as the brand. From which company the air filter is chosen by a car enthusiast, its characteristics also depend. namely, the main ones are the clean filter resistance (measured in kPa), the dust transmission coefficient and the duration of operation to a critical value.
To facilitate the selection by the editors of our resource, a non-commercial rating of popular filter companies was compiled. The review shows their technical characteristics, as well as features of use and the results of some tests. But, in order to reach the stage of choosing an air filter company, it is first important to understand their features and criteria by which it is better to select.
Air filter functions
An internal combustion engine consumes about 15 times more air than fuel. The engine needs air to form a normal combustible-air mixture. The direct function of the filter is to filter out dust and other small particles of debris in the air mass. The content of which usually ranges from 0,2 to 50 mg/m³ of its volume. So, with a run of 15 thousand kilometers, about 20 thousand cubic meters of air enter the internal combustion engine. And the amount of dust in it can be from 4 grams to 1 kilogram. For diesel engines with a large displacement, this figure will also be higher. The dust particle diameter ranges from 0,01 to 2000 µm. However, about 75% of them have a diameter of 5...100 µm. Accordingly, the filter must be able to capture such elements.
What threatens insufficient filtration
In order to understand why it is necessary to install a good air filter, it is worth describing the troubles that an incorrect choice and / or use of a clogged filter can lead to. So, with insufficient filtration of the air mass, a large amount of air enters the internal combustion engine, including oil. Often, in this case, dust particles with oil fall into such critical places for internal combustion engines as the gap between the cylinder walls and pistons, into the grooves of the piston rings, and also into the crankshaft bearings. Particles with oil are abrasive, which significantly wear out the surfaces of the listed units, leading to a decrease in their overall resource.
However, in addition to significant wear of internal combustion engine parts, dust also settles on the mass air flow sensor, which leads to its incorrect operation. namely, as a result of this, false information is supplied to the electronic control unit, which leads to the formation of a combustible-air mixture with non-optimal parameters. And this, in turn, leads to excessive fuel consumption, loss of internal combustion engine power and excessive emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere.
So, you need to replace the air filter according to the regulations. And if the car is regularly used to drive on dusty roads, then it is worth periodically checking the condition of the filter.
What to look for when choosing
Modern machine air filters can clean up to 99,8% of dust from passenger cars and up to 99,95% from trucks. They are able to work in all weather conditions, and at the same time, the folded structure of the filter (corrugation shape) is not allowed to change when water gets into the filter (for example, when driving a car in rainy weather). In addition, the filter should not change its performance when engine oil, fuel vapors and crankcase gases enter it from the air or as a result of mixing when the internal combustion engine is turned off. also a necessary requirement is its high temperature stability, namely, it must withstand temperatures up to +90°C.
In order to answer the question of which air filter is better to install, you need to know about such concepts as specific absorption capacity (or the inverse value called the dust transmission coefficient), the resistance of a clean filter, the duration of work to a critical state, hull height. Let's take them in order:
- Net filter resistance. this indicator is measured in kPa, and the critical value is 2,5 kPa (it is taken from the document RD 37.001.622-95 “Internal combustion engine air cleaners. General technical requirements”, which spell out the requirements for filters for VAZ cars). Most modern (even the cheapest) filters fit within acceptable limits.
- Dust transmission coefficient (or specific absorption capacity). This is a relative value and is measured in percentage. Its critical limit is 1% (or 99% for absorbing capacity). Indicates the volumetric amount of dust and dirt trapped by the filter.
- Duration of work. Indicates the time after which the characteristics of the air filter are reduced to critical values (the filter becomes clogged). The critical vacuum in the intake manifold is 4,9 kPa.
- Dimensions. In this context, the height of the filter is the most important, as it allows the filter to fit snugly into its seat, preventing dust from passing by the filter element. For example, for air filters of popular domestic VAZ cars, the mentioned value should be in the range from 60 to 65 mm. For other machine brands, similar information should be sought in the manual.
Types of air filters
All machine air filters differ in shape, types of filter materials, and geometric dimensions. All this must be taken into account when choosing. Let's analyze these reasons separately from each other.
