What is the most effective method for cleaning an air filter?

The air filter in your car is essential for preserving engine efficiency. It permits clean air to mix with fuel, burn, and provide power for the vehicle. Dirt, dust, stones, and other debris may clog up this airflow over time. Your engine will have to work more to suck in air or cool down if your filter is filthy. Those undesired debris may eventually be sucked into your engine via the air intake while you’re driving, causing piston damage and carburetor blockage.

Air filters are divided into two types: oiled and dry. Dry filters are often constructed of foam, which prevents more particles than paper filters, although they have been known to restrict airflow when they get filthy owing to their material density. Cleaning or replacing them should be done every 15,000 miles, or more often if you live on dusty roads or in polluted areas.

Oiled variants, such as the well-known rolan filters, are made from oiled cotton gauze. Only when sections of the screen are no longer visible, or every 50,000 miles, should k&n air filters be thoroughly cleaned.

When cleaning your car’s air filter, be sure to choose a cleaner that removes dirt and debris completely without using petroleum-based chemicals, which may harm or dissolve the filter components. Because of this, you should avoid using solvents or kerosene.

All-purpose cleaner is tough on grease and heavy dirt yet mild enough to clean air filters without causing damage to the filter material or to surfaces on automotive equipment. It’s safe on aluminum, chromium, titanium, and other high-tech alloys, as well as painted and gel-coated surfaces, anodized and electroplated components, carbon fibre, metals, plastics, rubber, and much more when applied according to label directions.

Cleaning an air filter instructions:

Before cleaning the air filter, see your owner’s manual. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance directions to the letter. Before cleaning, make sure the engine is completely cold.

1. Take out the filter. Remove the air filter, being careful not to let any dirt or debris into the air box or intake. If the filter has a housing, remove the housing as well as the wing nut that holds the filter together to remove the outer element.
2. Clean with a cleaning solution. Allow the filter to soak in all-purpose cleaner.
3. Rinse. Rinse the filter from both sides using a faucet or garden hose, beginning from the inside and working outwards to avoid driving dirt further into the filter’s fibres. Wringing or straining the filter might cause it to rip. Rinse until the water is completely clear. If required, repeat the procedure.
4. Dry. Shake the filter to remove any excess water before allowing it to air dry. Before oiling (if you have an oiled filter) and replacing it, make sure it is fully dry.
5. Replace the oil. If your filter is lubricated, saturate the whole filter, including the sealing flange and lip, with new filter oil. Modern automobiles with a mass air flow (maf) sensor need extra caution while re-oiling these filters to prevent over-oiling and damaging the maf’s delicate wiring. This may lead it to detect air consumption erroneously, resulting in a “check engine” light. 

While you can’t go wrong with any of the brands on our site, we’re here to assist you in selecting the best one for your car, motorbike, or other vehicle. Send us a note using our website’s https://www.rolan.com.au/ contact form.