In a nutshell, yes, high-performance air filters can make your car go faster, as they provide a smoother, higher-quality air supply. The combustion process requires air in its purest form, and the better the filter's performance, the stronger the impulse. Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration, depending on the make and model of your car. It is recommended to replace air filters at least every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km).
This range should be reduced if you drive frequently in dusty conditions. How does an air filter make such a difference? A dirty or damaged air filter limits the amount of air that enters the car's engine, causing it to work harder and therefore consume more fuel. As the engine needs more than 10,000 liters of oxygen to burn every liter of fuel, it's important not to restrict this airflow. Naturally, your air filters must be changed in case of damage.
However, to keep your car performing as efficiently as possible, it is recommended to replace air filters regularly. Yes, high-performance air filters from the aftermarket work. But don't expect lots of extra ponies to suddenly appear when you press the accelerator. See the video above for more details. As the name suggests, an engine air filter filters the air that enters the engine and traps particles of dust, sand, dirt and other debris that could damage engine parts. The air filters are mounted on a fresh air intake that is normally located at the front of the engine.
The air that enters the car mixes with the fuel in the combustion chambers, so it must be clean; if dirt or other debris enters the engine and enters the engine oil, it could damage cylinder walls, piston rings and other parts. That damage could result in high repair bills. Filters come in different sizes and shapes specific to certain vehicles, so one size doesn't fit all. They can be made of pleated paper, cotton, or synthetic materials. Most are rectangular, but some are cylindrical or round, and are usually embedded in a plastic or rubber frame. When it's time for a new one, the filter and frame are replaced as a unit.
The DOE tested three vehicles - a Buick Lucerne, a Dodge Charger and a Toyota Camry - and compared their fuel economy and acceleration with a new, clean engine filter with the same attributes with a clogged filter. The test simulated the clog by covering the air filters with workshop cloths, which severely restricted airflow, and the DOE concluded that reducing the flow “had no significant effect on fuel economy” according to federal fuel economy testing procedures. The measured drop in highway fuel economy ranged from zero in the Camry to 1.4% in the Charger and 1.7% in the Lucerne. However, a clogged filter slowed down the acceleration of each car. In acceleration races from 20 mph to 80 mph, the Charger was 6% slower with a clogged filter than with a clean one; the Camry was 7% slower; and the Lucerne was 12% slower. In today's fuel-injected engines, electronic controls decide how much fuel to put into the engine based in part on the amount of air that enters.
If a clogged filter reduces this amount of air entering those controls reduce the amount of fuel accordingly to maintain optimal maneuverability emissions and other factors. However engines rely on good clean airflow to produce power and fast acceleration so restricting this amount of air will affect performance. The frequency of replacement varies depending on car manufacturer and driving conditions. Some manufacturers say that filters must be changed every 15000 miles others say every two years while others say every 30000 miles or more. The recommended interval for your vehicle will be detailed in maintenance schedule section of owner's manual. Whatever your maintenance interval you probably have warning that filter needs to be changed more often if you drive most time in dirty or dusty environments. This includes driving frequently on unpaved roads or desert areas but can also apply large urban areas with heavy traffic lots diesel trucks industrial pollution. A good rule thumb is inspect your air filter (or have mechanic do it for you) at least once year.
If filter covered with dirt filled insects leaves other debris time use new one. If there's only little dirt surface just one area probably good go longer try removing dirt surface brush rotating filter 180 degrees expose cleaned area primary airflow. If venting folds air filter hand causes dirt fly hand become dirty filter must be replaced. Hold filter close light look different angles see how dirty below surface. Air filters usually located rectangular housing front engine easy find reach owner's manual show location yours how open housing remove filter most vehicles clips hold housing cover place although some require screwdriver remove it. When replacing an air filter new one doesn't have vehicle manufacturer same aftermarket brand was there before but same size if air filter too small air will flow around dirt enter engine. Vehicles also have filter air enters heating ventilation conditioning systems but not related....
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