car air filters

The Important Function of Car Air Filters By Marcus Peterson

Studies conducted over the past two decades demonstrate that the exposure of the passengers inside a car to the dangerous air pollutants including respiratory irritants, neurological agents, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide and carcinogens is significantly higher than that of bicyclists, pedestrians and public transfer riders.

Increased exposure to these pollutants can produce serious health problems. Benzene is a known carcinogen and VOCs are also likely cancer agents. Almost all the pollutants can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory systems of people exposed to them.

They also may hinder the development of fetuses and infants. Studies indicate that the elevated levels of auto exhausts can also suppress the immune system, making human beings more vulnerable to colds, influenza, and other respiratory conditions like asthma. Car air filters purify the air inside a car, allowing the passengers to have healthy and clean air to breathe.

Car air filters come in two main types: the panel style, as used on most fuel-injected cars, and the radial style, which are usually used on carbureted vehicles. A car air filter is enclosed in a black plastic casing near the center-top of the engine.

The air filter traps dirt particles, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings. Changing car's filters on a regular basis can have a significant impact on engine life and performance. A good rule of thumb is to change filters once or twice a year, or roughly once every 15,000 miles. Replacing a clogged air filter has two-fold impact on the engine: a fuel economy benefit: up to 10%, which makes for equivalent gasoline savings up to 15¢ per gallon.
Dirty and dusty driving conditions will require more frequent filter replacements. It is important to avoid using the wrong size filter in a car.

Nowadays, car owners are using ‘Nanotechnology’ based filters to improve cabin air quality. Such filters contain charcoal layers, which remove odors. These filters allow ‘mechanical filtration’, in which the fiber material of the filter with pores of a specific size will trap particles larger than the size of the pores. Almost 80% of the cars sold in U.S. include a built-in nanotechnology-based filter.

A KandN Air Filter Can Be Re-used Over and Over

A K&N Air Filter Can Be Re-used Over and Over By Andrew Bernhardt Andrew Bernhardt Level: Platinum Andrew Bernhardt is a proud truck owner and an auto enthusiast. He is also a writer for AutoAnything, an online truck accessories supplier of lift ... ...

For more than 30 years, K&N Filters have been the choice in engine filtration. The K&N filter delivers virtually unrestricted flow letting your engine run stronger, cleaner and with greater fuel efficiency.

The secret of the K&N filter is its filter medium. Four to six sheets of pleated and oiled cotton-gauze are layered between two sheets of aluminum wire mesh. This proven design stops dirt, dust and other harmful particles like no other filter, all while clean, power-enhancing air flows freely to your engine.

Just give it a simple cleaning every 50,000 miles and your K&N filter will last for the life of your vehicle. With no costly changes and services, your K&N filter will save you money. And, you’ll be helping the environment by reducing the number of disposable air filters that end up in landfills.

Get increased power and acceleration, better fuel economy from a filter that lasts for 1,000,000 miles–get a K&N.

K&N Air Filter user comments:

"Well built, good fit. Love the warranty!"

"Received the K&N Filter in record time of ordering. 2 days. Easy ordering process, Fast Delivery, and Product is Great. Better air flow with greater performance and gas mileage."

"I noticed a big difference in performance, driveability and fuel milage. Also the instructions were very clear with installation being less than 1 hour. I would definately reccomend this product to anyone."

"The traditional paper filters are not easily available and need replacing often. K and N perfect snug fit. fuel consumption imroved by 4 to 5 mpg instantly. Well worth the money."

"This is one of the best air filters for the money. Much better than any paper filter."

"While my Taurus has better low-end response, after the tach goes above 3000 it absolutely screams! I never would have believed that an air filter could make such a difference."

"My car is an '05 Dodge Stratus r/t (2.7 v-6 24 valve). I seem to allow the engine to breathe easier with just a regular filter. Before I change the filter to a K&N, the car seemed to have more power than what I was feeling. Since I changed to the K&N filter, my car has better acceleration through all the gears (4-speed auto)."

Useful Guide On Air Filter Manufacturers

Useful Guide On Air Filter Manufacturers By Ras Reed

There are many air filter manufacturers on the market. And this is not surprising since the demand for air filters has been on the upward trend for many years now. The demand is premised on the fact that clean and fresh air is needed all around us. We need it for our continual existence.