Materials
The most commonly used filter materials for air filters are:
- Structures from fibers of natural origin (paper). The disadvantage of paper filters is the fact that the particles they filter are retained mainly only on the filter surface. This reduces the specific absorption capacity and reduces the life of the filter (it has to be changed frequently).
- Structures made of artificial fibers (polyester). Its other name is non-woven material. Unlike paper filters, such elements retain filtered particles throughout their entire thickness (volume). Due to this, filters made of non-woven materials are several times superior in performance to their paper counterparts (depending on specific manufacturers, shapes and models).
- Multilayer composite materials. They have better characteristics than paper filters, but they are inferior in this indicator to filters made of non-woven materials.
Material characteristics:
| Filter material | Specific absorption capacity, g/mg | Surface unit weight, g/m² |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | 190 ... 220 | 100 ... 120 |
| Multilayer composite materials | 230 ... 250 | 100 ... 120 |
| nonwoven fabric | 900 ... 1100 | 230 ... 250 |
The performance of new filters based on different materials:
| Filter material | Passenger car with gasoline ICE,% | Passenger car with diesel engine, % | Truck with diesel engine, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | more 99,5 | more 99,8 | more 99,9 |
| Multilayer composite material | more 99,5 | more 99,8 | more 99,9 |
| nonwoven fabric | more 99,8 | more 99,8 | more 99,9 |
An additional advantage of non-woven fabric filters is that when wet (for example, when driving a car in rainy weather), they provide much less resistance to the air passing through them. Therefore, based on the listed characteristics, it can be argued that non-woven fabric filters are the best solution for any car. Of the shortcomings, they can only note a higher price compared to paper counterparts.
Form
The next criterion by which air filters differ is the shape of their housing. Yes, they are:
- Round (another name is ring). These are old-style filters installed on gasoline carburetor engines. They have the following disadvantages: low filtration efficiency due to the small filtration area, as well as a lot of space under the hood. The presence of a large body in them is due to the presence of an aluminum mesh frame, since the filters experience strong external pressure.
- Panel (divided into frame and frameless). They are currently the most common type of machine air filters. They are universally installed in gasoline injection and diesel engines. They combine the following advantages: strength, compactness, large filtering area, ease of operation. In some models, the housing design includes the use of a metal or plastic mesh designed to reduce vibration and / or deformation of the filter element or an additional foam ball that increases filtration efficiency.
- Cylindrical. Such air filters are installed on commercial vehicles, as well as on some models of passenger cars equipped with diesel engines.
In this context, it is necessary to select the type of air filter housing that is provided for by the ICE of a particular vehicle.
Number of filtration levels
Air filters are divided by the number of degrees of filtration. namely:
- One. In the most common case, a single layer of paper is used as a filter element, which bears the entire load. Such filters are the simplest, however, and the most.
- Two. This filter design involves the use of a so-called pre-cleaner - a synthetic material that is located in front of the filter paper. Its task is to trap large particles of dirt. Typically, such filters are installed on vehicles operated in difficult off-road or dusty conditions.
- Three. In such filters, in front of the filter elements, the air is cleaned by means of cyclone rotation. However, such complex systems are practically not used on ordinary cars designed for driving around the city or beyond.
"Null" filters
Sometimes on sale you can find the so-called "zero" or filters with zero resistance to incoming air. Often they are used on sports cars to ensure the passage of the maximum amount of air into a powerful internal combustion engine. This provides an increase in its power by 3 ... 5 horsepower. For sports, this may be significant, but for an ordinary car it is practically not noticeable.
In fact, the degree of filtration of such elements is quite low. But if for sports ICEs this is not so scary (since they are often serviced and / or repaired after each race), then for ICEs of standard passenger cars this is a critical fact. Zero filters are based on a special multilayer fabric impregnated with oil. Another option is porous polyurethane. Zero filters need additional maintenance. namely, their filtering surface must be impregnated with a special liquid. This is what is done for sports cars before the race.
thus, zero filters can only be used for sports cars. They will be of little interest to ordinary car owners who drive on dusty roads, but out of ignorance, they put them as an element of tuning. Thereby harming the internal combustion engine
Rating of air filter manufacturers
In order to answer the question of which air filter is better to put on your car, the following is a non-advertising rating of air filters. It is compiled solely on reviews and tests found on the Internet, as well as personal experience.
