How to understand Your Car - Air Filter Parts

First of all, an air filter is not an air conditioning filter. Generally speaking, an "air filter" refers to an air filter element that filters the air entering the engine. An air conditioning filter element refers to a filter element that filters the air entering the driver's cabin.

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. So, before the air enters the engine cylinder, it needs to be constantly filtered and purified. The main function of an air filter is to remove dust and other impurities from the air to ensure that no impurities enter the engine.

Classification of air filter elements

Dry air filter element

This type of filter element is generally made of fiber filter paper, commonly known as "paper filter element", and is also frequently used as the air filter element for small passenger vehicles. The following content is also the main objects of introduction for this type of filter element.

1. Oil-type air filter element

The principle is to use an oil-immersed filter element, in which oil adsorbs impurities and dust in the air, and the metal wires in the composition block the oil droplets adhering to the dust for filtration. Nowadays, it is generally used in mechanical vehicles or freight vehicles, but its filtration effect is worse than that of paper filter elements, and the replacement operation is not convenient. Nowadays, this kind of filter element is basically not used in family cars.

1. Position of the air filter element

Open the front cover and you will find a black square or circular black frame (some air filters are cylindrical), which contains an air filter. One end is connected to the engine intake pipe, and the other end is connected to the external air environment. Remove the screws and you can see the air filter.

1. Composition of the air filter element

The paper dry air filter elements commonly used in household sedans or SUVs are generally composed of filter paper, sealant, and sealing rings/gaskets

1. Key points for choosing an air filter element

Accurate dimensions, easy installation, and ensure sealing: The shape of the air filter element's housing may vary depending on the vehicle model. It is recommended to select the appropriate filter element based on the vehicle model to ensure a perfect fit with the shell frame and meet the filtration requirements within the replacement cycle

1. Low pressure loss ensures good air intake: When air enters the air filter, the pressure at the filter inlet is greater than that at the outlet. If the pressure loss is too large, the engine cannot obtain sufficient air. It is necessary to ensure maximum ventilation
2. Good moisture-proof effect: Due to external environmental factors such as rain, the air entering the filter element may contain moisture, snow, car washing, and water spraying. This requires a good air filter element to achieve a good moisture-proof effect; otherwise, the water vapor entering the engine block will damage the engine
3. Good filtering effect of filter paper: The main filtering material of the paper air filter element is filter paper. It should filter out as small particles as possible and ensure that the air entering is clean
4. High dust tolerance: The wrinkles formed by the paper filter element are the retention of dust after adsorption. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the filter element contains as much dust as possible to achieve good results within the replacement cycle
5. The sealant and sealing ring are firm and not prone to loosening or premature aging
6. Suggested replacement cycle

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