Installing a high flow air filter in your car can provide a number of benefits, from increased horsepower and torque to improved fuel efficiency. But what happens if you install a denser filter than is suggested for your car? If you install a denser filter than is suggested for your car, it will restrict airflow to the engine. This can lead to lower horsepower and lower fuel economy. On the other hand, a high flow air filter can increase your horsepower by about 3 to 5 HP and also increase your torque.
At the same time, this can lead to higher fuel efficiency. In some of the more expensive units, the filter comes with a cold air intake unit. It is installed to extract air from the outside of the car instead of the hot air used inside the engine compartment. Cold air is denser and therefore will burn better, thus improving your engine performance.
Air filters work by trapping dust and dirt and don't have a magic expiration date. However, they wear out and that's when they can start to affect engine performance and longevity. A dirty or damaged air filter limits the amount of air that flows into the car's engine, causing it to work harder and therefore consume more fuel. One of the benefits of a high flow air filter is that unlike normal filters, it doesn't need to be changed every year.
All you have to do is clean it approximately every two years. This is because they don't clog as quickly or as easily, but they offer better airflow and better filtration of the air entering the engine. The cabin air filter helps maintain the air conditioning system and provides clean air inside the passenger compartment. Dirty or damaged air filters reduce airflow to the engine, which changes the car's air-fuel balance. A particle as small as a grain of salt can pass through a damaged air filter and cause a lot of damage to internal engine parts, such as cylinders and pistons, which can be very costly to repair. When performing routine maintenance on your vehicle, one of the most overlooked aspects is the air filter.
The engine air filter helps prevent debris from entering the combustion chamber and plays a vital role in maintaining the life of the engine. Shape and size dictate the ability of the air cleaner element to deliver maximum airflow to the engine. In the case of a K&N element, you can use the diameter of the air cleaner to help determine the area sufficient for the required airflow. Do I really need an air filter? I have an old 4-cyl with a carburettor that is difficult to fit an air cleaner due to area limitations.