High Flow Air Filters: the Right Time to Buy One Is Now

One of the best ways to prolong your engine’s lifespan while improving its air to fuel burning ratio is to replace your old, worn down air filter with a new, high-flow one. High flow air filters are one of the most affordable, yet valuable aftermarket exhaust accessories you can get. They perform a simple, yet important task of ensuring that your engine gets clean air and it’s protected against dust and dirt.

Air filters can be made of a variety of materials, including cotton, paper or foam. Aftermarket high flow air filters are much more efficient at what they do. The improved airflow they provide to your engine can result in increased throttle response (torque), fuel economy and ultimately, horsepower. Most high flow air filters are also washable (reusable), so once you invest in one, you can use it for years on end without having to buy another one. All you’ll have to do is wash it every 20.000 – 30.000 kilometers, or once a year. Taking it off, washing it and putting it back on is relatively easy, but if you aren’t confident in doing it yourself, you can always ask your mechanic to help you when you take your vehicle to service.

Further, they don’t get clogged that quickly or easily, and they provide better filtration and air flow. Some high flow filters come together with a cold air intake unit in them, which helps pull more cool air from the atmosphere instead of using the contaminated, hot air around the engine bay. Cold air is denser, meaning it burns more optimally than hot air, which again, results in better overall vehicle performance and engine longevity.

When shopping for air filters, you’ll find OEM (original equipment manufactured) and aftermarket filters. OEM high flow filters are made for a specific model, year and make of vehicle, meaning you can get one that fits your car just right. However, these filters are usually more expensive than aftermarket ones, but you can almost always be confident in their quality. Aftermarket high flow filters, on the other hand, are usually universal, but they can also be made for a specific model, year and make of vehicle.

The best way to find the right one is to speak to a reputable mechanic or dealer before deciding on a model, as they probably have experience in fitting them. Of course, doing your own research on the different types and filter models can also greatly help you when deciding which one to buy.