Choosing the Right Air Filter for Your Car

Owning a car gives you freedom and you may even view your car as an extension of your personality. Whether your car is a means to an end or part of what makes you happy, it needs maintenance and upkeep to keep it working properly.

There are many parts making sure your car runs well -- or, runs at all. One of those parts is an air filter. While air filters aren't expensive, they are an integral part of ensuring that your car runs well and has optimum gas mileage. If you're not familiar with what an air filter does for your car, we've got you covered. We'll also tell you about choosing the right air filter for your car.

Air filters play an important role in how a car performs. Not only does an air filter affect engine performance, but also the operation of the car itself.

These filters prevent things like debris, contaminants, and dirt from getting into your engine. If these outside contaminants were to enter parts where air and fluid flow, it may affect components like fuel lines, the radiator, or even the engine.

It is a common recommendation to replace an air filter every 12 months or around 19,000 kilometers. Check the owner's manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle because this guideline may vary.

The advantages of a new air filter are many. The performance enhancement is a major benefit. For instance, some car owners see more than a 10% increase in acceleration after getting an air filter replaced.

This is because a clean filter allows for a maximum flow of fluids or air through the system. Picture a clogged drain. When it is clogged, water does not flow through it sufficiently. An air filter ensures that clean air and fluids get to the engine. When this is hampered, it makes the car sluggish.

One of the first signs is minimized vehicle performance. Whether it's less fuel economy, the AC and/or heat isn't working well, a decrease in power, or just an overall decline in performance, it is a good idea to check the air filter.

There are typically three types of air filters available on the aftermarket: paper filters, cleanable filters, and oil bath filters.

These are the most common type of air filter. They're affordable and work well for people in areas without a lot of dust and debris. Since they are constructed from paper, they are not reusable. However, their affordability outweighs their replacement costs.

Another type of filter is the cleanable one. While these are more expensive than paper filters, they need to be replaced less often. This balances the cost and saves trips to the parts store. It is important to clean and oil these cleanable filters often to ensure their viability. Yes, some last up to 80,000 kilometers before cleaning is required, depending on driving conditions.

These are not as common as the latter two types of filter and not as efficient. The oil bath is used to capture and seize the big particles in the air that may cause damage to the engine. When using this type, the dust particles that get through the air intake filter are eliminated.

At Automotive Superstore, we carry many brands of filters. Here are a few that you may be interested in:

• Ryco air filters - Since 1936, Ryco has provided quality filtration products designed especially for the harsh Australian automotive landscape.
• Wesfil air filters - Wesfil has also been around for decades and is an Australian company so they know what your car needs in air filtration.
• K&N air filters - K&N started to provide better performing air filter after being in the world of motorcycles.
• Mann air filters - Mann air filters meet all kinds of needs ith an additional activated carbon layer, whether it's a truck, passenger car, or off-road vehicle.
  If you don't see what you're looking for, just ask us so we can help you choose the right filter for your needs.
• Fram - Fram developed their earliest filtration innovation way back in 1932 with the development of the first easily replaceable oil filter element cartridge, the precursor to the spin on filter assembly we are all keenly familiar with today.
• Sakura - Sakura Filters are the product of an obsessed with standards and compliance, with the Australian distributor being accredited to the ISO 9001 international standard of excellence and the manufacturer certified in accordance with JIS/SAE International Technical standards.

If you don't see what you're looking for, just ask us so we can help you choose the right filter for your needs.

Whether you're looking for an air filter for Ford cars or need one for a Dodge, knowing which to choose is important.

Find the manufacturer's recommended filter, which is available here at Automotive Superstore.

To choose the one you want, just enter your vehicle's make, model, and year. Then enter the engine and chassis.

You may see that the product is universal or does not contain vehicle fitment data. To be sure, use the parts checker option. You will enter some information and a staff member will get back to you ASAP.

If you're looking to increase performance and horsepower, you'll want to consider a cold air intake system or a short ram air intake system and choose a high-performance air filter that is appropriate for these types of systems.

Some air filters allow for a quieter ride and many air filters that come with the vehicle are made this way. That's fine if that is the only thing you want. However, if you want a burst in horsepower and performance, air filters with deeper creases and a larger surface area do that. This is because there is more airflow allowed into the system. This increased airflow makes a more efficient combustion process. What does that do? It produces more performance and horsepower.

If your car needs a new air filter, you don't have to waste time at the store only to struggle to find what you need. Here at Automotive Superstore, we carry a wide selection of air filters to fit almost any type of car.

Browse our full selection here. With our handy search function, you'll easily be able to see the options that will fit your specific vehicle. That means no more visits to the dealership where parts are insanely expensive. Or to the local part store where the staff may not be knowledgable about your vehicle. Someone is always here to help.