How Do Car Air Filters Work?

Air filters are one of the most important components on a car. They keep the car operating properly by filtering out dust, dirt and debris that can harm or even keep the car from working. Most people do not realize just how important the filters are and how they work.

Function

The engine must have an unobstructed air flow so it can operate efficiently. The airflow comes from outside of the engine and it can sometimes contain, dirt, dust, oil and other obstructions. If these items get inside the engine, they can wear the engine quickly. This is where air filters come in handy. When the air is drawn into the car, it passes through the filter, which catches all of the bad deposits before they can enter the engine. These deposits can accumulate on the filters and prevent it from catching those items, which is why it must be cleaned or replaced regularly.

Paper Car Air Filters

This is the most common type of car air filter. It is shaped like a rectangle and made of pleated paper. It is commonly located in a housing compartment over the engine block. When the car is turned on a vacuum suction is created. This suction pulls the air into the filters while bringing the dirt, dust and oil with it. The deposits are attached to the filter when this happens.

Additional Car Air Filters

Although paper is the most common car air filter there are is also, oil soaked filters. These filters are made of cotton and soaked in oil to catch deposits. The oil soaked filters are normally made for high-octane sport activities. Polyurethane foam soaked in oil is another type of air filter, which is made for many off road vehicles. There is also the oil bath filter. This type of filter is shaped like a disc and look like a sponge but sits over the oil. When air comes through the filters, small items are attached to it while the large items fall into the oil.