When it comes to car air filters, washable ones are often seen as a great option. They are designed to last the life of your vehicle, and they can be easily cleaned and replaced at any time. But do they really provide any performance benefits? Independent tests have found that these filters provide hardly any performance benefits, and some even allow more dirt to enter the engine. This can damage the engine, as dirt entering the engine oil can cause pistons and cylinder walls to break, leading to engine failure. Fortunately, washable air filters can help prevent this from happening.
The breathable cotton fabric used in these filters tends to better absorb particles and allows more air to enter the engine, which improves engine health in the long term. The K&N reusable air filters are definitely worth it, as they are covered by the K&N Hassle-Free Limited Lifetime Warranty. The EPA has not tested oil-bathed filters or other free-flow air filters, but it has conducted tests that compare clogged conventional air filters with new ones. The EPA did not find a significant loss in fuel economy due to a clogged air filter, but it did find in a test of gasoline vehicles that acceleration improved with a clean air filter. Increased airflow, while filtering out these particles, helps provide the strength and acceleration that every car owner seeks.
As the filters are made of higher quality fabrics and can be reused after cleaning, they will last for many years. The initial investment may sting a little, but you'll still save money over time if you switch to a washable filter. Although they provide long-term savings, washable filters tend to be more expensive than standard air filters. The four to six layers of cotton gauze media used are sandwiched between two sheets of epoxy-coated aluminum wire mesh, and the filter is also pleated and oiled to improve filtration. My relationship with K&N began about a decade ago when a friend of mine who built racing cars told me I was a fool not to put a K&N filter in my car. Some of these companies have many loyal customers who swear that they have benefited, especially in performance, from the use of these high-flow filters. Mike won't need to buy a disposable filter for his F-150 again, because his replacement filter K&N is covered by the K&N Hassle-Free Limited Lifetime Warranty.
And whoever came up with the idea of attaching a 1-inch hex nut to the end of an oil filter should get a prize because a clogged oil filter is a terrible thing during any oil change. In conclusion, washable car air filters are definitely worth it. They provide long-term savings and improved engine health in the long run. They also help provide better acceleration and strength for your vehicle. So if you're looking for an affordable way to keep your car running smoothly for years to come, then investing in a washable car air filter is definitely worth it.