- The Best Engine Air Filter
- 10. Flowmaster Delta Force Performance Air Filter
- 9. S&B Intake Kit Replacement Filter
- 8. aFe Pro Guard 7 Air Filter
- 7. aFe Air Filter
- 6. Volant Primo ProGuard 7 Filter
- 5. Spectre Performance Air Filter
- 4. Injen High-Performance Air- Filter
- 3. Volant PowerCore Air Filter
- 2. aFe Pro Dry S Air Filter
- 1. K&N Engine Air Filter
If you’re shopping for a new air filter then you are in for a treat. Not only is this one of the easiest modifications to make in the comfort of your own driveway or garage, but you’ll also see a boost in horsepower, torque, and fuel economy immediately. Unlike the flimsy paper filter your car, truck, or SUV came with – performance filters are made from higher grade materials, work better, and last longer.
So which aftermarket air filter is right for your vehicle? With so many to choose from it can be hard to determine. At Auto Accessories Garage, not only have we researched all the top-selling air filters, we've seen them, touched them, and put them to use. We've also incorporated compressor reviews from our customer base that demonstrate the value of each product. With that in mind, we figured it might be good for us to help you in your search by ranking some of the best of the best. Presenting the 2024 edition of the Top 10 Best Engine Air Filters for Cars, Trucks, & SUVs.
The Best Engine Air Filter
10. Flowmaster Delta Force Performance Air Filter
Specifically crafted to fit your vehicle exactly, the Flowmaster Delta Force Performance Air Filter features an eight-layer cotton gauze construction to keep your engine clean. This washable filter can be re-oiled and reused again and again for as long as you own your vehicle. In fact, Flowmaster is so sure of their durability that they back this filter with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
I use these filters in all of my vehicles. I’m always happy with the results I get of improved fuel mileage. And have always had an increase in acceleration too.
Read More Flowmaster Delta Force Performance Air Filter Reviews
9. S&B Intake Kit Replacement Filter
Thanks to an 8-layer filter, the S&B Intake Kit Replacement Filter is designed to maximize airflow for better protection. Made from 100% Cotton gauze, this filter is tested to the ISO 5011 Standard and comes backed by a Million-Mile Warranty. S&B developed this filter in their climate-controlled test lab to meet all ISO 5011 standards and it’s clear to see that the results speak for themselves.
Just can’t beat it! I already see improved gas mileage and HP. Plus now when I go to get my oil changed the guys can’t try to tell me I need a new air filter. I don’t think they even look.
Read More S&B Intake Kit Replacement Filter Reviews
8. aFe Pro Guard 7 Air Filter
Custom made to your year make and model, the aFe Pro Guard 7 Engine Air Filter is specifically designed for the needs of heavy truck jobs like towing or high-performance applications like racing. This isn’t your grandma’s engine air filter, but it’s the perfect upgrade for drivers who know they need to get some real air coming into their engine. It’s easy to install and comes backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
Great product and really unleashes a heck of a performance. I'm not brand loyal to many things but I will never buy a filter that's not an aFe.
Read More aFe Pro Guard 7 Air Filter Reviews
7. aFe Air Filter
The trick with the aFe Engine Air Filter can be found in the cotton gauze filter that scrubs dirt and debris out of incoming airflow. Purer oxygen in your engine means better performance, pure and simple. Washable and reusable, this filter comes pre-oiled from the factory so it’s totally ready to go as soon as you open the box.
This filter is high quality. Just drop it down in and watch your throttle response improve greatly. I didn't notice much change in MPG. For me this replaced my OEM filter which was garbage.
Read More aFe Air Filter Reviews
6. Volant Primo ProGuard 7 Filter
The word ‘volant’ means ‘able to fly’ and you’ll really be flying once you get the Volant Primo ProGuard 7 Filter under your hood. Increasing horsepower and MPG, this filter also is designed to reduce heat conductivity and bring cooler air to your cylinders. Cooler air means a bigger bang and you’ll feel it in your handling and performance.
Big fan of the Primo ProGuard. I have one in my [sports car] already, I’m just buying a second one so I don’t have to wait to let the first one dry after I wash it hahaha.
Read More Volant Primo ProGuard 7 Filter Reviews
5. Spectre Performance Air Filter
Optimized for your specific make and model and street legal in all 50 states, the Spectre Performance Air Filter is sure to boost horsepower with the extra dose of airflow it delivers. An oiled filter, you can wash, reoil, and reuse this filter for as long as you have your vehicle. This filter is reinforced with steel mesh for a long-lasting design that comes backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
Was exactly what I needed. I would definitely recommend 👍
Read More Spectre Performance Air Filter Reviews
4. Injen High Performance Air Filter
Dyno-tested for maximum performance, the Injen Universal Air Intake eschews restrictive paper filters for a cotton gauze design. The installation is quick and easy – one of the easiest things you can do yourself at home. Once installed, this system works to boost both horsepower and fuel economy for a more eco-friendly and economical ride. Plus this filter is completely washable and reusable. Injen backs this with a Lifetime Warranty.
