What Is The Best Air Filter For A Car

While information technology might not exist the most fun thing to talk about, the truth is that your vehicle's air filter is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Not only does the air filter continue all the contaminants out of your engine'southward combustion bedroom, but they also regulate airflow for engine performance.

Then, whether you're simply looking for long-lasting protection or if you desire to try and increase your engine's horsepower a bit, an engine air filter is a fantastic identify to get-go!

That'south why we took the time to rails downwardly and review ten of the best air filter companies out there. After yous read through the reviews, y'all tin hands find the exact air filter company you're looking for and get the correct air filter in your automobile as soon as possible.

And if you need a fiddling assist finding the right filter number, cross-referencing it, or just some general questions about air filters, we have you covered in our comprehensive heir-apparent's guide.

Think that you need to choose the right air filter for your automobile and engine model.

Disclaimer – This commodity may comprise affiliate links, this means that at no toll to y'all, we may receive a pocket-sized commission for qualifying purchases.

Pinnacle 10 All-time Engine Air Filter Brands

one. FRAM Air Filter – Best Overall

Fram Extra Guard Air Filter, Ca8755A For...

When yous're shopping for the best combination of price and functioning, then FRAM filters are worth checking out. Not only are they extremely affordable, just they deliver a reliable experience and performance specs you can count on.

They permit through a ton of air, and there are tons of filters to choose from, so in that location's sure to exist an pick that fits your vehicle. Non only that, merely whether you lot're looking for a long-lasting air filter or a performance monster, FRAM has the filter you're looking for.

While they don't have too many OEM filters, they have plenty of vehicle-specific options and even more universal options, which means if you want a FRAM filter for your vehicle, they likely make one that'll work. However, don't await that it'll match the OEM filter number without a cross-reference.

Still, with so many options and such a great toll, information technology's no wonder that FRAM filters topped our list. Check out what they take for your vehicle, and you'll probable be able to discover exactly what you lot're looking for!

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Pros

Affordably priced
Reliable performance
Good airflow
Outstanding selection

Cons

Not many OEM options

2. One thousand&Northward Air Filter – Best for Performance

K&Amp;N

Certain K&N filters are more expensive, only when you lot look at everything, they offering the truth is that they might exist the all-time deal around. Because not only are they completely reusable and will last the lifetime of your vehicle, but they allow more airflow than just about whatsoever other filter out there.

More airflow means improve operation, so if you're interested in maximum horsepower and torque, so a K&Due north filter is exactly what yous need. Even so, the tradeoff for these reusable and high-operation air filters is clear, the price.

K&North air filters are amongst the most expensive air filters out there, fifty-fifty if they are 1 of the highest-quality options. When you're shopping for a K&Northward filter for your vehicle, go along in mind that they don't work straight with vehicle manufacturers.

That means yous're getting an aftermarket office, and you're not likely to get a vehicle-specific selection. Still, with all the universal options they offer, you're sure to find an option that fits your vehicle. And even though it's non vehicle-specific, y'all'll still become better results with a universal K&North filter than a typical OEM air filter for your vehicle.

If you want the best of the best and never want to worry about changing your air filter over again, go with a K&Due north filter. All you'll need to do from now on wash out your air filter instead of changing information technology out completely!

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Pros

Reusable filters
Maximum airflow
Tons of options

Cons

More expensive upfront
Non always vehicle specific

3. EPAuto Air Filter – Best Budget

Epauto

If yous're on a tight budget but need a great air filter for your vehicle, then EPAuto has some dandy choices for you. While they're certainly budget air filters, they have a large selection for you to choice through, and they still deliver reliable performance.

There's lilliputian doubt that they're upkeep air filters, and this shines through in two different means. First, they don't give your engine the best airflow. Sure, they do a great job at removing foreign thing to proceed it away from the insider of your engine, which is the most important part, but they tin can impact your operation some.

If you're not worried virtually your vehicle'due south total performance specs, so the drop in airflow doesn't mean besides much, but if you're taking your vehicle out to the track, then these aren't the filters you want.

2d, they don't last nearly as long every bit the more expensive filters. So, while they might exist a little more affordable upfront, if you look at the long-term value, they're not much better than the premium filters.