As I often advise people like you, it’s advisable you go for reputable brand names when thinking of acquiring air filters. You’re guaranteed the best product and after sales services. Shun new brands. They often fail in the promise made at their introduction into the market.

Let’s take a look at some reputable air filters manufacturers. Make up your mind after going through this information and similar ones.

Honeywell: Honeywell is one of the manufacturers that have been in the business for many years. Infact, it dates back to 1885. They produce four major types of air filter: Replacement Media filter, HEPA air cleaners, Media Air Cleaners, and Electronic air cleaners. These air filters have advanced technology and are certified by the American Lung Association. Their whole-house HEPA air cleaner provides a powerful, three-stage filtration process that ensures the cleanest air. The stages include activated carbon, pre-filter and HEPA filter. Honeywell filters contain an AIRWATCH indicator which reminds you when to change the filter and is backed with a one-year warranty. Their electronic air filter destroys almost 98% of pollutants. This also comes with a 5 year-warranty.

K&N: K&N has been in the business for over 30 years. Its air filters are designed to achieve high, virtually unrestricted air flow and long engine life. The company also offers Replacement air filters that fit exactly into the standard OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) motorcycle airbox, Universal air filters for racing vehicles and many more. K&N has almost 1000 shapes/styles of universal air filters and back each of them with a one year-warranty. Their Replacement air filters come with a million mile limited warranty. In addition, these filters increase horsepower and acceleration of the vehicle along with filtration.

AIR BEAR: This Company manufactures both whole house air cleaners and portable air cleaners which facilitate cost efficient air filtration. It has furnace filters, replacement filters and media cleaners. Their products come in three sizes with three different dimensions such as 3x6x15, 5x20x25 and 20x20x5. Depending on the size and dimension of the filter, you should be ready to part with as much as $100 or more.

HUNTER AIR FILTERS: This Company makes two distinct lines of air filters. These are the QuietFlow line and her popular HEPAtech line of air purifiers. The latter uses a combination of cleaning technologies, with a charcoal filter to remove odors in the home. However, the charcoal filter must be replaced regularly. The former on the other hand are based on HEPA filters which also need regular replacement at least once a year for effective filtration. The cost of these two types of filters could be from $15 to $90.

ORECK: This Company is based in the US. It offers a powerful Oreck XL Professional air purifier which is known to completely regenerate the air in a 30’X30’ room every hour by capturing and destroying airborne irritants. The filter works by trapping 95% of airborne particles, some as minute as one thousand times smaller than a single hair. Cleaning of the filter is not burdensome as the light in the filter indicates when cleaning is necessary. The Oreck XL Professional Air purifier has a five-stage purification process which make sit more powerful than HEPA filter in air filtration. The five-stage includes a pre-filter, positive charging wires, a collector, charcoal odor absorbers and an air-revitalizer, which bids farewell top all dust mites, and airborne allergens.

Though these are not the only air filters manufacturers in the market, they are the most popular among shoppers. They’ve been tested and proven to effectively rid the air around you of all type of airborne contaminants.

Is Your Air Filter Filthy

Is Your Air Filter Filthy? By Carol Mitchel

Having your air filter changed at your local garage shop or mechanic could actually cost you so much more than what it would cost you if you did everything yourself. The truth is, changing air filters is easy as counting “1-2-3”. And yes, you would be saving yourself some extra dollars.

Of course, you would have to check your car’s air filter first. You would have to see if you do need to change it or if the air filter still could do its job properly. To check your air filter, make sure first that your car’s engine is cool. You would not want to go checking underneath your car’s hood with a still steaming engine underneath. Pop up the hood. Do not forget to prop it up. Then, make sure that you do have the needed materials at hand. For this activity, you would be needing two medium-sized screwdrivers. There should be one standard screwdriver and one Phillips.

How do you find the air filter? Well, the air filter is generally enclosed in a black plastic casing. This plastic casing is located near the center top of the engine. Automobile experts would describe finding the air filter as trying to locate the largest non-metal assembly under the hood. It would be around the size of a breadbox.

When you have already found it, the next part would be opening it. For this part, you would be needing the screwdriver for this box is actually held together by a couple of large metal clips on the side. Simply slide the flat-dead screwdriver between the casing and the clip. Just pry the casing open and you would be able to open it. However, there are some that really have some screws that hold the box together. If this is the case, then unscrew them first.

