What is the working principle of an air filter?

[LaMaria]

Working principles of different types of air filters: 1. Dry inertial air filter: The dry inertial air filter consists of a dust cover, deflector, dust outlet, and dust collection cup. Its working principle utilizes the suction generated during cylinder intake to create a pressure difference inside and outside the air filter. External air enters the air filter at high speed under pressure, flinging larger dust particles mixed in the air into the dust collection cup, thereby completing air filtration. 2. Wet inertial air filter: Also known as an oil bath filter, the wet inertial air filter mainly comprises a central tube and an oil reservoir. Its working principle involves air entering the filter and rapidly descending along the central tube, hitting the oil surface in the reservoir, where the direction abruptly changes to upward, creating a rotational motion. Larger dust particles, due to inertia, cannot follow the upward air flow and adhere to the oil, completing air filtration. 3. Dry filtration air filter: The dry filtration air filter primarily consists of a paper filter element and sealing gaskets. Its working principle is that air passes through the paper filter element upon entering the filter, with dust in the air being separated or adhered to the filter element. 4. Wet filtration air filter: The wet filtration filter mainly consists of metal mesh soaked in engine oil. Its working principle is that after oil bath filtration, air passes through the oil-soaked metal mesh, where fine dust particles are trapped, and some adhered dust particles drip back into the oil with the engine oil, completing air filtration.

[LaLiam]

I remember knowing nothing about air filters when I first bought my car, until a mechanic explained their function to me. Simply put, an air filter acts like a car's mask, installed before the engine's air intake to filter out dust and impurities from the air. Air is drawn in from outside, passes through a specially designed paper filter layer, trapping large particles of dirt and allowing only clean air to enter the engine's combustion chamber. This protects critical components like the cylinder block from wear and prevents engine performance degradation. Once, during a desert road trip, I didn't replace the filter in time, and the car struggled to accelerate with a sharp increase in fuel consumption. After cleaning, I found the filter layer clogged with sand. Now, I replace it every six months, and the car responds more sensitively with a longer engine life. It's advisable to check it regularly, especially in dusty areas. Though small, it's crucial for the overall health of the vehicle—don't overlook this cost-effective preventive measure.

[OOmar]

As a family car owner who frequently drives long distances, I find the working mechanism of the air filter quite practical. It is located in the air intake duct. When the engine is running, air is drawn in, and the filter medium, typically pleated paper or synthetic fiber, blocks small particles in the air such as pollen, dust, and road debris, allowing only clean air to mix with fuel for combustion. This helps prevent contamination from clogging the engine internals, reducing wear and improving efficiency. If not maintained promptly, a clogged filter can restrict airflow, affecting engine power, increasing fuel consumption, and even leading to excessive emissions. My experience is to check and clean the dust every maintenance cycle of 10,000 kilometers, or wipe it with a damp cloth, replacing it with a new one if necessary. Especially after driving in hazy weather, the filter tends to accumulate more dirt, and cleaning it makes the car run smoother and quieter. Remember, it acts like a guardian—simple yet crucial for driving safety and cost, so don’t take it lightly.

[VonCharlotte]

As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I know exactly how an air filter works. Before air gets sucked into the engine, it passes through the filter material which traps dust and only lets clean air through. This ensures smooth combustion in the engine without impurities damaging the pistons and cylinders - otherwise you'd lose horsepower and burn more fuel. Once my car was shaking badly, and after checking, I found the filter completely clogged. After replacing it, the car ran smoothly again. Normally, I just pop the hood to check if the filter is dirty, then blow it clean with compressed air or replace it. This saves money, prevents headaches, and extends the car's lifespan.