The quality of a car's air filter can have a significant impact on its performance. Dirty or damaged air filters reduce airflow to the engine, resulting in an imbalance of the car's air-fuel balance. This can lead to engine failure, increased emissions, and the “Engine Service” light coming on. A good quality filter can provide an extra 1BHP, but this is unlikely to be noticed by most drivers.
However, it will take longer to clog, meaning it can help to avoid energy loss over time. Replacing a car's air filter can improve acceleration by up to 11%, and improve mileage by up to 14%. It can also be part of a general tuning service that will help to get the most out of your vehicle. If you have allergies or live in an area with high levels of smog, you may need to replace your cabin air filter more often.
Doing so can increase fuel consumption by 15%. The air filter is located near the top front or side of the engine, next to the throttle body. Over time, dust and dirt will build up and the filter will darken. For the average driver, installing a high-performance air filter may not have crossed their mind, but it is an economical maintenance component that can be replaced easily.
