Car air filters are primarily made of a pleated material which filters the air. This crucial filtering material can be composed of different substances, including cotton, synthetic paper, or foam.
The primary function of this pleated material is to capture contaminants like dirt, dust, pollen, and debris from the air entering the engine's intake system. This ensures only clean air is mixed with fuel for combustion, optimizing engine performance and longevity.
While the materials are key, car air filters also come in various physical forms to fit specific vehicle makes and models.
Common Filter Materials
Based on their composition, the filtering media often consists of:
- Cotton: Often used in performance filters, sometimes oiled to enhance filtration.
- Synthetic Paper: A very common material for standard replacement filters, providing good filtration efficiency.
- Foam: Used in some filter designs, known for its ability to capture larger particles and sometimes washable.
Filter Shapes
Regardless of the specific material used, car air filters are manufactured in different shapes to fit various vehicle airbox designs. These shapes include:
- Panels: Rectangular or square filters commonly found in modern vehicles.
- Circular: Ring-shaped filters often used in older carburetor setups.
- Cylindrical: Drum-shaped filters, sometimes incorporating layers of different materials.
In summary, the core component of a car air filter is a pleated medium, typically made from cotton, synthetic paper, or foam, designed to purify the air entering the engine.
