The air filter in your car is an essential component for its performance. It helps to keep the engine clean and running smoothly, and a dirty or damaged air filter can have a significant impact on the power and acceleration of your car. Replacing a dirty air filter with a new one can improve engine acceleration, while aftermarket air filters can cause increases in engine performance and gas mileage. However, these effects may be more noticeable on older cars, as newer models have different air intake formats.
High-flow air filters are also available, which don't need to be replaced as often and can increase horsepower and torque, as well as fuel efficiency. A dirty air filter reduces the amount of clean air that reaches the engine, reducing its power and performance. This is because the filter tends to accumulate a large amount of dust, debris and other blockages while doing its job. As dirt and debris from the outside continue to accumulate on the surface of the filter, its color will gradually begin to darken.
Dirty or damaged air filters reduce air flow to the engine, which changes the car's air-fuel balance. High-performance air filters can help improve airflow and maintain the ideal air-fuel ratio, while protecting the engine from harmful contaminants. Some of these filters come with a cold air intake unit, which extracts air from outside of the car instead of the warm air used inside the engine compartment. Colder air is denser and therefore burns better, so you improve the performance of your engine.
K&N oiled cotton filters are protected by a durable wire mesh mesh and placed within a custom cured and poured urethane frame. This type of filter doesn't get clogged as quickly or easily, but it offers better airflow and better filtration of the air entering the engine. If your engine gets more air, then it can work better - leading to increased horsepower by 3 to 5 HP and increased torque. However, some manufacturers of newer car models have changed the engine design to make more efficient use of space, which can slow down the process of replacing an air filter.
In most cases, a clogged or dirty air filter may not affect miles per gallon as much as other issues such as a flat tire, but it can definitely take power out of your engine. The best way to ensure that your air filter is fresh is to schedule regular and full car checks at regular intervals. This way you can avoid any setbacks in the longevity of your car due to a clogged or dirty air filter.
