Air filters are a crucial part of any car’s engine. You could call them the engine’s lungs because they are responsible for filtering all the air which goes from the environment into the engine for combustion. There are several types of air filters available in the market. Differences are based on the material used to make the filtering section of the part. These are:
- Paper air filters
- Foam air filters
- Cotton air filters
- Metallic air filters
Let’s look specifically at paper air filters which are usually what your car comes with when you buy it. They work efficiently but are not durable and are generally quite inexpensive. The filter material is a porous type of paper which is folded to form many tiny pleats in a flat panel.
The typical replacement interval for paper air filters is 12,000 miles or about one year. Even when you have decided to buy a paper air filter and none of the other types available, there are still numerous options in the market to choose from. It can be difficult to figure out which one is best for you. Here is a compilation of some top paper air filters in the market.
A table compariosn of the Best Flowing Paper Air Filter
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Best Flowing Paper Air Filter
Mann Filter C 3698/3 – 2 Air Filter Element
Mann air filters are manufactured by German company Mann+Hummel Gruppe. The company has been in business for more than eighty years, within which time it has built a solid reputation for good quality products.
The C 3698/3 -2 air filter is made from premium embossed paper which is tightly pleated to ensure even small particles such as soot and sand don’t find their way into the engine.
A frame made from flexible, durable plastic makes installation easy and also ensures the filter remains stable after installation. With this kind of frame, you are unlikely to deal with cracks or a tarnished surface when the part is put under pressure. A patented foam seal ensures an airtight fit.
According to the manufacturer, this filter should be replaced every 12,000 miles although auto-experts advice users to check on air filters every so often to make sure they are working fine.
One significant difference between these and most other air filters is that it also has the capacity to shield the engine from unwanted moisture. This helps to optimize combustion in the engine. Optimized combustion increases your car’s horsepower and improves fuel economy. It also helps to reduce intake noise which many drivers appreciate.
This part weighs 1.2 pounds and it fits into a compartment measuring 14 inches x 5.3 inches x 2 inches. Be sure to confirm that the part’s dimensions match the air filter compartment in your car.
Key Features
- Replacement interval: 12,000 miles
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 14 inches x 5.3 inches x 2 inches
- Tightly pleated premium embossed paper
- Flexible, plastic frame
- Foam seal
Pros
- Capable of filtering out moisture
- Good pleat stability
- Reduces intake noise
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FRAM CA 10755 Extra Guard Panel Air Filter
FRAM is a notable brand name in the industry. It is known for different kinds of filters such as oil filters, air filters and heavy duty commercial filters. The CA 10755 air filter is a tried and tested filter which has been found to be relatively durable.
You can expect it to serve about 12,000 miles or about one year of regular city driving. For exact replacement frequencies, follow the instructions in the manufacturer’s guide book to prevent reduced vehicle performance.
You can tell this filter apart from others as it has a bright orange rubber frame and white paper panels. It is ideal for car owners looking for both quality air filtering as well as some aesthetics to go along with it.
Another advantage of this filter is that it is easy to install. You can do it yourself without the help of a professional. If you have any problems, don’t worry because the package comes with easy-to-understand installation instructions.
It is designed to fit in most modern vehicles. However, always check the dimensions of a product before purchasing to ensure that it will fit in your car. This model’s dimensions are 10.3 inches x 2.1 inches x 10.8 inches and it weighs 12.08oz.
Key Features
- Weight: 12.8 oz.
- Dimensions: 3 inches x 2.1 inches x 10.8inches
- Replacement interval: 12,000 miles
- Bright orange rubber frame
- White paper panels
Pros
- Easy to install
- Provides aesthetic value
- No maintenance required
- Comes with simple installation instructions
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ECOGARD XA 10467 Premium Engine Air Filter
This air filter is designed for Honda vehicles such as the Honda CR-V 2019 and Honda CR-V 2.4L 2015 and 2016. It is made to replace WIX WA10269 OE engine filters and ably meets the standards in fit, form and function. Even then, it can be used in just about any modern vehicle.
Installation is a quick and easy process requiring no professional expertise or tools. This is partly attributed to a sturdy frame which allows for a perfect fit into the filter compartment.
It is a disposable part which means it must be replaced after the replacement interval quoted. In this case it is 12,000 miles. Although this figure should not be ignored, also check the replacement interval indicated in the car’s owner’s manual and make a decision on the interval you prefer to use.
The filter material used is a durable high fiber paper which can collect the finest particles to keep your engine free of all sorts of dirt and debris. As long as this is followed, you can be assured of decreased engine wear and increased vehicle horsepower.
Part specifications are very important details. This filter weighs 13.6 oz. and its dimensions are 13.2 inches x 7.5 inches x 2.2 inches.
Key Features
- Weight; 13.6 oz.
