Air Filters

In most modern vehicles, air filters are made of cotton, foam or paper-based elements and are located underhood in the vehicle's engine bay. The first function performed by a car’s air filter is to filter out most types of dirt, debris and other contaminants that can enter an engine and potentially cause damage. An air filter's other primary function is to allow adequate air to flow into the engine; a car's engine requires fresh air for the internal combustion process which produces the power needed to move the vehicle. Most types of automotive air filters are designed to be easily replaced, and should be changed out periodically to help maintain a vehicle and keep it in top running condition. Most car manufacturers suggest that the air filter in a vehicle be changed every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. However, for people that live in areas where a lot of dust is present or where they must frequently travel on dirt or gravel roads, a vehicle's air filter will need to be replaced much more often. Information regarding replacement air filters can usually be found in the vehicle owner's manual, which will usually list the manufacturer's part number for a replacement air filter. There are many aftermarket companies that manufacture air filters for almost every type of vehicle as well. Air filters range from very cheap imported brands that require frequent replacements up to very expensive air filters that are designed to be easily cleaned and reused again and again over the entire useful life of a vehicle.