Once opened, you will find the air filter inside. It comes with the colors bright yellow, orange, or red. Pull the air filter out. You would see that it is flat, elongated, and would measure about a foot long by six inches wide and would have a height of around two inches. It has been crafted from paper filament and has rubber edges along the bottom.

Hold the air filter up and bend it back. Look inside the crevices. Hold it at arms length and look at it. If you see a lot of accumulated dirt and grime, especially mostly in the center of the air filter, it is then time to change it.

Auto Parts Online Blog Keeping Up With the Latest

Auto Parts Online Blog Keeping Up With the Latest By Jenny McLane

As the old adage goes, "There is nothing permanent in this world but change." And yes, it is very much true. Oftentimes, when there is a time to take the leap and make a change, it is a very risky decision for one simple reason. Changing could actually cause something to rise to success or it could also be the cause of its downfall. Many people, companies, and businesses have tried that out as part of their strategies and it would be interesting to note that they are actually living testimonials of dealing with change.

To deal and keep up with the various changes going on in the globe as well in the automobile and car world, Auto Parts Online continuously keeps itself updated. By doing such, this online store and company is able to bring up to date its categories of auto parts and accessories.

Auto Parts Online is one of the leading suppliers of automobile parts and car accessories on the Internet. It has been in service and in existence for more than twenty five years. It holds a wide collection of parts that include hard to find auto parts and truck parts. Aside from providing easy access and an easier shopping experience for customers and vehicle owners, Auto Parts Online also provides important trivia, tidbits, and facts regarding various vehicles, cars, and auto parts.

To add up and support this online store’s function of providing information, it has launched a blog that would provide customers, visitors, enthusiasts, aficionados, and guests further and in depth news and ideas on the realm of vehicles, cars, and automobiles. Any new broadcasts in their line of field and business would be posted and updated on the Auto Parts Online Blog. Further awareness and information would be the main function that this online blog would serve and adhere to. Any breakthroughs, news, events, or recalls would also be posted. As long as something is noteworthy, you could be sure that you would be able to read it from the Auto Parts Online Blog.

One of the latest news you can find at the Auto Parts Online Blog is about a new way for drivers of any kind of automobile or car to communicate with each, not just through honking their horns, flicking on their light signals, or the very seldom use of hand and arm gestures. The latest news that has reached the Auto Parts Online Blog is that there has been a revolutionary and innovative design and creation that would give drivers the chance to communicate with each other not just through signals and signs but with words as well. This would be done so through the use of innovative LED displays. To find out more, interested parties and individuals can simply access the Auto Parts Online Blog.

K and N million mile air filter

K&N Million - Mile Air Filter By Gemma Labay

K & N makes the dropout replacing air filters that can be cleaned rather than replaced. K & N claims in the re-usable air filter saves money and waste disposal, and that their filters are less likely to restricting the air as it dirty. (Restricted airflow causes a reduction in engine power and fuel economy.) Retail prices range from $ 35 to $ 80 + depending on the application.

How does the K & N filter?

Air Filters 101

Engines produce power of provoking a mixture of fuel and air. The air filter's job is to filter out particles of dirt while allowing a free flow of air to the engine can "breathe". A filter clogged with dirt will cause loss of power and fuel economy.

Most air filters used his role as a filter medium. Most cars require the filter to be checked or changed every 10000 to 20000 miles; when the filter is dirty, is thrown away and replaced.

How is K & N different?

K & N filters use an oiled cotton filter medium. K & N claims that its filters not only allows the flow of fresh air when clean, but they can absorb dirt without limitation as filter papers. When the filter gets dirty, not pull away, clean and re-oil. K & N estimates that the cleaning interval is about 50000 miles (longer for less dust). The filter is served with a K & N cleaning kit ($ 9 to $ 12 Compare Prices retail), which is good for 5 to 10 uses. K & N said its filter will last for the lifetime of the vehicle, with its filters and covers 10 years and millions of miles warranty.

Benefits of K & N filter

Benefits for the environment

Paper air filters can not be recycled; you have to throw the whole thing away. The K & N filter itself lasts the life of the car, and cleaning kit used cartons and plastic bottles that can be recycled.

Cost benefits

The cost savings will depend on the application. I tried K & N filter in our 1996 Honda Accord. The retail price for K & N filter is approximately $ 43. (My test sample was provided free of charge by K & N) filter papers ranging from $ 19 to $ 31. Honda recommends a change to filter 15000 miles, so for a do-it-yourself like me, K & N filter and a cleaning kit will take care of itself after two changes, or about two years. For people who have their car serviced by the dealership, the installation of a K & N could pay for itself in a single shift.