- Dimensions: 2 inches x 7.5 inches x 2.2 inches
- Replacement interval: 12,000 miles
- Made from durable high fiber paper
- Sturdy frame
Pros
- Easy to install
- Can be used in multiple models
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Purolator Auto Air Filters
This Purolator product is made using high density and high fiber treated paper. Tight pleats on this paper ensure maximum engine protection from dust, dirt, pollen and other harmful particles. These are responsible for the part’s impressively high efficiency rating which is quoted at 99%.
You can install this one yourself even if you have no professional expertise because it is designed for DIY installation. The flexible rubber frame helps the filter fit into the compartment easily and it is also airtight which ensures no particles can pass through any openings.
The manufacturer recommends a replacement interval of 12,000 miles. Despite this, users are always advised to consult their car’s owner’s manual to find out what replacement interval is recommended for their specific model. It is also important to consider more frequent replacement intervals if you often drive on very dusty roads.
This filter weighs 1.2 pounds and its dimensions are 10.6 inches x 2.6 inches x 12.8 inches.
Key Features
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.6 inches x 2.6 inches x 12.8 inches
- Replacement interval: 12,000 miles
- Made from high density and high fiber treated paper
- Durable, flexible rubber frame
Pros
- Tight pleats
- 99% efficiency rating
- Easy to install
- Air-tight frame
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EPAuto GP 997 Air Filter
If you are on a tight budget and still want to replace your car’s air filter with a good quality product, this is a good option.
The EPAuto GP 997 air filter is designed to replace OEM air filters like Subaru OEM filters or the FRAM CA9997. It is compatible with the following Subaru models: Forester (2009 – 2018), Tribeca (2008 -2014), WRX (2015 -2018), Legacy (2008 – 2018), XV Crossetrek (2013 – 2015) and Outback (2005 – 2018)
The manufacturer recommends that it should be replaced after 12,000 miles although there could be need to replace it sooner if you frequently drive on dusty, trails. Installation is a quick swap so you need not pay for a professional at the shop to do it for you. If you use the car purely on tarmacked roads, you could get away with replacing it after about 15,000 miles.
For a more accurate guide, consult your car’s owner’s manual to find out what the car manufacturer recommends. When the filter is due for replacement you may notice an increase in fuel consumption and poor acceleration.
Key Features
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Replacement for Subaru some Subaru models
- Replacement interval: 12,000 miles
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
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Factors to Consider When Buying Flowing Paper Air Filters
Vehicle Compatibility:
Most air filters are designed to be used in certain vehicle models. Sometimes the compatibility gets as specific as models manufactured in specific years. The EPAuto GP 997 air filter for instance is made with only specific Subaru models in mind. Even then it is only compatible with those models manufactured in specific years. Others can be used in a wide variety of vehicles and models.
A good way to go about buying a replacement air filter is to check the one which your car came with before going out to buy a replacement. If possible, take it with you so you can easily compare and ask shop assistants for guidance before you buy.
Price:
Air filters play a crucial role in the running of your engine. However, this is a simple part so it is not one of those you will have to dig very deep into your pocket to replace. When you are specifically looking for a paper air filter, the range is not particularly wide. Paper air filters are the cheapest type because they don’t last long.
The cost of professional services to install the air filter are an amount to keep in mind especially if you are on a tight budget. Look for brands which provide a guide with installation instructions for an amateur. This way you can do it yourself and save on the installation cost.
Pleats:
Air filters have pleats or folds of material which act as the barrier to keep dirt, dust and debris out. The more pleats it has, the more material there is to form the barrier between the dirty air and the clean internal engine atmosphere.
When shopping for replacements, remember the more the pleats, the better the product. Deep pleats also serve better than shallow folds and pleats.
Brand Name:
When it is time to replace your air filter, take some time to do some research to learn the reputable brand names. When you go out shopping, try to stick with reputable names as these are less likely to disappoint.
Some air filters have an efficiency rating indicated on the pack. Look out for the product with the highest rating.
Ease of installation:
Some air filters can be installed by an amateur without the need for any professional tools. Others have to be installed by a professional technician. If you prefer to install your air filter yourself, look out for brands which allow DIY installation. Also keep an eye for brands which provide installation instructions in the pack. You will not have to search for you-tube videos to figure out how to do it.
Another factor to consider here is the fit of the air filter in relation to the filter box it is supposed to fit into. In some cases the filter is not a perfect fit so and there is need to trim the corners of the filter to get it to fit perfectly.
Temperature Resistance:
Different air filters have different levels of temperature resistance. If you live in a very warm part of the world, this is something to think about, especially considering that the engine produces a lot of heat just from normal running. Look for a brand which indicates a higher-than –average temperature resistance to avoid it getting damaged long before it is due for replacement.
Conclusion
Paper air filters are a good option for users who prefer to spend less on a filter and are happy to replace them every so often. From our analysis of various paper air filters we found the Mann Filter C 3698/3 – 2 Air Filter Element to be several notches above the rest.
It is the best flowing paper air filter because it has the unique capacity to filter out moisture and helps to reduce intake noise. It has tight pleats which are essential for efficient filtration of air to keep even the smallest particles of dirt, soot and pollen out of the engine.
