An air filter is an element in the intake path that traps debris and other particles from being sucked into a vehicle’s internal combustion engine (ICE), protecting the engine’s inner parts from premature wear or damage.
An air filter will most typically be made of accordion-folded paper, whether the filter is box-like or cylindrical. Reusable filters made out of oiled cotton or synthetic fibers can be purchased on the aftermarket and are preferred by performance enthusiasts wanting more substantial airflow to the combustion chamber.
While an air filter can be effective for thousands of miles, some people regularly replace (or clean, in the case of reusable) it during oil changes, tune-ups, or other service intervals to avoid neglecting this easily replaceable and forgotten part. If you drive in dusty conditions often, you must replace the air filter more frequently. Replacing an air filter is a simple DIY project on most vehicles. Replacement air filter prices vary from $25 to $200 or more on specialty or exotic vehicles.
A dirty air filter can lead to decreased acceleration and fuel economy and increased emissions, among other issues for your vehicle’s engine.
While automobiles also have cabin air filters, which should be replaced periodically, it’s the one in the engine bay to which most commonly refer.
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