Nevertheless, if you don't accept the money upfront, then an EPAuto air filter can concur you over until the next fourth dimension you demand a new filter. It might non be the best, but it'll safely become the job washed time and fourth dimension once more for y'all.

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Pros

Affordably priced
Reliable performance
Big selection

Cons

Non the best airflow
It doesn't final very long

iv. Motorcraft Engine Air Filter – Best for Ford

Motorcraft

You can almost always decide if a Motorcraft air filter is right for your vehicle by answering one question: do you drive a Ford? That'due south because Motorcraft is a Ford-specific brand, and as such they make air filters for any Ford vehicle out there.

However, if you don't drive a Ford, and then there's a good chance that Motorcraft doesn't make the filter you're looking for, and it'due south not the right brand for your vehicle. Only since Motorcraft is a Ford brand for Ford vehicles, someday yous get a filter from them y'all're getting an OEM replacement part.

Motorcraft Fa-1908 Air Filter

Motorcraft FA-1908 Air Filter

Package Dimensions: 15.75 L ten 23.37 H 10...
Package Weight : 14.4 ounces
Fit type: Vehicle Specific
State of Origin : United States

Not merely is this the best choice if your vehicle is still under warranty, merely it'due south a guaranteed product that is both constructive and reliable for your vehicle. However, since they are OEM replacement parts for Ford vehicles, they tend to exist a trivial more expensive than comparable aftermarket parts.

Not only that, merely if y'all're looking for a performance air filter to take your vehicle to the next level, Motorcraft won't take what you lot need. Not only that, but they don't have a lower-cease filter option. Instead, they brand 1 OEM air filter for each vehicle, and that's what you lot have to work with.

Sure, it'll go the task done, and you'll get the same functioning you'd become from the factory, but you don't get any more customization or options from there.

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Pros

Very effective and reliable
OEM replacement function (Ford simply)
Vehicle specific parts (Ford only)

Cons

Slightly more expensive
But offers Ford specific filters

5. ACDelco Air Filters – Best for GM

Acdelco

Only like Motorcraft is the OEM replacement air filters for Fords, ACDelco makes the OEM replacement air filter for GM vehicles. This includes Chevy, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Pontiac, and more! Because GM uses ACDelco filters in all of their vehicles, this means no matter what GM vehicle you drive, ACDelco has a filter that fits your vehicle.

Not only do they fit your vehicle, but they're both effective and reliable at giving your factory-spec performance every time y'all go backside the wheel. But just like with most OEM replacement parts, you don't have the about choices to choose from for each vehicle.

This means if you're looking for a long-lasting budget option or a premium performance choice, then ACDelco isn't the brand y'all desire. Only if you lot're looking for a reliable air filter for your GM vehicle, and then ACDelco is an first-class choice.

Withal, like most OEM replacement parts, they're a little more expensive than a comparable aftermarket option, and they don't last as long as most aftermarket options. Yet, if your GM vehicle is still under warranty or if yous simply want to stick with OEM parts, then ACDelco is the way to go.

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Pros

Vehicle specific parts (GM only)
OEM replacement part (GM simply)
Very effective and reliable

Cons

Slightly more expensive
Not the longest-lasting

6. WIX Air Filters

Wix Air Filter

WIX is a massive name in the air filter industry, and every bit such they have 1 of the largest selections effectually. Not merely do they take a ton of options that fit most every vehicle on the marketplace, merely they also have unlike level filters for these vehicles.

And then, whether you're shopping for the lowest-priced selection, the longest-lasting, or something else entirely, WIX has a filter option for you lot. All of their filters provide more than adequate airflow and protection for your engine, and all of them are bachelor for an affordable price compared to comparable filters.

Wix 49009 Air Filter

Package Dimensions: half-dozen.604 cms (L) x...
Product Type: Engine Air Filter
Package Quantity: ane
Land Of Origin: China

WIX also produces air filters for larger vehicles and construction equipment, so even if you're looking for industrial equipment, they're a filter company that's worth checking out!

