Depending on displacement, at full load, the engine will draw in between 200 m³ and 500 m³ of air per hour. This air is loaded with dirt and dust particles. The level of pollution is determined by various factors...
Depending on displacement, at full load, the engine will draw in between 200 m³ and 500 m³ of air per hour. This air is loaded with dirt and dust particles. The level of pollution is determined by various factors:
Important quality criteria for the filter element include
The air filter dampens suction noises emanating from the engine, thereby ensuring that the interior of the vehicle is quiet. This helps the driver to concentrate on the traffic. For naturally aspirated engines in particular, replacing the filter element in good time is the key to consistent engine performance. This increases safety as overtaking distances are short, for example. Another safety aspect is that the filter element must conform to the fireproofing specifications set out by the vehicle manufacturer. Conformity excludes the risk of a vehicle fire which might result from a lit cigarette butt being drawn in, for example.
Air filters must be replaced at the intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer. This work is carried out during regular inspections. It is advisable to replace the air filter sooner if conditions dictate this (high dust content in the air, for example). A functional air filter will protect the engine against premature wear (to pistons or cylinders, for example), thereby helping the vehicle to retain its value. If the air filter becomes clogged due to intervals between changes not being adhered to, dust particles can get into the engine and cause mechanical abrasion. This can result in damage and significant repair costs. If the dust absorption capacity of an air filter is measured as too low, the filter element may need to be replaced before the service interval specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Therefore, the exact specification must be considered when replacing the air filter. High-quality branded air filters pay dividends twice over: compared with non-named products they last longer and protect the engine more effectively against wear.
As well as helping the driver to concentrate on traffic, a quiet engine minimises noise emissions to the environment. If the engine is well supplied with air, combustion will also be improved. This helps to reduce both fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. This is an important consideration, in particular with compliance with emission limit values in mind.