Mann filter
Mann-Filter brand air filters are manufactured in Germany. They are very high quality and common products among owners of foreign cars. A distinctive feature of the housings of such filters is a larger cross section of the filter layer compared to the original. However, it often has rounded edges. However, this does not negatively affect the quality of the work performed by the filter. Tests have shown that the filter element is of high quality, and the sizing is dense and has no gaps. As a result of the tests carried out, it was found that the new filter passes 0,93% of the dust passing through it.
Automakers very often install filters from this company from the factory, so when you buy a Mann air filter, consider that you are choosing the original, not an analogue. Among the shortcomings of the Mann machine filter, one can note only an overpriced price compared to competitors. However, this is fully compensated by his good work. So, the price of these filters starts from about 500 rubles and above.
BOSCH batteries and motors
BOSCH machine air filters are of high quality. In this case, it is necessary to take into account in which country the products are made. Thus, filters manufactured in the Russian Federation will have worse performance characteristics than those produced in the EU (for example, at a plant in the Czech Republic). Therefore, it is preferable to buy a "foreign" BOSCH.
The air filter of this brand has one of the best performance characteristics. namely, the largest area of the filter paper, the number of folds, the operating time. The amount of passed dust is 0,89%. The price, relative to the quality of the material, is quite democratic, starting at 300 rubles.
Fram
Fram machine filters are manufactured in Spain. Products are distinguished by a large amount of filter paper. For example, the CA660PL model has a total area of 0,35 square meters. Thanks to this, the filter has high performance characteristics. namely, it passes only 0,76% of dust, and has a significant duration of use on a car. Drivers have repeatedly noted that the filter of this company serves more than 30 thousand km, which is more than enough for the service life according to the maintenance regulations.
The cheapest Fram air filters cost from 200 rubles.
"Nevsky filter"
Sufficiently high-quality and cheap domestic filters that combine optimal characteristics. Tests have shown that the filter retains 99,03% of the dust passing through it. As for the time frame, he fits right in with them. However, given its low cost, the Nevsky Filter can be recommended for middle-class cars that are used on roads with a small amount of dust (including driving in a metropolis). An additional advantage of the Nevsky Filter plant is a wide range of manufactured filters. So, on the official website of the manufacturer in the catalog you can find models and codes for specific filters for domestic and foreign cars, including cars, trucks and special vehicles.
filters
Filtron air filters are inexpensive and high-quality products for a wide variety of vehicles. In some cases, it is noted that the quality of the case leaves much to be desired. This is expressed, namely, in the presence of a large amount of excess plastic on the case, although the edges are made neatly. Namely, they play an important role in the operation of the filter. There are stiffening ribs in the body, that is, the filter will not rattle when moving. It is the paper filter that consists of a large amount of paper. By itself, it is dark, which indicates its heat treatment.
Air filters "Filtron" belong to the middle price range, and may well be recommended for use on cars of the budget and middle price classes. The price of the Filtron air filter starts from 150 rubles.
Mahle
Mahle machine air filters are manufactured in Germany. They are considered one of the highest quality, which is why they are widely popular. In fact, careless execution of the filter housing is often noted. namely, there are samples with a large amount of flash (excess material). At the same time, there are no stiffening ribs on the frame. Because of this, during the operation of the filter, a rumble that is unpleasant for human hearing often appears.
At the same time, the filter plate is of sufficient quality, made of polyamide, not polypropylene. That is, the curtain is more expensive, and filters dust well. it is also quality glued. Judging by the reviews found on the Internet, one can judge the very good performance characteristics of filters of this brand. The only drawback is the high price. So, it starts from 300 rubles.
BIG-Filter
Air filters of the Big Filter trademark are produced on the territory of the Russian Federation, in St. Petersburg. Judging by the reviews and tests, it is one of the best air filters for domestic VAZs. Including the ratio of price and quality of air purification. So, the filter housing is of high quality, the seal is made of high-quality polyurethane. Moreover, in some cases it is cast unevenly, but this is allowed by the manufacturer. The sizing is of high quality, the filter paper is dense, has phenolic impregnation. Of the shortcomings, only inaccurate cutting of the paper itself can be noted, which significantly spoils the impression and causes car owners to doubt the effectiveness.