Nonetheless, unless you're opting for one of their slightly more than expensive long-lasting filters, they don't last the longest, and y'all tin't e'er find a vehicle-specific filter to fit your vehicle. But for a large-scale and affordably priced air filter company, they offer a reliable product that you lot can trust mile subsequently mile.

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Pros

Large pick
Provides not bad airflow
Affordably priced

Cons

Not always vehicle specific
Not the longest-lasting

7. Spectre Essentials Air Filter

Spectre Essentials

You might not accept heard of Spectre Essentials before, but if you're in the market for a low-priced air filter or a premium option for better performance, information technology's a name to go on in heed. Not only do they offer extremely affordable air filters, but they have a longer-lasting service life that helps justify the price further.

And while they don't have the largest selection, especially for vehicle-specific options, they do have universal air filters that you can slap on just well-nigh whatever vehicle. And if you spend a niggling more you tin get ane of their functioning air filters that let for maximum airflow, which really can improve performance.

Spectre Essentials Engine Air Filter:...

SEE Production DESCRIPITON FOR FULL List OF...
LESS MAINTENANCE: 18,000 mile change...
50% LONGER LIFE: High-Capacity filter...
OVER 99% EFFICIENCY: Premium Engine...

Yet, while it's certainly better than a typical OEM air filter, they don't provide the same performance benefits equally a K&N filter. Non only that, just while they have plenty of reusable options, they typically don't last as long as the K&N options.

While yous might get lucky and accept it concluding the life of your vehicle, you as well might need to replace information technology after 100,000 miles or so. Of grade, while they don't perform quite like a K&N air filter, a Spectre Essentials air filter doesn't cost near as much either.

Before you settle in on any air filter give Spectre Essentials a look, you might only exist a little surprised on what you find!

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Pros

Both affordable and premium options
Longer lasting life
They have universal options

Cons

Limited selection
Not as good as Thousand&North

8. Denso Air Filter

Denso

While Denso makes tons of automobile parts, they aren't really known for their air filters. Only just because it'southward non their top-selling production doesn't hateful that information technology'due south not worth checking out. When you go with a Denso air filter, y'all're getting a reliable production from a well-trusted brand, and you're not breaking the bank to do information technology.

That's because Denso offers affordably priced air filters, and they have an extremely large pick to choose from. Not merely exercise they have long-lasting options, but they also take upkeep choices and performance filters.

And the all-time part is no thing which filter option you choose, yous're getting it a great toll compared to a comparable filter from another visitor. Still, they don't offering any OEM replacement parts, which ways if you get a Denso filter, you're using an aftermarket selection.

Denso 143-3044 Air Filter

Package Dimensions: 6.604 L ten 26.67 H ten...
Package Weight : 0.317 kilograms
Land of Origin : Canada
Office number: 143-3044

Not only that, but they don't give you the best airflow compared to the top brands out there. While a operation Denso air filter will certainly give you better airflow than a upkeep filter from another make when y'all compare them to other performance filters they just don't stack upward.

This lack of airflow is a large reason Denso air filters fell to eighth on our list, fifty-fifty though they're more affordable filters from a larger company.

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Pros

Affordably priced
Very big selection
Reliable filters

Cons

No OEM replacement parts
Not the best airflow

9. Bosch

Bosch

If you lot want options, check out what Bosch air filters have to offering. No affair what y'all're looking for, Bosch has an pick for you. They have a ton of performance options in improver to some of the longest-lasting air filters on the marketplace.

Bosch always has some universal filters that you tin slap on your vehicle, so in the unlikely chance that they don't have an verbal filter match for your vehicle, they can still observe something to make information technology work. As another perk, Bosch is a large and reliable company, which gives you even more protection and peace of mind that their product will do exactly what they say information technology will.

However, fifty-fifty while they're a larger company, they don't offer many OEM replacement parts, and then if your vehicle is still under warranty or you desire factory-level performance, and so it's not the pick for you lot.

Simply if you're looking for a company you lot can stick with for a wide array of replacement parts for your vehicle, Bosch has y'all covered on filters and so many other parts!

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Pros

Tons of options
Both affordable and premium filters
Very reliable company

Cons

No OEM replacement parts

ten. ECOGARD

Ecogard

Rounding out our list of the superlative air filter options out there is ECOGARD. Merely before you purchase an ECOGARD filter for your car you need to know what you lot're getting. While they practise a good job at filtering out contaminants before they attain your vehicle's combustion sleeping accommodation, they also exercise a great job at restricting some airflow.

