An air filter is considered mandatory. According to statistics, over 100 km of travel, 15 cubic meters of air enters the car. Now imagine our roads and the air that passes through the engine. All dirt, dust, debris remains and accumulates, simply destroying the engine. Therefore, in the modern world it is impossible to do without an air filter. It must be used without fail, well, if you do not want to change the engine after just a few tens of kilometers.
Types of Air Filters
There are several types of filters that are used on all types of vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines:
- serviced;
- with cardboard filter element;
- with a synthetic element;
- zero resistance filters.
Despite the differences, they all must satisfy two conditions: clean the air entering the engine from impurities and not interfere with the normal filling of the cylinders. Maintenance filters usually consist of some kind of porous material (sponge, tangled fishing line, metal shavings, etc.), which is moistened with motor oil or special liquids.
Filters with a cardboard or synthetic element basically consist of a fabric folded into an accordion. They purify the air due to the presence of small holes in the structure of the material that trap dirt. Nuleviks are usually also made of synthetic material, but with much larger holes. And to ensure sufficient filtration, a special composition is applied to them.
Types of air filters
All filters, regardless of what type they belong to, perform the same task. There are main types of devices:
- Inertial - oil;
- Multistage;
- Paper;
- Zero resistance.
In addition to this division into types, air filters differ in the degree and method of filtration (direct-flow, cyclone, etc.), and in appearance (round, square, etc.). The element itself can also be made of different materials.
Filter replacement frequency?
Foreign manufacturers usually give recommendations on how often the air filter element should be changed - at least once every fifteen thousand kilometers. Domestic cars have a shorter service life - up to 10,000 kilometers. However, the vehicle’s mileage and operating conditions also play an important role here. So, in winter, when there is practically no dust on the roads, the frequency of replacing the air filter can be somewhat reduced.
On the contrary, when operating mainly in a dusty environment, the filter will have to be changed more often to extend the life of the motor. Indirect signs of the need for maintenance of the air purification system are:
- increased fuel consumption;
- reduction in power unit power;
- increased percentage of carbon dioxide in the exhaust;
- Difficulty starting the engine.
We recommend: Canister solenoid valve - where is it used?
If such signs appear, do not delay replacing the air filter, otherwise its working element will soon rupture, and you, if you do not pay attention to the deterioration of the power unit, will ultimately have to rebuild the engine much earlier than expected.
Filter replacement interval
The frequency of device replacement depends on many factors and operating conditions. It is also worth taking into account the manufacturer's recommendations. It is believed that a car's air filter should be replaced every 10 thousand kilometers. In most cases, this is true, but in winter and when the machine is not used actively, the device may be changed less frequently.
Operating conditions are critical. Regular installation of new elements is necessary if there is frequent exposure to dust and driving on dirt roads, in this case the engine will last longer and will be protected from harmful effects. When using a car intensively, you can focus on its behavior and handling. There are main signs that indicate the need to replace the filter:
- reduction in power characteristics;
- exhaust gases contain increased amounts of carbon dioxide;
- fuel consumption becomes higher compared to the previous period.
The occurrence of such symptoms is extremely undesirable, since installing a new filter element is much easier and cheaper than repairing the engine.
Air filter selection
It is necessary to remember the following: a high-quality product will provide reliable protection to the motor.
Its cost, even in the original version, will be many times less than what will be required to repair the engine. Cheap counterfeits with bargain prices will not be able to reliably protect the power unit. You should choose products from companies recommended by the manufacturer.
The filter element is selected based on the structural dimensions of the site where it is to be installed. A product of smaller dimensions will allow unfiltered air flow to enter the combustion chambers and will not provide the required volume of air flow.
Of two parts of the same size, you should choose a product with a long service life and made of high-quality material. This will be more reliable and profitable for the owner himself.
When to change filters
Let's start with the fact that no one will tell you how often it needs to be changed. There are a large number of filters on sale, and the quality and type of filter determine how long you will have to carry out this procedure. On average, products are changed every 15 thousand kilometers. Selecting an air filter for a car will not be a problem; the best options can be studied on the website - https://www.avtoradosti.com.ua/katalog-tovara/vozdushnyj_filtr.html.
There are these types of air filters:
- Inertial;
- Inertia-oil;
- Paper;
- With zero resistance.
Inertial, as the name implies, operate on the principle of inertia, when dust settles due to a change in direction of movement. The design is a three-dimensional body in which a cushion made of nylon fishing line is placed. Primary cleaning is a sharp change in direction of movement, secondary cleaning is the passage of air through the pillow. But it’s worth noting that such filters are rarely used today. They are ineffective, poorly cleaned of debris and fine dust, which in our environmental conditions and off-road conditions makes the device useless.