I ordered the Injen replacement air filter from auto accessories garage, and not only did it ship very quickly, I didn't know which size I needed and the customer service operator was very friendly and told me exactly which filter was right for my car. Now the air filter has been replaced and my car is breathing clear again! I will definitely use auto accessories garage again!
Read More Injen High Performance Air Filter Reviews
3. Volant PowerCore Air Filter
The Volant PowerCore Air Filter offers a revolutionary, straight-thru design that not only provides maximum airflow for your engine, it also captures 99.95% of contaminants and debris. This oil-free filter only requires maintenance every 100,000 miles and can be used in most cold air intake systems from other leading brands. The hundreds of staggered flutes keep dirt on the exterior, rather than deep in the pleats.
The Volant Power Core was the exact replacement for the old filter. Auto Accessories Garage is a very good company to order auto stuff from, I got my filter the next day.
Read More Volant PowerCore Air Filter Reviews
2. aFe Pro Dry S Air Filter
Can you get performance boosts across the board with a simple low-maintenance swap out? It sounds too good to be true, right? But you really can with the aFe Pro Dry S Engine Air Filter. This cleanable, reusable filter boosts horsepower, torque, and fuel economy by upgrading the surface area to allow a great airflow volume to enter your engine. Cleanable and reusable, this filter should last a lifetime!
I bought two filters, one for each car. Both cars are running better and getting improved gas mileage.
Read More aFe Pro Dry S Air Filter Reviews
1. K&N Engine Air Filter
If you know much about getting cars race-ready and in performance condition, you know the name K&N. That’s because K&N makes a seriously mean Engine Air Filter that comes custom-made for the most unrestricted airflow for your specific make and model of vehicle. But even as race-oriented as this filter is, it’s still street-legal in all 50 states. K&N is also famous for their 10-Year / Million Mile Warranty.
I run K&N filters on all my cars,truck, and bike! I get a extra 100hp (just kidding) But I haven't worn one out yet. Performance, longevity, What more could you ask for?
Read More K&N Engine Air Filter Reviews
Top 10 Selection Methodology
Your air filter is one of the easiest things to swap out yourself in the garage and also one of the most proven ways to improve horsepower and engine performance. But make no mistake, the effort that goes into doing it right comes when you try to pick the right one. To build this list, we looked at years of customer reviews and order histories. We also spoke with experts in performance vehicle modifications whether they be track racers, offroaders, or tow truck drivers. We hope you find this list to be helpful and informative in the search for your perfect engine air filter.
Engine Air Filter Buying Guide
Motor vehicles are built on the principles of internal combustion. But there can’t be combustion without oxygen, so your car engine is always taking in as much air as it can. And your car’s not picky – it’ll take any air it can get. Dirty, smoggy, polluted, or even full of bugs, your air intake will bring it in and it will all cause damage to your engine and a reduced overall performance.
That’s Where Your Engine Air Filter Comes In
Your air filter captures bugs, dirt, pollen and more and ensures your engine will run at its top efficiency. Your engine air filter is also one of the easiest modifications to make yourself and one of the most affordable. If you’ve been wanting to see improved horsepower and better gas mileage, a new clean air filter should be your first stop.
Three Types of Engine Air Filters
There are three main types of engine air filters. Paper filters, oiled performance filters, and non-oiled performance filters.
1. Paper Engine Air Filters
Paper filters are by far the most common filter, and most likely what your vehicle came with. They are very low in price and do a decent job of filtering your engine. They are one time use only and need to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions. If you often drive through dusty dirt roads or highly polluted cities, you may need to replace your paper filter much sooner than someone who drives mostly in the suburbs.
2. Non-Oiled Performance Engine Air Filters
Any type of performance filter will cost a little more than a paper filter – but most of them last forever and only require a quick cleaning instead of a full replacement. They also usually come specifically designed to fit your vehicle exactly. This custom fit and higher quality design means these non-oiled performance filters will really open up your engine’s potential. Increasing horsepower and MPG, these also keep your engine in better shape than paper filters for the long haul.
3. Oiled Performance Engine Air Filters
Oiled engine air filters on the other hand, have a coating of oil through out. This moist layer will collect even more dirt and debris, as it sticks to the oily membrane while attempting to pass through. There’s no cleaner engine performance than what you’ll achieve with an oiled performance filter. Just like the non-oiled variety, most of these filters will last the life of your vehicle, and just need to be washed (and re-oiled) every now and then.
