How to Understand Your Car - Air Filter Element Edition

I. What is an air filter element

The operation of modern fuel engines cannot do without air. The cleaner the air is, the higher the combustion efficiency will be. Therefore, before the air enters the engine cylinder, it needs to be constantly filtered and purified. The main function of the air filter is to filter out dust and other impurities in the air to ensure that no impurities enter the engine.

II. Classification of Air Filter Elements

Dry air filter element

This type of filter element is generally made of fiber filter paper, which is commonly known as a "paper filter element". It is also the air filter element commonly used in small passenger vehicles nowadays. The following content mainly introduces this type of filter element.

Oil-type air filter element

The principle is to use an oil-immersed filter element. The oil in it adsorbs impurities and dust in the air, and the metal wires in its composition block the oil droplets that stick to the dust, thus achieving a filtering effect. Currently, it is generally used in mechanical vehicles or cargo trucks. Its filtering effect is worse than that of paper filter elements, and the replacement operation is not convenient. Family cars basically do not use this type of filter element now.

III. Position of the air filter element

Open the front hood, and you will find a black square box or a black box in a nearly circular shape (some air filters are cylindrical). Inside is the air filter, with one end connected to the engine intake pipe and the other end to the outside air environment. Remove the screws and you can see the air filter.

IV. Composition of the Air Filter Element

The paper dry air filter elements commonly used in household cars or SUV models are generally composed of filter paper, sealing rubber, and sealing rings/gaskets

V. Key Points for Selecting Air Filters

1. Precise size, easy installation, and ensured sealing: Depending on the vehicle model, the shape of the air filter element's housing varies. It is recommended to purchase the appropriate filter element based on the vehicle model to ensure a perfect fit with the housing frame and meet the filtration requirements during the replacement cycle
2. Low pressure loss and guaranteed intake volume: When air enters the air filter element, the pressure on the intake side of the filter element is greater than that on the exhaust side. If the pressure loss is too large, the engine cannot obtain sufficient air. It is necessary to ensure maximum air circulation
3. Good moisture-proof effect: The air entering the filter element may contain moisture due to external environmental factors (such as rain, snow, fog, car washing, and water spraying). Therefore, a good air filter element must have a good moisture-proof effect; otherwise, water vapor entering the engine block will cause damage to the engine
4. The filter paper has a good filtering effect: The main filtering material of the paper air filter element is the filter paper. It is necessary to ensure that it can filter out as many tiny particles as possible and guarantee the cleanliness of the air entering
5. High dust holding capacity: The wrinkles formed by the paper filter element are the breeding ground for dust after adsorption. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the filter element can hold as much dust as possible to function well within the replacement cycle
6. The sealing rubber and sealing ring are firm, not easy to loosen and not prone to premature aging

VI. Suggested replacement cycle

It is generally recommended to replace it every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers or every even number of maintenance times. However, in areas with frequent sandstorms or severe pollution, it is suggested to increase the replacement frequency as the situation requires.