It is in the best interest of Torrance drivers and car enthusiasts across the South bay to get regular tune-ups and maintenance check ups. Click Here if you need an affordable tune-up in Torrance or auto repair. Anything can happen on our California roads and the last thing you want is to waste precious gas or get stuck while driving through congested traffic in Walteria! Speaking about "clogged roadways," did you know that replacing your dirty air filter during a tune-up is an important part of your car's breathing? …yes your car aspirates just like you do and it needs clean air! A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can lead to:
Reduced performance
Poor fuel efficiency
Increased emissions
Lead to a hotter running engine.
Premature wear of your engine,
Make you fail during your smog check.
It's important to replace your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or sooner if you frequent dusty locations. When you're due for a tune-up, be sure to ask your mechanic if you need to replace your air filter. While you're at it, have your South Bay auto repair shop check the filter people usually forget to replace; the Fuel Filter.
A Brief History Of Air Filters
One of the ways we become more productive is by creating new technologies. However, it's usually by refining existing technologies that big leaps forward can be made. A good example is car engine air filters. Over the past decades, inventors/car manufactures have tweaked, bent, and pushed the limits of vehicle air purification components in order to help engines gain more performance and efficiency. In the beginning, cars did not use air filters at all! Engines were left to suck in air filled with debris, which caused problems. However, inventors figured out ways to filter the air without suffocating the engine by using materials like:
Fabrics
Specialized papers
Synthetics.
Car air filters and its manufacturing have advanced in order to keep up with the demands of more sophisticated engine designs. Today's air filters can catch even the smallest particles, including smoke! If only our
car guru ancestors could see what has become of the humble air filter.
The first automobile engines did not use air filters or oil filters.
They sucked in untreated air directly, which fed dust, grit, and other contaminants into the engine's internal combustion chamber. The carburetor on the Model T for example, needed constant cleaning (especially in more dusty regions) which, as you can imagine, was a real pain in the "old tin can."
Over time, inventors from across the country took their "jab" at trying to create air filtration systems for vehicle engines. Early designs were made of tightly-woven cotton. This filter trapped the larger particles in the air from entering the combustion chamber of an engine. Even though this did not deal with the problems caused by fine dust, it at least kept larger contaminants from damaging an engine right away. Pleated paper filters came later on the scene which provided more fine filtration.
The 1960's and 70's saw the birth of muscle cars and therefore, high performance carburetors which needed high performance air filters! In 1969 K&N produced an air filter that not only featured high flow performance, but was also reusable! Later on Synthetic filter material was also incorporated into engine air filters. Polyester, for example, extended the need to replace an air filter by tens of thousands of miles! The 80's introduced us to more fuel injected engines and therefore new filtration challenges, as it demanded better air purification to keep fuel injectors from clogging up. This spurred filters with dual media layers, combining a coarser outer web for particle capture with an inner depth-loading layer to grab finer contaminants. Extended filter life became a priority, with some aftermarket brands touting changing intervals of up to 100,000 miles!
Synthetic filter media marked another leap. Materials like rayon and polyester proved far more durable than paper, with some early examples lasting upwards of 70,000 miles on testing. This durability appealed to automakers looking to extend maintenance intervals. The increased strength also enabled more specialized shapes tailored to specific air filtration boxes and engine space.
Today, car filters are available in a wide variety of types and materials. The most common type of car air filter is the panel air filter. Panel air filters are typically made of paper, foam, or mixed. Panel air filters are designed to be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
Conical air filters, also known as high-performance air filters, are another type of car air filter. Conical air filters are typically made of cotton or foam and are designed to improve airflow, engine performance, while being reusable (they can be cleaned.) However, many of these types of air filters require more cleaning and maintenance than panel air filters so it comes down to your preference and purpose of application.
How Will Hybrids And Electric Cars Affect Car Air Filtration Technology?
The short answer is: "we will just have to see." Car manufacturers are always developing new car filter technologies that improve:
Efficiency
Durability
Cost-effectiveness
Hybrid vehicles still depend on gas engines and therefore still need air filtration to keep the engines aspiration clean and healthy. However, electric vehicles do not have internal combustion engines, so they do not need the same type of air filters as traditional vehicles. Even though electric engines are sealed to protect their internal parts from the environment, electric vehicles still need to be protected from dust and other airborne contaminants.
