Green Energy

Engine Parts Profile: Types of Vehicle Air Filter

Just like our body, cars must also be protected against dirt and all sorts of debris. Accumulation of these unwanted elements can lead to severe engine malfunction that can cause life-threatening road accidents. This can be prevented through the use of air filters located in the vehicle’s engine bay. Air filters must be regularly replaced by mechanics in
auto repair shops Indianapolis
can offer.

Air filters is an important part of a vehicle engine as it is through the air filters that the engine breathes. The primary purpose of an air filter is to filter out dirt and foreign particles in the air, ensuring that the air mixed with fuel is free from unwanted particulate matter. You can easily identify an air filter by its accordion-like appearance. An air filter can be made of different materials such as paper, cotton, oil bath, and foam.

Paper This type of filter is not the biodegradable sheet used for writing. It is an industrial grade paper usually folded like an accordion to increase surface area. Such increased surface area is used for filtering dirt and debris to prevent it from reaching the vehicle’s engine. Paper filters are generally affordable and must be replaced every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

Cotton Also known as high performance filters, cotton filters are usually found in sports cars, road-rally cars, and competition trucks. Car owners who want increase their vehicle’s air intake and engine power may also use cotton filters in place of paper filter. Compared with other types of air filter, cotton filter can last up to vehicle lifetime. This type of air filter, however, should be cleaned using a manufacturer recommended cleaning kit available at
auto repair shops Indianapolis
can offer.

Oil Bath This type of filter came before paper filter was introduced. An oil bath filter typically consists of a pool of oil and an insert filled with foam, mesh, or any coarse filter. Such oil of pool will draw out air impurities that would otherwise go to the engine if not filtered. Oil bath filters, however, are messy to change and considered obsolete.

Foam This type of filter allows not only filtering of air impurities, but also consistent air flow needed by the vehicle engine to run. Compared to high performance filters, foam filters can last up to vehicle lifetime. According to technicians for
auto repair Indianapolis IN
can offer, foam filters must be regularly cleaned and oiled to improve its performance. This type of filter can be purchased as aftermarket replacement part at any repair shop or car parts retailer.

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