Your engine air filter plays a major role in your vehicle’s performance, and if you upgrade your intake, you need to upgrade that filter to stay in line with its increased volume and performance. Upgrading to a performance engine air filter replacement means leaving behind the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, however, so you need to look to the part manufacturer.
Follow Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Performance air filters, especially those made to go with cold air intakes and extra-large ones, have their own performance specifications listed in the detailed product information that comes with them. To understand how often you need to replace them, you need to consult the individual manufacturer. The aftermarket for engine air filter upgrades works a lot like any other category of performance part, which means there’s a lot of difference in lifespan and recommended use case from one manufacturer or design to the next.
The manufacturer’s information will give you the replacement window, usually in mileage, but that does not mean the air filter will remain clean and fully functional the whole time. Replacement windows can be wide, with some air filters lasting anywhere between 10,000 and 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions and care for the part. To get the most out of an upgraded air filter, you need to know how to inspect the intake and clean the filter.
Inspect the Air Intake System
When you have invested a lot in custom engine upgrades, you need to dial up your DIY maintenance and inspection routines to protect your investment. Upgraded intakes and air filters are no exception to that rule, so inspecting and protecting your filter also means inspecting and protecting the intake. That way you can spot any issues that could damage the filter down the road and repair them before you have to replace two parts.
If you notice a filter is dirty and it’s not time to replace it, follow the same recommendations you would for cleaning the OEM filter, but be careful. Use a vacuum or air hose to remove debris from the surface of the filter, and avoid blowing anything through the filter, as that can clog or damage it. If your regular cleaning routine does not remove the dirt and debris, it’s time to replace the filter early. Similarly, if you notice damage to the filter, then cleaning it will not be enough. At that point, it has been compromised and needs to be replaced.
Find Your New Air Filter
You have a lot of options when it comes to upgraded air filters. Not all of them require you to have upgraded the intake. Some simply provide superior filtration and product life while fitting your stock cold air collection box.
Using a VIN number lookup can help you figure out which options fit your vehicle without additional modifications. It can also help you to find the right upgrades to make upgrading the whole intake and filter system easier by removing expensive additional fitment procedures. Check out your options today.