How Often Should You Change or Clean an Engine Air Filter?
As mentioned above, for cheap paper air filters you generally want to replace them every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on your driving conditions. And you’ll want to replace them every three years whether you’ve reached 15,000 miles or not – because they will start to crack and crumble after that long.
For performance filters, check the manufacturer instructions because they may vary. But with K&N for example, can ride for up to 50,000 miles before a cleaning is required – and when paired with one of their cold air intakes, they can go up to 100,000 miles before a cleaning is necessary.
No Matter the Style, Maintenance is Important
No matter the style of your air filter, proper cleaning and maintenance (or replacement in the case of paper filters) is essential for the health of your car. Failure to properly maintain or replace your air filter can cause serious damage to your Emissions Control System – not to mention draining your horse power and fuel efficiency.
How Do I Remove My Old Car Air Filter
Removing and replacing your engine’s air filter is one of the easiest modifications you can do at home. Even people who have never popped a hood can tackle this project in just a few minutes.
Open the Hood and Look for the Filter Box
Pop your hood and locate your filter box. This usually isn’t hard to do, it will be the black plastic box sitting right on top or beside your engine. Typically there’s a sizable hose sticking out of one side. If you have any trouble finding it, check your research manual, or search online for a photo or video involving your particular make and model.
Remove the Old Filter
It really is that easy. It’s not screwed in or anything. It’s just kind of sitting there. If it’s a paper filter then throw it away, and if it’s a performance filter go give it a rinse and a re-oiling if necessary.
Put in the New or Cleaned Filter
It’s not any more difficult than that. Your performance filter should fit right into place on your make an model. If you plan on replacing a paper filter, you can ask an auto store to match your old filter if you bring it in.
Cleaning a Performance Engine Air Filter
Please Note: It matters how you set down your filter after the various soakings and rinsings that follow. When soaking your filter with cleaning solution, rest it on its top; after rinsing off all the cleaning solution, rest it on its base to dry. The differences, while seemingly minimal, affect how the solution is distributed and, later, how the filter dries.
At AutoAccessoriesGarage.com, as well as any other reputable auto parts store, you can find an Air Filter Restoration Kit or an Air Filter Cleaning Kit to match your performance engine air filter. Be sure to find the proper solution for your brand of filter, as they will be specially designed to clean your particular Ford Ranger Air Filter. Included in the kit you will find two bottles: one of Cleaning Solution and one of Air Filter Oil.
To get started, tap out your filter to remove any loose dirt and dust. Following this, liberally apply the Cleaning Solution to the outside of your dirty Hyundai Elantra Air Filter. Don't hold back, now: you want to really soak it. Once the outside is coated, spray the soultion on the inside of the air filter. Again, really soak the filter with the Cleaning Solution. When the inside and outside are properly coated, let the filter sit in a basin or sink for ten minutes, allowing ample time for the cleaning agents to work their magic on your filthy filter.
After ten minutes have passed, run cool, low pressure water, either from a faucet or a hose, over your filter. It is very important in this step that you take great care to completely wash all of the cleaning solution off before proceeding to the next step. You won't need to run the hose or faucet inside the Volkswagen Jetta Air Filter itself, as the water will seep through your filter, but make sure to wash every inch of the outside thoroughly.
When you're sure the filter is clean, shake off any and all excess water. Once again set your filter in a sink or basin and allow it to dry. This should take about 15 minutes. It is important here that it dries completely. You filter should be a drab gray color at this point.
Helpful Hint:A hair dryer or small household fan can be used to speed up the drying process if you are short on time after rinsing off the cleaning solution. Be very careful to use moderate heat at most when using such devices, but when used correctly they can expedite your drying process. It is not recommended to use either when waiting on your oil to soak in.
Now you'll need the Engine Air Filter Oil. Evenly apply this substance, which should go on pink when applied to the outside of your Ford Taurus Air Filter. Try to get it into every crack and crevice, as it is this oil that will attract dust and dirt and keep these and other engine-harming particulates out of your intake tube. Thoroughly coat your filter, but do what you can to not overapply this oil, as it can affect the way your engine receives air. When done applying the oil, which should leave your filter a dusky pink color, be sure to wipe any excess oil off the cap and bottom lip of your filter. After wiping off the excess oil, let the filter sit for 20 minutes. This will allow the oil to absorb into the filter.
Twenty minutes later, upon oil absorption, reinstall your Ford F250 Air Filter at the head of your intake tube. You're all set. Even with your increased performance capabilities, go easy on the other drivers. It's only polite.
Below, you will find a video detailing how to restore an S&B Peformance Engine Air Filter:
Summary
We hope you find this information informative. If you have any further questions about performance air filters, or even just need help getting yours installed, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 800.663.1570.
