What is the function of an air filter?
4 Answers
The function of an automotive air filter is to filter out dust and particulate matter from the air, ensuring that a sufficient amount of clean and dry air enters the cylinders. The air filter is installed in front of the carburetor or intake pipe and is used to filter the air entering the engine. During operation, the engine inhales a large amount of air, which contains many dust particles. If the air is not filtered by the air filter, it can accelerate the wear of the piston group and cylinders. If larger particles enter between the piston and cylinder, it can cause cylinder scoring. Types of air filters: According to the filtration principle, air filters can be divided into several types: filtration type, centrifugal type, oil bath type, and composite type. The commonly used air filters in engines include inertial oil bath air filters, paper dry-type air filters, and polyurethane filter element air filters. The inertial oil bath air filter undergoes three stages of filtration: inertial filtration, oil bath filtration, and filtration-type filtration. The latter two types of air filters mainly rely on the filter element for filtration. The inertial oil bath air filter has advantages such as low intake resistance, adaptability to dusty and sandy working environments, and a long service life. Methods to determine if an air filter is dirty are as follows: You can observe the engine's operating condition. If the air filter is dirty, the intake air volume will be insufficient, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, which causes unstable engine operation. When continuously pressing the accelerator pedal, the engine sound becomes muffled, acceleration response is sluggish, operation is weak, and the exhaust gas is thick and black. You can check the surface color of the air filter. If the filter paper remains gray-black after cleaning the dust from the surface, it indicates that the filter paper can no longer be used and should be replaced immediately.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the air filter is truly the guardian of the engine. It filters out dust, pollen, and even tiny insects from the air, ensuring that only clean air enters the engine. The engine needs to breathe to function properly. If these contaminants aren't filtered out, they can scratch the pistons and cylinder walls, leading to oil burning issues and, in severe cases, complete engine failure. I learned this the hard way when I was younger—I once drove long-distance during a sandstorm without changing the filter, and the engine started shaking violently, lost power during acceleration, and fuel consumption skyrocketed. It cost me a fortune to repair. Changing the air filter on time can also improve combustion efficiency, making gasoline burn cleaner, which saves fuel and is better for the environment. I recommend checking it every 15,000 kilometers, especially if you frequently drive on dirt roads or in areas with poor air quality.
Bro, the air filter is super important! It acts like a mask for the engine, blocking all those annoying dust particles and ensuring the engine breathes clean air. If the filter gets dirty or isn’t replaced, dust can enter the combustion chamber, causing parts to wear out quickly, reducing horsepower, slowing acceleration, and increasing fuel consumption. I’ve modified my car’s exhaust system, and once the airflow is restricted, the whole car feels sluggish. Upgrading to a high-performance filter like K&N, which is washable and reusable, offers great value. Don’t underestimate this little component—regular maintenance can extend engine life and help the car run smoother with more power.
The kid asked me about the function of an air filter. It's the basic protection for a car, specifically designed to remove dust and small debris from the intake air, safeguarding the internal engine components from damage. Just as people can easily fall ill without proper care, the same goes for cars. A dirty filter can hinder the engine's performance, leading to reduced power and increased fuel consumption over time. My old car has been checked every quarter, and it hasn't needed major repairs in 20 years. A small investment saves big troubles, ensuring safe and reliable driving.
