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发帖数: 11530 | 4 The Real Cost of Your Car’s Cheap Factory Air Filter
by Timothy Zahl on December 03, 2015
Air Filters Selection
In today's world, saving money wherever possible has become essential. But
it's important not to lose sight of the fact that, sometimes, a product that
costs more up front will save you more money over time. In our business, we
've seen far too many consumers judge products solely on the basis of their
initial cost, completely neglecting any long-term economy and benefits. When
it comes to automobiles, "performance" air filters are a perfect example of
this.
Stock Vs. Aftermarket Air FilterIn this article, we'll discuss the benefits
of upgraded aftermarket air filters that are designed to fit in your vehicle
's stock air box assembly with no modifications.
In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of replacement air filters
designed to offer higher levels of performance. We'll start with the basic
facts - these performance air filters cost more because they're made from
more expensive filtering material that can be washed and re-used instead of
being discarded every 15,000 miles. At quick glance, the comparison of a
performance air filter at $45 and a traditional paper air filter at $20
would lead consumers that care only about initial cost to choose the paper
air filter. As we'll also show with examples, such a choice would be false
economy.
Neglected CarPeople that buy new cars are keeping them longer than ever.
Performance air filters cost more up front, but start saving you money
quickly because they can be washed and re-used every 15,000 miles instead of
being replaced.
According to a study by the automotive research firm R.L. Polk & Co., people
who buy new cars are now holding on to them for approximately 6 years.
Considering that most Americans drive 15,000 or more miles per year, by the
end of those 6 years the average car will have traveled almost 100,000 miles
. If you change the paper air filter at the 30,000-mile interval recommended
by many automobile manufacturers, you will have purchased 3 paper air
filters during that time period.
However, browse the internet and you'll see that most automotive experts
recommend that a paper air filter be replaced far more often, closer to
every 15,000 miles. Going by that maintenance schedule, you'd purchase 6 new
paper air filters. Do the math again and you realize the extra cost of the
paper air filters jumps from $60 to as much as $120. Suddenly, that one-time
$45 expense for an aftermarket air filter doesn't look so bad.
Cross Section Of Typical Paper Air FilterThis cross-section of a typical
paper air filter with wood pulp construction shows 1. Airflow, 2. Dirt
building up as air passages become plugged, 3. Irregular passages result, 4.
Airflow decreasing as fibers swell from moisture or blow-by, and 5.
Turbulent filtered air that causes reduced power and fuel economy.
Looking beyond mere initial costs, the technology behind aftermarket filters
allows them to save you even more money during driving compared to original
equipment paper filters. The reason? Paper air filters are made of wood
pulp that's bonded together and formed into pleats. While they generally
provide adequate filtration, it comes at the expense of airflow because of
the nature of the paper material itself. More specifically, passages in
paper air filters need to be particularly small in order to be effective at
trapping dirt. So even in brand-new condition, these small passages are very
restrictive. Even worse, as the filter becomes dirty, these passages become
clogged - further choking airflow into your engine.
Any time airflow is reduced, the computer controlling the fuel injection
system has to try to compensate and adjust the fuel delivery to maintain a
combustible air/fuel mixture. The result will be a less-than-ideal mixture,
poor combustion, reduced performance and poor fuel economy. Most aftermarket
air filters are constructed from multiple layers of cotton gauze, which are
sandwiched between wire mesh that's formed into pleats. The layers of
cotton fibers are able to trap dirt particles that are even smaller than the
holes in the paper filter media. Furthermore, dirt is trapped in the depths
of cotton filters where they don't block airflow so much, unlike paper air
filters which mostly gather dirt right on the surface. With cotton air
filters, airflow stays consistent between cleanings for optimal combustion -
maximizing performance and fuel economy.
Most aftermarket air filter manufacturers do not make fuel mileage claims
because it would impossible to predict the numerous variables involved:
driving characteristics, weather, road conditions, and more. But for the
purposes of creating a specific comparison, let's say your car gets
approximately 20 miles per gallon and you pay $2.50 per gallon at the pump.
At 100,000 miles you'll have spent approximately $12,500 for fuel. Even if
you only realize another 1/10 of a mile per gallon using an aftermarket
filter, you'll have $62 more in your pocket. And if you get as much as one
additional mile per gallon, your savings go up to $595. If you stayed with
the paper air filters those savings would have to be added to the "cost" of
the filter, so now their real total cost would be anywhere from $182 to as
much as $715! Suddenly, a $45 aftermarket air filter (even one that lasts '
only' 50,000 miles) is looking very, very good.
