Air is a critical factor in the internal combustion process that occurs inside the engine, and ensuring that your vehicle has adequate airflow can maximize engine production and efficiency. High-performance air filters are designed to be less restrictive, allowing more air to enter the engine to produce greater combustion and, therefore, more horsepower. But, don't expect a bunch of extra ponies to suddenly appear when you hit the accelerator. The numbers are small and you probably don't feel the extra power. At the same time, this can lead to higher fuel efficiency.
Yes, aftermarket air filters work. A high flow air filter can increase your horsepower by about 3 to 5 HP and also increase your torque. Fuel economy is improved because high-performance air filters draw air from outside the engine compartment, where the air is colder. Paper filters are usually very efficient at trapping dirt for that reason, but paper filters have two major challenges. First, they need to be replaced regularly.
Second, once the filter pores are clogged, air no longer flows as freely to the engine, and less air means less power and acceleration. From what I've heard from my friends and other online resources, a high-performance air filter should be cleaned after approximately 30,000 miles. High-performance air filters are coated with oil to further filter debris and impurities, making them good enough to filter most debris. Aftermarket air filters can lead to increases in engine performance and an increase in fuel mileage rating. However, these may be more noticeable on older cars, where the general air intake is formatted differently than newer models. For newer models, some “performance” air filters can only make a negligible difference (although this varies, of course, depending on the car model and type of air filter).
Consult with an automotive professional about air filter options. Disposable paper filters have thousands of tiny pores, or air passages, that are excellent for trapping particles the same size or larger than their pores. When replacing an air filter, some people opt for non-standard aftermarket air filters to help improve the performance of their car. If you've ever been to an auto parts store, you've probably seen air cleaner boxes that claim extra power and more torque than the factory filter. I have tried different types of air filters before, and I would say cone type air filters are the best. After reviewing a dozen cold air inlets, the best cold air inlet is still the K&N cold air inlet.
For some people, adding a high-performance air filter is not a necessity, but something worth buying simply because they are interested in modifying their vehicle. A high-performance air filter can help improve airflow and maintain the ideal air-fuel ratio, while protecting the engine from harmful contaminants. He found that on the test bench, aftermarket filters produce more than the OEM unit, with the largest gains produced by the K&N filter (around four horsepower and five pounds).Air filters are crucial to your car's performance, and if not maintained in proper repair, can cause setbacks to your car's longevity. So if your engine gets more air then it can perform better - but don't expect miracles!.