Electric vehicle manufacturing has taken off and car parts that were once important will become obsolete in the near future. California, for example, is pushing towards full reliance on electric vehicles for personal and commercial transportation in the future. Have you noticed the number of electric vehicles on the streets of South Bay lately? The development of new types of car filters that are specifically designed for electric vehicles are well underway and we owe it all to inventors of the pasts and the visionaries of the present.
What is a car Air Filter Made From?
The engine's air filter is a straightforward maintenance part that plays a significant role in protecting the engine from harmful debris and contaminants. When an engine operates, it draws in a mixture of air and fuel for combustion.
The air filter is strategically positioned along the air intake pathway, before the throttle body or carburetor. The air filter intercepts and removes debris/particles before it reaches the engine's fuel delivery system (fuel injectors / carburetors) and combustion chambers (cylinders.) The construction of a car air filter is straightforward, consisting of a material that is porous and designed to trap foreign particles. The most common materials used for air filters include paper, fabric, foam, cotton gauze, synthetic materials, and, in some older vehicles, oil-bath designs.
One of the key features of a car air filter is its pleated or folded structure, which increases the surface area available for filtration. This design element is critical because it allows for efficient filtration without significantly impeding the airflow. Efficient filtration is essential for removing contaminants like dust, dirt, pollen, debris, and even tiny insects. The full list of what an engines air filter does can be summarized as follows:
Contaminant Removal: The main function of an air filter is to catch and keep contaminants from entering the engine system. These contaminants may include dust, fibers, dirt, pollen, debris, insects, and more!
Engine Protection: Air filters protect the engine's sensitive components such as cylinders, piston rings, and valves. Imagine if your engine sucked in abrasive materials like sand and rock sediment? Those very materials are used to grind and strip metal!
Vehicle Calibration: Your engine is calibrated and maintained through your engines computer AKA ECU to perform according to the manufacturers specifications. A dirty/clogged air filter restricts airflow and disrupts your engine's calibration. This causes your vehicle to adjust to the impeded air flow which results in reduced power and increased fuel consumption. Allowing this to happen over extended periods of time and cause premature wear on other engine components and can actually cause you to test poorly during a smog inspection.
Fuel Efficiency: A clean air filter allows the engine to breathe/aspirate according to manufacturer's specifications and therefore, create the appropriate fuel combustion and maintain fuel efficiency.
Maintaining Engine Power: A clogged air filter can starve the engine of air resulting in lost horsepower and performance.
There are several air filters available made up of different materials, each with its proprietary benefits:
Oil-Bath Air Filters: Oil-bath air filters are not common in modern vehicles, but are still produced by small manufacturers that cater to the car restoration/collectors market. They consist of a containers filled with oil, and the incoming air is drawn through the oil to trap contaminants.
Paper Air Filters: These are the most common air filters in modern vehicles. They are typically made of pleated paper or cellulose material. Paper air filters offer a good balance between filtration and airflow, effectively trapping contaminants.
Synthetic Air Filters: Synthetic air filters are made of materials like polyester or fiberglass. They offer excellent filtration and airflow properties and are known for their durability in harsher environments.
Foam Air Filters: Foam air filters are often used in off-road vehicles, motorcycles, and small engines. They can be cleaned and reused, making them more environmentally friendly. However, they may not be as effective as paper filters in trapping fine particles.
Performance Air Filters: Performance air filters, often referred to as "high-flow" or "cold air" filters, are designed to increase airflow and potentially boost engine performance. They are typically made of natural/synthetic materials and are used in performance-oriented vehicles. You can find these at auto part stores and third party car sites.
Regular maintenance of the car air filter is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prolong its lifespan. Here are some essential maintenance tips:
Regular Inspection: Include air filter inspections during your routine oil changes or repairs throughout the year. A simple 2 minute visual inspection is enough. You may sometimes find loose debris within the air filtration box that can be taken care of with a couple "spritzes" from the old air compressor.
Scheduled Replacements: Manufacturers typically provide recommendations for air filter replacement in the vehicle's owner's manual. Following these guidelines is essential to maintain your engine's efficiency.
Cleaning (for Reusable Filters): If your vehicle has a washable and reusable air filter, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and re-oiling it. This can save you money.
Avoid Off-Roading using a stock Filter: Unless otherwise stated by your car's manufacturer, consider using an off road performance air filter (usually made of foam/synthetic materials) that can handle extra dust and dirt without clogging quickly. Always inspect your air filter and other applicable components after "romping around" the dusty hills and mud banks of South Bay, California.