Not only do they negatively impact performance, only they as well have a shorter shelf life than many other air filters out in that location. Because of this, we can't recommend them over whatever of the other filters on our listing, but if you're in a pinch and need a low-priced filter that works, it'll get you there.

That's because they take an extremely wide selection to choose from, even if they're non all vehicle-specific. Paired with the fact that they're available for a low price and practice a good task at filtering out contaminants, they tin can definitely agree your vehicle over until your next air filter change.

But know what you're getting and check out some of the filter companies above on the listing to see if they have a comparable filter for your vehicle at a similar toll first!

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Pros

Insanely affordable
Wide choice
Constructive filter

Cons

Not vehicle specific
It doesn't last the longest
Not the all-time airflow

Buyer'southward Guide

If you even so accept a few questions almost which air filter is the right selection for your vehicle later on reading the reviews, you lot're non lone. That's why nosotros came upward with this comprehensive buyer'south guide to walk you lot through everything you demand to know to go the right filter the first time.

Where Can You lot Observe Your Air Filter Size?

Earlier yous can go your air filter on order y'all need to know what size air filter your vehicle needs. The good news is that when you lot're shopping for an air filter, finding the right size could hardly be any easier. Each company has their own function number for the filter, then there'southward no universal number to track down.

So instead, all you lot need to do is go to the manufacturer's website and search for your specific vehicle. The area on the site that the air filter manufacturer offers this varies by site, but because at that place are so many unlike air filter numbers for different brands out at that place, it'southward typically the all-time style to get about finding the right number.

However, if you do decide to try and Google the correct part number for an air filter for your vehicle, ensure that you include your vehicle'southward dataandthe brand of the air filter in your search.

Finally, you can try to use the data on the air filter already in your vehicle, or some owner'southward manuals will include that information. Once yous have this information you can either supersede it with the appropriate part or cross-reference the number to a different brand to go what you want!

How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filter?

While you lot can look up the manufacturer recommendations for how often you should supersede your vehicle's air filter, the truth is that number only tells you lot anything if you're using the OEM replacement filter.

This is also the interval you demand to keep upwardly with to maintain your manufacturer's warranty. By and large, this interval sits anywhere between every 12,000 and 15,000 miles. However, once your warranty is over and if you switch to an aftermarket filter, and so the replacement times change besides.

And the truth is that for well-nigh manufacturers they recommend that you alter the air filter far more often than you need to. Instead, look at the replacement interval as an inspection interval. Take a await at the air filter every oil changer thereafter and replace information technology if it starts to get besides muddied.

Can You Make clean a Disposable Air Filter?

While disposable air filters aren't nearly as easy to make clean every bit a reusable air filter, that doesn't mean yous can't make clean them out at all. If you take a lot of loose dirt or grit in a disposable air filter, there's no reason you lot can't spray it out with a low level of compressed air if yous have already passed your vehicle's warranty window.

Nonetheless, if your vehicle is withal nether warranty, then you demand to keep up with all of the manufacturer'due south recommended service intervals to keep the warranty in place – so don't make clean out the filter and stick it dorsum in.

If y'all choose to spray out a disposable air filter don't exceed 25 psi from the air compressor, and never use anything other than compressed air. Considering while water might assist you clean a reusable air filter, it will completely destroy a dispensable ane.

Also, keep in mind that spraying out a disposable air filter will not arrive last forever. Somewhen, you'll still demand to replace the air filter, so y'all're simply delaying the inevitable!

How Much Can an Air Filter Affect Performance?

Because air filters assistance regulate how much clean air gets into the combustion chamber, information technology's no surprise that the correct high-menstruum air filter tin can improve your vehicle's full performance.

The get-go mode it does this is through maximum horsepower and torque. A high-flow air filter can requite your vehicle an extra iii to 5 horsepower, making it one of the easiest ways to improve your vehicle. Merely not only does it amend elevation-end speed and acceleration, but information technology also tin can help improve your vehicle'south fuel economic system.

