Air filter - lungs of a car with an internal combustion engine
Content
How does the air filter work?
In modern passenger cars, you will mostly find paper or fabric air filters. They have a spiral design and, depending on the model, may have a different shape:
- flat;
- oval;
- in the form of a cylinder.
The correct operation of the air filter is manifested by the almost complete separation of dust and dust, which remains at the level of 99%. Currently available air filters have a capacity of 2 micrometers, which effectively traps the smallest particles.
The design of the chamber designed to install the separator is characterized by a bottom air flow. This means that impurities do not enter the upper intake layer and even with a scheduled replacement are not able to penetrate the system. By folding paper or cloth like an accordion, the air separation area is effectively increased. Today, this choice of air filter provides much better air cleaning properties than flat mount material.
How often should the air filter be replaced?
The right time to change the air filter is the annual car service. AT depending on the recommendations of the manufacturer or your mechanic, you can do these intervals after you have driven a certain number of kilometers, for example 15. Then you usually change the engine oil, oil filter, cabin filter and air filter.
How often should you change the air filter if you haven't driven your car for so many years? Most drivers stick to a set time, and if they cover shorter distances, they simply change it once a year.
Of course, the driving conditions of car users are not always the same. If you drive long distances on highways or expressways only, an air filter might look decent. No significant impurities or larger particles are visible from the outside. However, they do not always indicate the need to replace the element. Remember that the most unwanted particles in the form of microscopic dust remain at 0,5 meters from the road surface, and it is at this height that air intakes in vehicles are most often installed.
Car air filter - signs of wear
How do you know if your car's air filter needs to be replaced? Respond first to any changes in fuel consumption. Most often this is due to a decrease in power. The air filter causes these symptoms because the openings in the spacer material are blocked and less air enters the device. The consequence of this is a decrease in engine efficiency and a decrease in its power. Violation of the combustion process significantly reduces the performance of the vehicle, as the data read by the flow meter changes. It informs the controller about the supply of a certain amount of fuel.
Air filter replacement - is it necessary?
Ignoring the above factors can lead to serious malfunctions. How? Modern cars, in order to protect the unit, can go into emergency operation of the engine due to insufficient air supply. In addition to the air filter itself, react to the condition of the entire intake. When cyclic replacement, try to inspect the tightness of the box, channels, the quality of the gaskets and the presence of mechanical damage. Ignoring them can lead to the ingress of "left" air and disruption of the unit.
What is a cone air filter?
The absorption of contaminants caused by the low capacity of the air filter prevents more air from entering the combustion chamber. In cars running at factory settings, this is not a big deal. However, if you are planning to modify the engine, you should consider a different, special way of supplying air to the cylinders. What can you do in this situation?
Other types of separators are also available in stores. One of them is the conical air filter. As the name suggests, it is shaped like a cone and is usually made from a material that is more permeable than paper, such as cotton. This results in larger meshes allowing for more free bandwidth. Filters of this type are covered with a layer of oil to prevent the ingress of impurities.
Installing a Cone Air Filter
In order for the installation of an air filter to bring any benefit other than acoustic, the intake system must be modified accordingly. This does not apply to special inserts made of material that converges with conical air filters. They are mounted in the same way as factory products. If you want to implement a cone-shaped sports filter, supply it with a cold air flow through an appropriate duct. If this is not possible, lengthen the air intake so that the filter is aligned with the axis of the bumper or grille.
How to care for a sports air filter?
If you are planning to implement a sports filter, you should get the complete assembly and service kit. A special separator for your car will usually be a little more expensive, cheaper models will have appropriate adapters to connect to the intake system. How often should the sports air filter be replaced? Well, more often than not, it's a product for life. This means that if it does not have mechanical damage, it can be used for the entire life of the car.
In order for the air filter not to lose its properties, it must be serviced at the appropriate frequency specified by the manufacturer. To do this, use the oil included in the kit and first wash the air filter under running water using a special detergent. After the separator has thoroughly dried, a layer of oil can be applied to it and proceed with installation in the intake system.
As you can see, the air filter is necessary for the correct operation of the unit. Carelessness and lack of proper filtration can end very badly for a car. Therefore, take care of the efficiency of the air filter in the car and replace it regularly, especially since you can do it yourself and at low cost.
