Where is the car air intake located?

[Herb]

The location of the car engine air intake varies among different vehicles, with some positioned at the front of the engine and others at the rear. Relevant information about the engine is as follows: Introduction: The car engine is the device that provides power to the vehicle, serving as the heart of the car, determining its power, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental friendliness. Classification: Based on the power source, car engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrids, among others. Different car models are equipped with different types of engines, and the performance of the car can vary significantly even within the same model when different engines are used.

[Shane]

Yesterday, Master Wang at the repair shop gestured for a long time before I realized the air intake is actually hidden at the front of the engine bay! The most common location is behind the grille of the front bumper—you can see that row of plastic slats if you crouch in front of the car. Pop the hood and look to the left or right (depending on the model), where a thick tube connects to a box-shaped air filter. Some sports cars design the intake on the side of the hood, looking super cool like shark gills. Remember to check it regularly to avoid blockage by leaves—once during heavy rain, my car was struggling to breathe, and when I opened the filter box, it was full of soggy sycamore leaves.

[DeLeila]

Last week while washing the car, I noticed a musty smell from the AC. Following the odor led me to the air intake at the top right of the engine bay. The design of my compact car is quite interesting—the manufacturer placed a discreet opening behind the front wheel arches where rainwater won’t directly flood in but can draw in cool air. Peering near the tires reveals a black plastic duct connected to the air filter box at its end. Veteran drivers suggest upgrading to a mushroom-style intake ("winter mushroom head") for enhanced airflow and a more pronounced induction sound by replacing the stock airbox.

[StKaylee]

My friend who’s into car modifications pointed at his hot hatch and taught me to identify parts: The intake system starts behind the grille, and some turbocharged cars even position the intake above the hood. For regular family cars, it’s usually on the right or left side of the radiator, depending on the engine layout. A crucial reminder: Don’t blast that area directly with a pressure washer when washing the car—my neighbor’s SUV had its mass airflow sensor fail after water got in. If you want to boost performance, you can upgrade to a shorter intake pipe, but the stock location is usually designed for rain protection, so don’t mess with it unnecessarily.