The air intake filter keeps abrasive particulate matter out of the cylinders, where it can cause mechanical damage and lubricant contamination. Most fuel-injected cars employ a flat surface pleated paper filter element. The filter is housed in a plastic container and is ducted to the throttle body. Older vehicles with carburetors or throttle body fuel injection, on the other hand, usually use a cylindrical air filter. This is housed in a metal or plastic container with a lid and includes ducts to supply cold or heated inlet air. The air filter applies to the entire device (filter and housing).
Types of Air Filters –
Pleated paper filter elements are the best option for car engine air cleaners because they are effective, simple to maintain, and inexpensive. There is a common misconception that paper filters allow for inadequate airflow, thereby limiting engine efficiency. A properly sized paper filter, on the other hand, only limits flow if it becomes clogged with impurities. The overall area of the paper is large, approximately 50 times the size of the air opening..
Some aftermarket replacement car air filters contain oil-wetted polyurethane foam elements. These have been supplanted by paper filter elements in small engines, lawnmowers, and power tools. However, foam filters are still used on tiny engine air compressors. It allows for a very high dirt trap capacity while not impeding airflow. Foam filters are widely used in cars used for off-roading and motorsport..
While its filtration efficiency is low, the oiled cotton gauze is employed in a growing number of motorsport applications due to the high airflow offered by its nature.
Another medium that allows for more airflow is SS mesh. Mesh counts provide varying filtering standards. The steel mesh over the turbo in high-end engines with limited space guarantees that no particles enter through the turbo.