Real tests have shown that the new filter passes only about 1% of the dust passing through it. At the same time, the operating time of the filter is very high. The range of air filters "Big Filter" is quite wide, and the price of one set as of the beginning of 2019 starts from 130 rubles (for carburetor ICEs) and higher.
Sakura
Under the Sakura trademark, high-quality, however, expensive filters are sold. In the package, the filter is usually additionally wrapped in cellophane in order to avoid damage to it. There are no stiffening ribs on the plastic case. Thin paper is used as a filter element. However, its quantity is large enough, which provides good filtering ability. The case is made neatly, with minimal flash. The bodywork is also of good quality.
In general, Sakura air filters are of sufficient quality, but it is better to install them on business class cars belonging to the middle price range and above. So, the price of the Sakura air filter starts from 300 rubles.
"Auto unit"
also some domestic and high-quality air filters. Tests have shown that it passes only 0,9% (!) of dust. Among Russian filters, this is one of the best indicators. Working hours are also great. It is noted that a large amount of filter paper is also included in the filter. So, in a filter intended for use in domestic VAZs, there are as many as 209 folds in the curtain. The price of a filter for a passenger car of the Avtoagregat trademark is from 300 rubles and more.
In fact, the market for machine air filters is currently quite extensive, and you can find different brands on the shelves. It depends, among other things, on the region of the country (on logistics).
Fake filters
Many original machine parts are counterfeited. Air filters are no exception. Therefore, in order not to buy a fake, when choosing a particular filter, you need to pay attention to the following reasons:
- Price. If it is significantly lower than for similar products from other brands, then this is a reason to think. Most likely, such a filter will be of low quality and / or fake.
- Packaging quality. All modern self-respecting manufacturers never save on the quality of packaging. This applies to both its material and printing. Drawings on its surface should be of high quality, and the font should be clear. It is not allowed to have grammatical errors in the inscriptions (or add foreign letters to the words, for example, hieroglyphs).
- The presence of relief elements. On many original air filters, manufacturers apply volumetric inscriptions. If they are, this is a weighty argument in favor of the originality of the product.
- Symbols on the filter housing. As on the packaging, the symbols on the filter housing must be clear and understandable. Poor print quality and grammatical errors are not allowed. If the inscription on the filtered paper is uneven, then the filter is fake.
- Seal quality. Rubber around the perimeter of the filter housing should be soft, fit snugly to the surface, made without streaks and defects.
- Stacking. In the original high-quality filter, the paper is always well stacked. namely, there are perfectly even folds, the same distance between the ribs, the individual folds are of the same size. If the filter is very stretched, the paper is laid unevenly, the number of folds is small, then most likely you have a fake.
- Paper Sealing. A special sealing adhesive is always applied to the edges of paper folds. Its application is carried out on a special automated line that provides high quality performance. Therefore, if the glue is applied unevenly, there are streaks, and the paper does not adhere tightly to the body, it is better to refuse to use such a filter.
- Oil. Some filter elements are coated with oil over their entire area. It should be evenly applied, without sags and gaps.
- Paper quality. By this factor, it is quite difficult to determine the originality of the filter, since you need to know what the paper should be like in the ideal case. However, if the paper filter element has a frankly poor condition, then it is better to refuse such a filter.
- dimensions. When buying, it makes sense to manually measure the geometric dimensions of the filter housing. The manufacturer of original products guarantees the compliance of these indicators with the declared ones, but the “guild workers” do not.
Unlike the same brake discs or pads, the air filter is not a critical element of the car. However, when buying a low-quality filter, there is always a risk of significant wear on the car's internal combustion engine and frequent replacement of the filter element. Therefore, it is advisable to still buy original spare parts.
Hack and predictor Aviator
When choosing one or another air filter, first of all, you need to pay attention to its shape and geometric dimensions. That is, in order for it to be uniquely suited for a particular car. It is advisable to buy not paper, but non-woven filters. Despite their high cost, they last longer and filter the air better. As for specific brands, it is advisable to choose well-known brands, provided that you buy an original spare part. It is better to refuse cheap fakes, since the use of a low-quality air filter threatens to cause problems in the operation of the internal combustion engine in the long term. What kind of aircraft do you use? Write about it in the comments.