Protect from Water Intrusion: Ensure that your air filter housing is well-sealed to prevent water from getting into the filter (unfortunately some vehicle models come with defects that allow this to happen over time.) It is always smart to join car enthusiasts forums of your particular vehicle. Sometimes the moderators there know more about your car than the dealer does!
Extreme Weather Conditions: If you drive in extremely dusty or polluted environments, you may need to inspect and replace the air filter more frequently.
What Happens If You Use A Cheap Replacement?
Using a cheap engine air filter can give you a list of headaches, ranging from engine performance issues to premature engine wear. When a low-quality or substandard air filter is used, the following negative effects can occur:
The air filter can clog up sooner than later.
They may have larger gaps between the filter media, allowing more particles to pass through and enter the engine.
It can actually fall apart allowing material to enter the throttle body and engine cylinders.
Reduced filtration efficiency can make your ECU adapt to poorer performance profiles.
Increased engine wear.
Clog the throttle body.
Reduced the engine's power.
Increase gas consumption.
Increase your vehicle's emissions.
Accelerated wear from your piston rings to your catalytic converters.
Cause check engine lights to come on or cause real engine misfires.
Rough idling.
Hesitation during acceleration.
Rpm Surges.
What Are The Different Types Of Engine Air Filter Brands
There are several reputable brands that manufacture car air filters, each offering a range of products with different features and materials. These brands are known for producing high-quality filters that effectively protect the engine and optimize performance. Some of these brands are better than stock OEM brands (always do your homework before switching to after market brands. Usually OEM is preferred.) Here are some well-known car air filter brands:
Mann-Filter: Mann-Filter is a renowned manufacturer of automotive filters, including air filters. They produce a wide range of filters designed to meet the specific requirements of various vehicles. Mann-Filter is known for its high-quality materials and efficient filtration.
K&N Engineering: K&N is a famous brand in the automotive world, particularly known for its performance air filters. Their cotton gauze filters are designed to provide high airflow while maintaining efficient filtration. K&N filters are often used in performance and racing applications.
Fram: Fram is a popular brand that offers a wide selection of air filters for various vehicle makes and models. They are known for their affordable and reliable filters. Fram's filters are widely available and are commonly found in automotive stores.
Purolator: Purolator is a trusted name in the filtration industry, and their automotive air filters are no exception. They offer a range of filters designed for optimal performance and engine protection.
AC Delco: AC Delco is a brand associated with General Motors (GM) and offers a wide range of automotive parts, including air filters. Their filters are designed to meet the standards of GM vehicles but are also compatible with various other makes and models.
WIX Filters: WIX Filters is a manufacturer of a broad range of filtration products, including air filters for automobiles. They are known for their high-quality filters that provide excellent engine protection.
Baldwin Filters: Baldwin Filters is a brand specializing in heavy-duty and industrial filtration. They offer air filters for a wide range of applications, including trucks and heavy machinery.
Denso: Denso is a global supplier of automotive parts, and their air filters are designed to meet the high standards of many vehicle manufacturers. Denso filters are known for their reliability and efficiency.
AEM Induction Systems: AEM is a brand that specializes in performance air filters and intakes. Their products are often used in racing and high-performance vehicles to enhance airflow and engine power.
Mopar: Mopar is the parts and service division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), and they offer a range of air filters designed to meet the specific needs of FCA vehicles, including those under the Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler brands.
Pentius: Pentius is a manufacturer of automotive filters, including air filters. They provide filters that are designed to fit a wide variety of vehicle makes and models while delivering reliable filtration performance.
When choosing an air filter for your vehicle, it's important to consider the make and model of your vehicle, your driving conditions, and your specific needs. Also, consulting your vehicle's owner's manual for manufacturer-recommended air filter brands and specifications is always a good practice. Ultimately, selecting a reputable brand and a filter that matches your vehicle's requirements will help protect your engine and maintain its performance.
Visit George's Auto Care Of Torrance if you are a resident of Torrance or a neighbor in California's South Bay. Get your air filter changed or a tune-up at a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the community for over 20 years. They are known for their affordable and reliable services, as well as their ability to solve complex car problems that other mechanics can't. George's Auto Care Of Torrance offer a variety of services, including:
Oil changes.
Tune-ups.
Brake repairs.
Transmission repairs.
Engine repairs.
Electrical repairs.
Everything and anything that's wrong with your foreign or domestic vehicle.
They also offer a variety of diagnostic services, such as:
Engine diagnostics.
Transmission diagnostics.
Electrical diagnostics.
Comments