First of all, the air filter is not an air conditioning filter. Generally speaking, “air filter” refers to the air filter element, which filters the air into the engine; The air conditioning filter element refers to the filter element that filters the air entering the cab.
1、 What is an air filter element
The operation of modern fuel engines cannot be separated from air. The cleaner the air, the higher the combustion efficiency. Therefore, before air enters the engine cylinders, it needs to be continuously filtered and purified. The main function of an air filter is to filter out impurities such as dust in the air, ensuring that no impurities enter the engine.
2、 Classification of air filter elements
1. Dry air filter element
This type of filter element is generally made of fiber filter paper, commonly known as “paper filter element”, and is also commonly used as an air filter element in small passenger cars. The following content is also the main introduction object for this type of filter element.
2. Oil type air filter element
The principle is to use an oil immersed filter element, in which the oil adsorbs impurities and dust in the air, and the metal wire in the composition blocks the oil droplets that stick to the dust to filter. Nowadays, it is generally used in mechanical vehicles or freight vehicles, but the filtering effect is worse than that of paper filter elements, and the replacement operation is not convenient. Nowadays, this type of filter element is basically not used in household vehicles.
3、 Location of air filter element
Open the front hood and there is a black square box or circular shaped black box (some air filters are cylindrical), which contains the air filter. One end is connected to the engine intake pipe, and the other end is connected to the external air environment. Remove the screws and you can see the air filter.
4、 Composition of air filter element
The paper dry air filter element commonly used in household sedans or SUV models is generally composed of filter paper, sealing adhesive, and sealing rings/pads
5、 Key Points for Choosing Air Filter Elements
1. Accurate size, easy installation, and ensuring sealing: Depending on the vehicle model, the outer shell shape of the air filter element may vary. It is recommended to choose a suitable filter element according to the vehicle model to ensure a perfect fit with the outer shell frame and meet the filtering requirements during the replacement cycle
2. Low pressure loss and guaranteed intake: When air enters the air filter, the pressure on the inlet side of the filter is greater than that on the outlet side. If the pressure loss is too large, the engine cannot obtain sufficient air, and maximum ventilation must be ensured
3. Good moisture-proof effect: The air entering the filter element may contain moisture due to external environmental factors such as rain, snow, car washing, and water spraying. This requires a good air filter element to have good moisture-proof effect, otherwise water vapor entering the engine block can cause damage to the engine
4. The filtering effect of filter paper is good: The main filtering material for paper air filter cartridges is filter paper, which should be used to filter small particles as much as possible and ensure that the incoming air is clean
5. High dust tolerance: The wrinkles formed by the paper filter element are the residence of dust after absorption, so it is necessary to try to ensure that the filter element contains as much dust as possible in order to have a good effect during the replacement cycle
6. The sealing adhesive and sealing ring are sturdy, not easy to loosen or age prematurely
6、 Suggested replacement cycle
It is generally recommended to replace every 15000km to 20000 km or maintain and replace every few times. However, in areas with frequent sandstorms or severe pollution, it is recommended to increase the number of replacements according to the situation.
