Most people are familiar with the term that they are told that their car's air filter should be changed regularly, but many of them are not aware of the importance of this issue. Keeping the air filter clean will keep the car engine clean and free of particles and debris, which is an effective factor in the engine's optimal performance. Keeping the filter clean also reduces the fuel consumption of cars, which means saving money. The cost of replacing an air filter can save many times the same cost in fuel consumption.
What is an air filter?
The car air filter is a practical part that is installed in the way of air entering the car's fuel system (injector or carburetor) inside the special filter compartment. It acts like a filter and prevents the entry of suspended particles and pollution in the air into the engine. The air filter prevents any insects, dust, particles, sand or debris from reaching the engine and ensures the right mixture of air and fuel to support performance.
Why should we use an air filter?
Suspended particles and pollutants in the air enter the car engine due to lack of filtration, wear and tear the important and functional parts of the engine such as: valves, bearings, piston rings and the inner body of the cylinder.
Good or bad filter?
Low-quality filters are cheap, lack standard signs and characteristics, and are generally not considered a suitable and successful choice. These filters are made from unsuitable raw materials, which cause serious damage and heavy costs of engine repair. Excessive fuel consumption, engine power reduction and oil burning are the consequences of using these filters. It is recommended that you pay attention to the name, brand, and credit of the filter when buying it.
Poor quality filters gradually wrinkle against gases and moisture in the air and lose their original shape and structure.
How does the car air filter work?
In the filter media (filtration surface) used paper, fiber is used, it has pores through which small particles pass. Over time, these particles accumulate on the flowmeter [1] and cause a malfunction of this sensor, it leads to an improper combination of fuel and air, which leads to an increase in fuel consumption and Severe air and environment pollution and reduction of car engine power.
How long is the useful life of the air filter?
Timely replacement of the air filter increases the useful life of the engine. Usually, the appropriate time to change the air filter is announced by the company that manufactures it.
But various conditions such as: the weather conditions in which the car works have a great impact on the time to change the air filter. Basically, the life of the air filter is shorter in the polluted climate of dry and dusty areas. Because in this condition, there is a higher possibility of blocking and clogging of the air filter ducts. The standard for changing the air filter is between 3,000 and 5,000 km, depending on the working environment of the car.
How to install the air filter?
1. First, find the right air filter for your car, remove the cover of the filter compartment, remove the old filter and replace it with a new filter. Place the new filter correctly and after closing the compartment door, it will work properly. Make sure the engine and air intake.
2. There is no ability to clean and reuse the air filters of light cars, because it loses the necessary efficiency due to use.
Summary
Just as pus-filled and infected lungs make it difficult for humans to breathe regularly and receive enough oxygen, dirty filters also make it harder for a car to function. Air filters can be purchased at auto parts stores or online and are easily replaced. Most standard filters are paper, and there are even better filters that are made of cotton or sponge and can be used many times. For reusable filters, it is enough to clean them once in a while and they do not need to be replaced. Air filters are cheap car accessories and replacing them is one of the best ways to minimize car fuel consumption and save money.