Which air filter to choose

The best air filter manufacturers

Experienced car owners recommend giving the choice in favor of air filters manufactured by eminent European and Japanese concerns:

1. Purflux
2. Filtron
3. Knecht
4. Mahle
5. Mann
6. K&N

In order to make the best choice, you need to pay attention to the technical characteristics of specific models, as well as user reviews, taking into account the features, advantages and disadvantages. The latter can be found on the Internet.

Types of air filters

The air filter is a plastic frame in which a special filter element is integrated. The structure, as well as the materials used in its manufacture, are varied. Depending on them, the main types of air filters are distinguished.

Traditional air filters

The basis of such models is a special porous material, vaguely reminiscent of foam rubber. Easily passes air and prevents dust, sand, debris and moisture from entering the engine. Widely used in modern cars.

Advantages

• Inexpensive;
• Variety of models;
• Good degree of filtration;

Flaws

• Require regular replacement;
• Do not protect against microscopic particles and chemical compounds;

Carbon filters

A more advanced design that qualitatively purifies the air from dust and sand, as well as all kinds of impurities. In addition to synthetic materials and cellulose, the composition includes coal, famous for its absorbent characteristics.

Advantages

• Close to the maximum degree of purification of the air supplied to the intake manifold;
• A large number of different models and sizes;
• Long service life;

Flaws

• More expensive than traditional models;
• Require regular maintenance and replacement;

Liquid Air Filters

Mineral oil is used as a filter element, with the help of which the air entering the intake is cleaned of impurities and dust. Thanks to this design, it can be used multiple times: all that is required is to change the oil in time.

Advantages

• High degree of purification;
• Easy to install and maintain;
• Reusability and the ability to change the oil yourself;
• Ease of control over the degree of pollution;

Flaws

• More expensive than classic air analogues;
• Not suitable for all types of vehicles;
• Large dead weight;
• Low air permeability;

Zero resistance filters

Sports models designed to solve the problem of the most efficient supply of air mass to the engine cylinders and its high-quality cleaning. They almost always have a round shape and are installed in a regular air filter mount at the inlet to the intake manifold. They are reusable devices that can be cleaned and reused.

Advantages

• Minimum resistance to air flow and power gain as a result;
• Installed in place of the regular filter;
• High quality workmanship;
• Allow multiple use;

Flaws

• Reduced cleaning and maintenance interval;
• High price;

Air filter selection options

Having decided on a specific class of device, it is necessary to pay close attention to the technical subtleties and design features of a particular filter.

Filter capacity

It is measured in liters and displays the volume of air passing through the insert at a particular point in time. This parameter should be as close as possible to the original, otherwise the likelihood of getting a lack of intake air and improper mixture formation increases;

Degree of filtration

It is displayed as a percentage and indicates the amount of impurities that a particular filter is able to stop. The higher the value, the better. For modern cars, a value of 90% is the minimum allowable threshold. Filters with a smaller number automatically become a threat of scuffing on the cylinder walls and engine failure.

The integrity of the filter element and the quality of its performance

Any gap not provided by the manufacturer, or violation of the integrity of the structure automatically increases the passage of abrasive substances past the filter. It is for this reason that the quality and integrity of the insert should be given the closest attention.

The minimum size of the filtered fraction

Even the smallest speck of dust that can cause scuffing in the cylinder has a certain size. The task of the manufacturer is to ensure a balance between the free passage of air through the filter and the maximum allowable filtration. Filters capable of retaining particles down to 1 micrometer are considered optimal.

Recommended change interval

A parameter independently determined by each filter manufacturer. You should not believe the indicated figures: even if the numbers are displayed on the package every 30-40 thousand times as a frequency, the interval should be at least halved. In the case of severe operating conditions – three times.