Depending on the type of filter you switch to and the condition of your erstwhile air filter, merely switching information technology out tin can ameliorate your fuel efficiency by 10%! That means over fourth dimension, a new air filter ends up paying for itself, so the longer you wait to replace it the more than you're costing yourself.

Reusable vs Disposable Air Filters

When you're looking at replacing your vehicle'due south air filter, at that place are 2 main options y'all tin can choose from – a reusable filter and a disposable filter. Merely which choice is right for you, and are reusable filters all they're croaky upwardly to exist?

We'll break down the pros and cons of each option for y'all here.

Reusable Air Filters

If you're looking for the best long-term deal, there'southward no doubt that reusable filters are the way to go. Their entire selling point is that you lot'll never need to replace them so that first-time cost is all y'all'll need to spend.

However, while that'due south all perfectly truthful, that doesn't make reusable filters perfect. For starters, they most e'er come in universal sizes. That means you're non getting a vehicle-specific air filter. This isn't a huge deal, but information technology might require a piffling more work to go the air filter on your vehicle.

2d, one time you get the air filter on your vehicle, y'all'll still need to make clean it out in one case every 12,000 to xv,000 miles. While information technology's non a ton of work, information technology'southward certainly a little more than if you simply swapped out the filter to a new one.

But while it'due south a little more than and you lot never demand to supplant it again, there's one perk outside of the reusability that convinces many drivers they're the way to go. That'southward the fact thatnearreusable air filters are loftier-flow air filters.

Being a high-flow air filter does two things for your engine. First, it boosts the overall horsepower of your engine some. It's the easiest way to upward your vehicle's horsepower, and it's a go-to for anyone trying to get a little more out of their vehicle.

2d, information technology improves your vehicle's fuel efficiency. And so, not only are you saving a little actress cash since you'll never demand to purchase a new air filter, but you lot'll salvage some coin at the fuel pump besides!

Disposable Air Filters

While disposable air filters are the most common air filters out there, that doesn't mean that they're e'er the correct option for you lot and your vehicle. Because while they're extremely convenient and easy to apply, they certainly have some drawbacks.

Starting time, they're not as good for the environment. Anytime you're using a product and throwing it away, information technology'south a poor bargain for the World. Second, in the long run, reusable air filters are more expensive. That'southward because you need to replace them every 12,000 to xv,000 miles, and then even if they're three to four times more expensive upfront, eventually the reusable air filter saves you coin.

Third, if you're sticking with an OEM air filter, you're non getting any performance boosts. While they'll protect your engine and provide adequate airflow, why not get fifty-fifty better functioning if information technology'due south as simple every bit switching to a better air filter?

Simply as a perk to disposable air filters, at that place's plenty of options out there. Every vehicle out at that place has a specific disposable air filter that fits, which means you don't need to worry about any extra installation steps when you lot're replacing information technology. Simply pull out the old filter, install the new i, and you're good to go!

And as the option with the lowest upfront cost and nigh convenience, disposable air filters aren't going anywhere whatsoever time presently.

How Much Does Your Air Filter Brand Matter?

While it might non seem like a big bargain if y'all don't know what you're looking at, the truth is that the air filter make matters more than than you might think. Non only exercise sure brands brand vehicle-specific air filter options for your vehicle, but some practise a ameliorate chore than others at putting out a quality production.

With any of the air filter brands on our list you lot know you're getting a elevation-notch product, simply if you get off the listing you never know what you might become! And then, play it prophylactic and get a top-notch filter that we reviewed here. That fashion, you lot know you're getting a great filter at an even better price.

Final Thoughts

With so many air filter brands out at that place it tin be hard to find the verbal right choice for your vehicle. Just retrieve to double-bank check the warranty and stick with OEM replacement filters until the warranty flow is up.

While there's nothing wrong with most of the aftermarket options out there, if something goes incorrect with your vehicle, the manufacturer is looking for any possible reason non to payout. But in one case that warranty is up, yous can motion on to a amend air filter and get even more out of your vehicle!

Just be sure to come dorsum and double-bank check with this listing before placing whatsoever air filter on order. That way you know you lot're getting the best deal and the best product the first time!