Another cost that goes beyond money is the beneficial effect aftermarket air
filters have on the environment. Most people, even car buffs, are becoming
more conscious of recycling and doing everything possible to preserve the
world for younger generations. Using an aftermarket air filter helps the
cause by allowing your vehicle to consume less fossil fuel and produce less
harmful emissions. Additionally, they prevent used paper air filters from
ending up in landfills. And last but not least, when more drivers convert to
washable and reusable filters, fewer trees will have to be cut down in
order to produce traditional paper ones.
"Oiled" Vs. "Non-Oiled" Air Filters
Typical Kit For Cotton Air FiltersShown here is an example of a typical kit
for cotton air filters that features both cleaning solution and oil.
Air filters made of cotton gauze or woven cotton are designed to work best
when they're sprayed with a special oil that creates a stickiness on the
cotton's microscopic fibers. This serves to trap the smallest particles that
otherwise might make it through. Cotton filters usually come with a kit
that includes one bottle of cleaning solution, and another bottle of oil to
spray on the filter by hand when it dries after being washed. In other cases
, such kits are listed in Product Options. If you don't already have cleaner
and oil, you'll definitely want to add this to your online shopping cart.
Should you choose not to re-oil a cotton filter after washing it, no harm
will come to the filter or the system. However, the level of filtration may
be reduced if a cotton filter is left "dry". Filters that don't need to be
oiled are usually "synthetic", which means they're made from artificial
materials such as polyurethane.
Washing A Cotton Air Filter
Washing Cotton Air Filter
Unlike paper air filters, those made of cotton can be washed. This process
is relatively easy. Instructions that manufacturers will include may vary
slightly, but they'll follow the same basic pattern. Once a filter is
detached from the vehicle, first thoroughly spray the cleaning solution on
all sides of the filter including the inside area of conical air filters as
well. Wait approximately 15 minutes (don't lose track of time and let the
cleaning solution dry), then thoroughly rinse the filter clean under running
water. Shake excess wetness out best as possible and allow the filter to
sit until it dries completely. At that point, spray the oil on - noting that
flat filters should be oil-sprayed on both sides, and conical filters
should only be sprayed on the outside surface. Allow it to dry for another
hour, then wipe off any excess oil before putting the filter back on your
vehicle.
Filters Available As "Vehicle-Specific" Or "Universal"
Vehicle Specific Product OptionsUniversal-fit air filters will features a
rectangular blue "Dimensions" button. Click on this to open up a helpful pop
-up box which will show sizes available along with corresponding part
numbers you'll need to reference.
As you look through our performance air filters, you'll see individual
products will be noted as "vehicle-specific" or "universal fit". Vehicle-
specific products will prompt you to enter make, model, and year because
they're tailor-made to match the needs of your specific car or truck.
Universal fit products are designed for any automotive application, and need
to be selected by dimensions. For example, round air filters will specify
outer diameter, inner diameter, and height measurements - in inches. If you
see a "Dimensions" indicator button on the screen, click on it. A pop-up box
will open with measurements available and, in many cases, corresponding
part numbers to make a final selection further down in Product Options.
Flat Panel Style Air Filters
Flat panel air filters are replacements shaped and sized like the original
equipment paper filters your vehicle came with off the assembly line. They
offer improved airflow and the ability to fit in your OEM air box housing
without modification. For most production vehicles, you'll find the sizes
you need with K&N's 33 Series Air Filter, aFe's Pro5R Air Filter, or Airaid'
s Air Filter. All of these are cotton gauze and designed for use with oil.
Should you prefer not to use oil, Airaid offers a synthetic polyester/rayon
version of their filter which operates dry. There's also the synthetic aFe
Pro Dry S Air Filter. And for select Subaru- and Nissan-powered vehicles,
Perrin Performance offers the Panel Air Filter with polyurethane foam
construction. For newer Mini models, Alta Performance also offers a flat
foam filter as well.
Flat Panel Air FiltersPerrin Performance Panel Air FilterThe Perrin
Performance Panel Air Filter.
