What Is a Car Air Filter?
Most car owners are aware that their vehicle’s air filter needs changing periodically. Oil and lube retailers often recommend changing the filter when the car is brought in for service. However, many car owners may not know what a car air filter does.LocationA car engine takes in air to mix with fuel to provide the combustion that powers the vehicle. The air filter sits in the cold air intake, a tube that sucks in air from outside the car and pumps it to the engine’s combustion chambers.PurposeA car’s air filter traps dust, dirt, tiny rocks, leaves and other debris, keeping such material out of the engine.ReplacementAir filters are generally made of heavy-duty woven cotton or fiberglass paper. Some filters can be washed and reused, but the majority must be replaced every 12,000 miles.TypesMany car models use similar types of air filters, though each filter must be purchased for use with a specific car. There are many shapes of filters: cone, cylindrical, round, square and rectangular.P