Inertial oil ones are also rarely used. The difference from the previous model is the presence of oil at the bottom of the housing. Of course, this addition improved the properties of the product. But still, with the advent of subsequent filter models, such products gradually began to fade into the background.
We recommend: Replacing thresholds on “classic” VAZ models
Paper cleaners have become quite popular these days. Their design is made of special porous paper, which is treated with resin. A filter of this type allows you to retain not only large debris, but also the smallest particles, providing effective air purification. Such products are inexpensive, which has made them incredibly popular. The device can be changed simply and in a matter of minutes, which is another plus. But such models of purifiers are not maintained and are used once.
Zero resistance filters include cotton fabric or foam. The material is processed in a special way during the manufacturing process, which subsequently allows it to retain the smallest particles of dust and debris. This model of purifier is reusable; it can be cleaned and installed again without any problems. The only drawback of the product is the high price.
Below is a video about when to change the air filter:
What types of air filters are there in a car?
It is important to note that the variety of filters on the market is due to the variety of cars.
They differ:
- Dimensions
- Shape,
- Filtering method
- Degree of filtration (single-stage and multi-stage)
For passenger cars, compact devices with a limited working surface are used. And the sizes of air filters for special-purpose vehicles , buses, and trucks are correspondingly larger, since they have to clean large volumes of air.
According to their shape, there are round and rectangular models. The first ones lose in all respects; they cope with cleaning worse, are less practical and are considered outdated models.
It is worth noting the differences in car air filter housings . Housing filters, that is, having a shell for installing the material, are not common; usually the air intakes have a plastic casing into which the open filter is installed.
How to change the engine air filter
Let's take a closer look at the types:
- Inertial. At the moment they are rarely used, as they have been replaced by more modern analogues. Externally, they are a voluminous body with a cushion made of nylon fishing line. Primary cleaning is carried out due to dust settling, secondary cleaning - due to the pillow. The efficiency of the device is low and it must be washed regularly.
- Inertia-oil. They are considered obsolete, but are still used in agricultural machinery. They differ from inertial ones by the presence of motor oil at the bottom of the housing, which partially traps dust and dirt. Needs periodic washing and oil changes.
- Paper. Used in modern cars. The air is purified by passing through porous paper folded in a certain way. Such devices clean not only the external surface, but also the internal contents. Intertwined paper fibers trap particles up to 1 micron in size. Once dirty, simply replace them with new ones.
How often to change
Car manufacturers usually specify the frequency of air filter replacement. This information can be found in the operating instructions or on the filter housing. Usually it is 15-30 thousand kilometers. It is highly undesirable to exceed the recommended periods. This can lead to premature engine failure. Especially if the machine is operated in difficult conditions. For example, on country roads where there is a lot of dust. A clogged filter does not allow enough air to pass through, causing the engine to run on a rich mixture. The engine's power decreases, a lot of soot forms in it, and the risk of overheating increases.
It is recommended to evaluate the condition of the filter as often as possible. If it has significantly changed color or there are visible traces of oiling, then the element should be replaced immediately. Replacing cardboard and synthetic filters at every oil change is one of the most correct and common solutions. Maintenance filters do not require replacement, but do require more frequent attention. Cleaning, rinsing, re-wetting. Especially in dusty conditions.
The use of zero resistance filters on standard cars does not give any visible effect. Such elements of the intake system are usually installed on souped-up and sports cars. They provide better air passage, but filter the air much worse, reducing engine life. Every car enthusiast should be aware that timely replacement of such an inexpensive part as an air filter will extend the life of the engine and save money on repairs.
We recommend: Why a car accelerates poorly: possible causes and their elimination
The influence of filter materials on the timing of its replacement
In many ways, the service life of the air purification element depends on the composition of the filter material. In the classic version, it is made of paper impregnated with special. composition, the most modern elements are made from synthetics. This increases the service life of the consumable, and manufacturers give their recommendations on when to change such filters.
The “mileage” of the air purification element can only be extended by careful operation of the vehicle in a dust-free area . An attempt to wash the filter element or clean it in any other way will not lead to a good result - the filter will remain disposable, having ceased to perform its main function in the machine efficiently. Small particles from the surface of the element will move deeper, clogging pores and increasing resistance, and the quality of air purification will deteriorate.
The need to change the air filter in a car can be tracked visually by inspecting it yourself.
If there is dirt or poplar fluff on the filter element, it should be immediately replaced with a new one, without trying to rinse or blow out.
Using the example of an air filter, we saw how important even the most inconspicuous details are in a car. The stable operation of the engine, the confident and accident-free driving of the car, and the good mood of road users depend on their quality and the attitude of drivers towards them.