Round Air Filters
For older cars and trucks equipped with round air filters, we've got a great
selection of universal replacements that pop right in and go to work. (NOTE
that with these universal-sized filters, you will need to know the diameter
and height of your existing filter.) For those who appreciate a custom look
not seen every day, the Green Filter cotton oiled Color Match Round Air
Filter offers a variety of sizes. Oil for the filter is available in seven
different colors, and it serves to change the color of the cotton when
applied after cleaning. Airaid offers a harder-to-find 16-inch size older
vehicle owners may appreciate with their Sweet 16" Round Air Filter,
available in heights ranging from 3 to 5 inches. Green Filter also offers
larger diameters with their Round Air Filter.
Round Air FiltersGreen Filter Color Match Round Air FilterThe Green Filter
Color Match Round Air Filter.
If you've got a vehicle equipped with General Motors's 1979-85 5.7-liter V8
diesel engine, Spectre Performance offers the oiled cotton HPR Air Filter
for these as well as other classic GM muscle cars from the late 1960s and
early 1970s. And if you prefer advanced filters that don't require oiling,
aFe's Round Air Filter is available in 100% synthetic "ProDry S" form and
cotton/synthetic blend "ProGuard 7" in addition to the standard all-cotton "
Pro5R" form (see Product Options).
Cone Air Filters
Airaid Cone FilterIf you take your vehicle to the track, Airaid's Cone
Filter comes in several variations you may find helpful. In Product Options,
you'll find track-only "Race Day" versions as well as mixed-use "Track Day"
versions. Both versions are available in synthetic polyester/rayon
construction and cotton/synthetic blends.
We've got a large selection of conical-shaped air filters, most of which are
designed as replacement elements for aftermarket cold air, ram air, and
short ram styles of aftermarket air intakes (see our related article "What
Are The Different Types Of Air Intake Systems?"). Most automakers don't use
cone-shaped filters as stock equipment, but for those that do, these can
also serve as OEM-style replacement filter elements which also happen to
improve on performance. So if you have a custom car or engine-swapped
vehicle that uses a hard-to-find cone-style air cleaner element, try
matching it up here. Choose by inside diameter of the hose, outside diameter
of the base, overall diameter of the top, and overall height.
Green Filter Cylinder Air FilterIf your vehicle takes an air filter that's
shaped like a cylinder instead of a cone, Green Filter offers multiple sizes
of their Cylinder Air Filter.
If you've fitted your vehicle with a Green Filter brand cold air intake, we'
ve got the replacement filter sections such as the woven cotton Green Filter
Cone Air Filter and Dual Cone Air Filter (with two filters inside instead
of one). Or, choose Green Filter's "Color Match" single and dual cone air
filters - both of which let you choose from seven different colors of oil to
customize the look of your filter element. We've also got Injen's cotton
gauze High Performance Air Filter cone available in a wide variety of
universal-fitting sizes. And if your vehicle takes a cylinder-shaped air
filter that's not in the shape of a cone, Green Filter offers the Cylinder
Air Filter.
Alta Performance Foam Cone Filter For Mini CooperAlta Performance's foam 2.
75" Cone Filter, for "first-generation modern" Mini Coopers.
If you've got a 2002-08 Mini Cooper, Alta Performance has you covered with
the uniquely-sized 2.75" Cone Filter with foam cell construction. And if you
take your vehicle to the track, Airaid's Cone Filter comes in several
variations you may find helpful. In Product Options, you'll find a "Race Day
" version that's not suitable for use on the street because the filter is
designed to only catch large debris. There's also the "Track Day" version
that offers sufficient filtration to allow the car to be driven to and from
the track. Both versions are available in Synthaflow (synthetic polyester/
rayon construction) and Synthamax (cotton/synthetic blend) materials.
Monitor The Condition Of Your Air Filter
AEM Filter Minder GaugeThe AEM Filter Minder Gauge
If you're planning to invest in a washable air filter because of the
benefits it offers, you might also consider purchasing an air filter
condition gauge that we offer from AEM. This lets you stay fully aware the
instant performance starts to fall from its peak - because, after all, isn't
that why you own an improved air filter? It's a vacuum gauge that connects
to any air filter and monitors the pressure flowing through it. As the
filter gradually clogs, the needle will fall out of the green zone and enter
yellow and red areas. In Product Options, you can choose dash-mounted or
remote-mounted versions for gas and diesel engines.
In conclusion, switching to an aftermarket direct replacement air filter is
a win, win, win move. The first win is for your wallet, because although the
initial cost is higher, an aftermarket filter saves you real dollars over
the long haul. The second win is efficiency for you and your car. And
finally, the last win is for all of us because the reusable filter makes
better use of natural resources and reduces waste. |