In the real world benefits

This is the reaility: I am not as careful as I should be on changing my cars' air filters. By the time I get around it, is the filter is usually clogged with dirt - and that means more to me to pump gas. The K & N longer service intervals means that you can blithely ignore that, without harmful effects.

Other issues with the K & N filter
How well does it filter?
Several readers have responded with concern for the K & W's ability to effectively filter out dirt air compared to filter papers. After all, protecting the engine is why engines have an air filter to begin. K & N insists that its filters are rigorously tested to meet standards filtration OEMs.

The expert opinion: Not an issue

I discussed the issue with the owner of an engine rebuilding shop reputation. In his experience, engines that have suffered from premature wear are those in which the filters are routinely ignored. He saw no significant difference in wear on the engines that filters are cleaned or changed regularly, regardless of their type. (Running personally K & N filters in their own cars.)

Does the K & N increased engine power?

Many enthusiasts use K & N filters because their increased airflow increases power, especially in certain applications. If replacing a clogged air filter certainly see the difference. My wife Robin and I did not see a significant increase in power, what he says, is not expected to - K & N sells a kit of special admission for owners of Understanding like us who want more power. (We will be a test in the near future.)

Conclusions What I like about the K & N filter:

* Easy installation - same as a paper air filter
* A task less maintenance to worry about
* Benefits for the environment - less waste produced
* Potential for better long-term fuel economy

What I do not like the K & N filter:

* High initial purchase price

Verdict:

A useful purchase for most car owners - even if the cost benefits are not huge, the benefit to the environment is important.

K and N partnering

K&N Adds Impressive HP To Auto Lineups By Hannah Racey

The K&N Company is venturing into various partnerships with renowned automakers to add impressive horsepower to the present lineup. Said business ventures are expected to extend to future lineups of the automakers.

Earlier, K&N performance filters add a significant 24 horsepower to Ford F-250 Super Duty. The latest version of pickup trucks is manufactured on a different platform from the light-duty F-150. The larger pickup trucks are made more efficient and functional. Further, Ford equipped the pickup with a cutting-edge filter to improve its hauling and towing capabilities.

K&N Engineering, Inc. has made a 63 Series Air Intake System (63-2570) for the 2005, 2006 Ford F250 Super Duty 5.4 liter V8 engine. K&N dynamometer test show an impressive horsepower gain of 24.48 @ 4387 RPM. That’s almost like adding the power of a small all-terrain vehicle underneath the hood of the F-250.

“The factory intake tube and factory air box were restrictive,” said K&N Performance Kit Manager Bert Heck. “We gained so much horsepower by removing the stock intake tube and replacing it with the K&N custom engineered air intake tube along with relocating the mass air sensor.”

K&N’s 63-2570 rotationally molded polyethylene Air Intake System employ a 9-inch tall chrome topped K&N Universal Air Filter (RC-5046). The function of the mentioned auto parts is to replace the restrictive stock air filter as the heat shield isolates the filter element from the heat of the engine. As a result, cooler air goes into the engine to offer efficiency and improved performance. The manufacturer boasts that it only takes less than an hour to install K&N auto filters and it comes with a million mile warranty.

It can be recalled that K&N has also ventured with Mercedes, a German brand name of automobiles, to offer K&N filters on selected vehicles. These vehicles include the A Class and B Class. K&N Engineering has designed a lifetime Replacement Air Filter (33-2914) to blend in the factory air box of the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Mercedes A-Class and B-Class. Said filters are expected to deliver luxury packaging with a serious amount of performance.

K&N's typhoon air intake system was also added to 1.8L 2006 and 2007 Honda Civic to add 5.72 horsepower. Special care was taken to ensure that the Intake System followed the Civics lines,” said K&N Project Technician Nestor Cabrera. “Our kit will not obstruct or rub against other parts in the engine compartment.” He added, “The horsepower gain is exceptional for this size engine. There is symmetry between 69-1013TS and the engine compartment. We designed the heat shield with provisions for the factory fresh air duct so that the filter (RU-4960) could receive a consistent flow of fresh cool air.”

K&N Filters have been the leading alternative in engine filtration for 30 years now. This is attributed to its reliability and quality. The virtually unrestricted auto air flow makes the engine run cleaner and with terrific fuel efficiency.