How to Distinguish Between Good and Bad Car Air Filters?

[DiJaxon]

Here are the methods to distinguish between good and bad air filters: 1. Water test - this is the most crucial and simplest method, especially for those without experience. Water is the best way to test the quality of an air filter. Place the air filter flat on the ground or a table and sprinkle some water on the filter paper: (1) If the water seeps into the filter paper within 5 minutes, it is made of cotton pulp paper and must not be used. (2) If the water seeps in within 2-5 hours, the filter is made of low-grade wood pulp paper. It can be used but will affect the air compressor's efficiency (higher electricity consumption, less air output). Due to their relatively lower price, such filters are commonly used in the air compressor industry despite their drawbacks. (3) If the water takes 12-15 hours to seep in, it is a mid-grade filter paper. Typically, better-quality domestic machine manufacturers use such filters as original equipment consumables. (4) If the water does not seep in even after 24 hours, it is definitely a high-grade filter paper, usually chosen by high-end machine manufacturers as original equipment consumables. 2. Check the filter paper's uniformity, light transmittance, and surface smoothness by holding it up to a light source. Uniform and fine texture, good light transmittance, and smooth surface indicate high filtration precision and good air permeability. 3. Examine the depth and number of pleats in the filter paper. A deeper and more pleated filter paper indicates a larger filtration area, which generally results in better air permeability.