Air filter: the "lungs" of the car engine, how much do you know?

In the busy urban life, cars have become an indispensable means of transportation for our daily travel. However, while enjoying the convenience brought by cars, have you ever paid attention to the "unsung hero" who silently guards the engine - the air filter? Although it is inconspicuous, it plays a vital role and can be called the "lungs" of the car engine. Today, let us take a deeper look at this guardian hidden in the engine compartment.

1. The role and function of the air filter
As the name suggests, the main function of the air filter is to filter the air entering the engine. During the driving process of the vehicle, dust, pollen, tiny particles and even harmful substances in the external environment may be sucked into the engine along with the air. If these impurities enter the cylinder directly without treatment, it will not only accelerate the wear of the internal parts of the engine, but also may cause a series of faults, such as cylinder strain, piston ring damage, etc., and even affect the life and performance of the engine in severe cases.

The existence of the air filter is like a solid barrier that effectively blocks the invasion of these harmful substances. It uses multiple layers of fiber materials to filter out impurities in the air through physical barriers and adsorption, ensuring that only pure air enters the engine, providing the necessary oxygen for the combustion process while protecting the engine from damage.

2. The working principle of the air filter
The working principle of the air filter is relatively simple but efficient. When the engine is running, air is sucked in through the intake duct, and the first thing it encounters is the air filter. The fiber structure inside the filter is intricate and can capture and retain tiny particles in the air. As the use time increases, the filter will gradually accumulate dust and impurities, causing its filtration efficiency to decrease, which in turn affects the engine's intake volume and performance. Therefore, regular inspection and replacement of the air filter is the key to keeping the engine in good condition.

3. How to judge whether the air filter needs to be replaced?
Observe the appearance: Open the hood and check the appearance of the air filter. If the surface of the filter is covered with a lot of dust, the color becomes darker, and even obvious particle blockage can be seen, then it is probably time to replace it.
Check engine performance: If the vehicle has poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption, unstable idle speed, etc., it may also be that the air filter is clogged and the air intake is not smooth. At this time, you should consider replacing the filter.
Refer to the maintenance manual: The maintenance manual of each vehicle will recommend the replacement cycle of the air filter. According to the use and environment of the vehicle, it should be replaced in time.
4. The importance of choosing a high-quality air filter
There are many brands of air filters on the market, and the quality varies. Choosing a high-quality air filter can not only provide better filtering effect, but also extend the service life and reduce the frequency of replacement, thereby saving maintenance costs. Therefore, when purchasing, you should give priority to well-known brands, check the product certification information, and ensure that the filter meets the specifications of the vehicle manufacturer.