Have you ever seen a supercar before? Their aggressive styling usually includes massive vents either on the hood of the car, at the flanks of the front bumper or most commonly, around the rear tire arcs. Believe it or not, these structures serve more than an aesthetic function. They provide the car's engine with the oxygen it requires to burn fuel and generate the energy that propels the vehicle. These vents are known as air intakes and happen to be a common feature across all combustion engines.
For combustion engines to function optimally, the air coming into the engine has to be purified from pollutants and other airborne materials. If carried by air into the engine, contaminants such as pollen, dust, tiny insects and micro-debris can choke the engine, contaminate fuel and catalyze mechanical wear. Air filters are used between the intakes and the engine to ensure that the air feeding into the engine is clean.
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Types of Air Filters
Auto air filters are constructed from porous materials that allow air to flow in unrestricted but still trap unwanted particulates. They are made from a range of materials, including:
Paper: The term is slightly misleading as these filters are not constructed from regular packaging or writing paper. They use pleated paper, an industrial material, and are preferred for their low cost, efficiency and ease of service.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel meshes are used in applications which require high volume air flow. They are available in different mesh counts which determine the strength of filtration.
Cotton: Marketed as a high performance after market replacement for stock filters, oiled cotton gauzes are growing in popularity due to their high air flow capacity, high dust capacity and durability.
How Does A Filter Change Impact The Car's Performance?
One aspect of a vehicle's performance that is greatly affected by dirty filter is acceleration. A study by the U.S Department for Energy found that dirty filters could negatively affect acceleration by 6 to 11%. Because dirty filters restrict airflow into the engine, the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber is interfered with. This, in turn, reduces fuel mileage.
Frequency Of Air Filter Changes
Car manufacturers give varying recommendations on how frequently one should change their air filters. For example, Hyundai and Ford advise that an air filter change should be done every 30,000 miles whereas Subaru halves that number to 15,000 miles. These figures provide a good estimate for everyday driving under normal conditions. Driving in unpaved, dusty or sandy areas may demand a more frequent filter change. It is recommended to at least change your air filter every three years. This is because the old filter can easily tear and allow particulates into the engine.
West Coast Auto is #1 In South California For Air Filtration Services
Let our team of expert mechanics take care of air filtration services for you:
Air Filter Inspection & Replacement
Battery Ventilation Filter Inspection & Replacement
Cabin Air Filter Inspection & Replacement
Additional Free Services:
1. Multipoint Visual Inspection
2. Interior and Exterior Lamp Inspection
3. Road Test
4. Hand Car Wash & Vacuum
A simple filter inspection and replacement service can prevent dust, dirt and debris from contaminating our engine. You can also improve your gas mileage and emissions. Visit us at West Coast Auto to benefit from our completely priced air filtration services in South California today!
