I. The core function of the air filter

The air filter is the core filter device of the engine's air intake system, and its function is similar to the "mask" of the engine. It physically filters dust, particles, pollen and other impurities in the air to ensure that the air quality entering the cylinder meets the working requirements of the engine. If the poor filter is not installed or used, the particles in the air will directly enter the engine, aggravate the wear of the piston group, cylinder wall and other parts, and even trigger the "cylinder pull" phenomenon, which will significantly shorten the life of the engine.

In addition, the cleanliness of the air filter directly affects fuel efficiency and power output. Filter blockage will lead to increased intake resistance and insufficient oxygen supply, resulting in insufficient combustion, increased fuel consumption, and decreased power.

II. The main types of air filters

According to the material and design principle, air filters can be divided into the following three categories:

1. Dry filter

It is made of filter paper or non-woven fabric, and the surface is designed to increase the filter area by folding. Its filtration efficiency is as high as more than 99.5%, and it is lightweight, low cost and easy to replace. It is widely used in home cars.

2. Wet filter

It is commonly used in construction machinery or heavy trucks, with oil immersion or oil bath design. The filter material is mostly polyurethane sponge, which needs to enhance the adsorption ability through oil infiltration. Although it can be washed and used repeatedly, the filtration efficiency (about 95%-96%) is slightly lower than that of the dry filter.

3. Self-cleaning filter

Automatically remove dust through pulsed backblowing technology to extend the service life. Such filters are mostly used in industrial scenarios, such as air compressors, pre-filtration of gas turbines, or air purification systems in dust workshops.

III. Replacement cycle and maintenance suggestions

The replacement cycle of the air filter needs to comprehensively consider the driving environment and vehicle conditions:

General recommendation: replace it every 10,000 kilometers or every 6 months. The recommended cycle of the maintenance manual of some models is 5,000 kilometers to 20,000 kilometers. The first maintenance is recommended to be replaced synchronously with the oil and oil filter.

Harsh environment: In dusty, frequent sandstorms or high humidity areas, it is recommended to shorten the inspection and replacement to every 3 months or 5,000 kilometers, and "one warranty and one replacement" if necessary.

Precautions for maintenance:

Avoid using compressed air to repeatedly blow the filter element, which may destroy the filter material structure and reduce the filtration efficiency.

When installing, it is necessary to distinguish between the front and back sides to ensure sealing; the modification of high-flow filters requires caution, which have poor filtration effect and may trigger the ECU protection mechanism, resulting in performance decline.

Priority is given to the original factory or big brand genuine products. Poor quality filter elements are easy to cause insufficient air intake or filtration failure.

IV. Technological development trend of air filter elements

With the improvement of material science and environmental protection needs, air filters are developing in the following directions:

1. High precision and long life: The application of nanofibers and coated filter materials significantly improves filtration efficiency and durability. For example, the laminating technology adopted by self-cleaning filter elements can achieve the "non-stick ash" effect.

2. Intelligent monitoring: Some high-end models begin to integrate filter blockage sensors to prompt replacement needs in real time.

3. Environmentally friendly and recyclable: The research and development of degradable filter materials reduces the environmental pollution of waste filter elements.

V. Conclusion

Although the air filter is a small part, it is the first line of defense for the healthy operation of the engine. Regular inspection and replacement can not only ensure power performance, but also reduce maintenance costs and extend engine life. Users should follow the scientific maintenance cycle in combination with specific usage scenarios, and choose the appropriate filter type to achieve the best economic and environmental benefits.