The Function and Performance of Air Filters
3 Answers
The function of air filters: To filter particulate impurities in the air, ensuring sufficient clean air enters the cylinders, and preventing floating dust from being sucked into the engine, which accelerates the wear of piston assemblies and cylinders. According to the car's maintenance manual, the air filter should generally be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers or during every other maintenance session. However, it is recommended to clean the air filter every 5,000 kilometers to reduce the buildup of throttle sludge. The position of the car's air filter element varies depending on the intake form and engine structure, but it is usually located in the air cleaner on the engine intake pipe. There are two types of air filters in cars: dry and wet. Dry filters are made of paper or organic materials, while wet filters are made of metal mesh. Air filter: It is a type of filter, also known as an air cartridge, air cleaner, or air element. It is mainly used in engineering vehicles, cars, agricultural vehicles, laboratories, sterile operating rooms, and various precision operating rooms as an air filtration device. During operation, the engine inhales a large amount of air. If the air is not filtered, the suspended dust in the air will be sucked into the cylinders, accelerating the wear of piston assemblies and cylinders. Larger particles entering between the piston and cylinder can cause severe cylinder scoring, which is particularly problematic in dry and sandy working environments. The air cleaner is installed in front of the carburetor or intake pipe to filter out dust and sand particles from the air, ensuring sufficient and clean air enters the cylinders. Using a dirty air filter while driving can cause insufficient engine intake, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, unstable engine operation, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption. Therefore, it is essential to keep the air filter clean. The car's air cleaner is a device that removes particulate impurities from the air, consisting of one or several components that clean the air. Its primary function is to filter out harmful impurities from the air before it enters the cylinders, thereby reducing early wear of the cylinders, pistons, piston rings, valves, and valve seats. Thus, air must pass through the fine filtration of the air cleaner before entering the cylinders. A dirty air filter can cause poor engine performance, excessive fuel consumption, and engine damage. When inspecting the air filter, if minimal dust and light clogging are found, it can be cleaned using high-pressure air blown from the inside out and reused. Severely dirty air filters should be replaced promptly.
After driving for so many years, I feel the air filter is like the 'mask' of the engine—it plays a crucial role. It mainly blocks dust, sand, and pollutants in the air, preventing these particles from entering the engine combustion chamber. Otherwise, they can cause piston ring wear, carbon buildup, and even shorten the engine's lifespan. In terms of performance, a qualified filter must have high filtration efficiency—at least 99% of particles, such as 0.1-micron-sized ones, should be blocked, while ensuring low airflow resistance to avoid making the engine work harder and affecting power response. I recommend choosing one with activated carbon, which can also absorb odors. For routine maintenance, replace it every 15,000 kilometers or once a year, especially in areas with more sand and dust, where it should be done more frequently. After installing a new filter, the throttle feels lighter, and fuel consumption can drop a bit. Though small, this component is vital for long-term vehicle health—don’t skimp on this small expense, or you’ll regret damaging the engine.
Hey, as a member of the car club, I often chat with everyone about the wonders of air filters. Simply put, they protect the engine from airborne impurities. Their function is to filter out invisible dust and particles, preventing them from entering the combustion system and causing jams or performance drops. In terms of performance, I focus on filtration efficiency—a good filter can trap over 99.5% of particles, while also having a high dust-holding capacity to absorb more dirt without clogging. Don't forget airflow smoothness—poor filters increase resistance, making the car's acceleration sluggish. I've tested it myself: after switching to a high-quality filter, horsepower can increase slightly, and emissions become cleaner. Based on my driving experience, in the city, replace it every 20,000 kilometers, while off-road driving requires more frequent checks. Choose branded filters—they're affordable but highly effective. Regular replacement is like preventive healthcare for your car.
