Introduction
A cold air intake is generally aftermarket equipment that provides a better flow of cold air in the internal combustion chamber. As cooler air is sucked in the combustion chamber, it provides more oxygen for fuel combustion. This ensures more efficient fuel combustion that contributes to increased engine power and fuel efficiency.
Benefits of Using a Cold Air Intake
Some of the key benefits of using a cold air intake in your car are as follows:
More Horsepower
The among of air used during the combustion cycle determines the engine’s horsepower. Cold air has more oxygen compared to hot air. This allows for more air during the combustion cycle that helps to improve the engine’s horsepower. Installing a cold air intake allows the free flow of cold air in the combustion chamber. This can help in increasing the horsepower of your engine and make it more powerful. The amount of horsepower added by installing a cold air intake depends on the vehicle configuration. On average, a good quality cold air intake can increase the power of your car’s engine between 5-12 HP.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Your car uses an internal combustion engine for burning fuel needed for powering it. Adequate oxygen is needed to burn fuel efficiently, else more fuel will be consumed by the engine. Cold air intake can provide adequate oxygen to the engine that prevents it from consuming more fuel. It provides optimum air to fuel ratio that helps in improving the engine’s power and fuel efficiency. Hence, you can expect more miles per gallon (MPG) by installing a good quality cold air intake. It will also help to save fuel costs, thereby reducing your cost of running the car.
Engine Uproar
Many car owners are fond of engine uproar. Installing a good quality cold air intake can help you achieve the desired engine uproar. Standard and regular air intake are designed to run the car’s engine quietly without any uproar. Unlike standard air intake, cold air intakes are designed to offer engine uproar. A cold air intake system allows a greater inflow of cold air in the internal combustion chamber. The more the colder air enters inside the combustion chamber, the greater is the engine growl and uproar. You can combine a cold air intake with an exhaust system to get a more pronounced engine uproar.
Improved Acceleration
Another benefit of installing a cold air intake is the improved acceleration. When more cold air reaches the internal combustion chamber, the car reaches its cruising speed quicker. Cars fitted with cold air intake are more responsive and have improved acceleration. The car also becomes more powerful which helps in better acceleration. The cold air intake is thus a cost-effective way to increase the responsiveness and acceleration of your car.
More Durable Filters
Aftermarket cold air intake comes fitted with durable air filters. These air filters can easily last for a few years. They only need to be cleaned after nearly 30,000 miles of running. Another benefit of these air filters is that they are reusable. You can reuse them after cleaning. This helps to keep your costs down as you do not have to buy air filters frequently. Cold air intake filters are more durable than standard intake air filters which need replacement after every 15,000 miles. These filters also block the entry of any debris into the engine, thereby protecting it and keeping your maintenance cost low.
How to Maintain Cold Air Intake
You should regularly inspect and clean the cold air intake filter to keep it in good working condition. The following tips can help to maintain cold air intake filter:
Check for Damage
You should regularly keep checking the cold air intake filter for signs of wear and tear and damage. Hold the filter against a light source and check for any holes or damages. You will be unable to see inside out through an air filter that is in good working condition. If you can see through it, then it means there are gaps or cracks in the air filter. This will allow debris to enter the internal combustion chamber and that may cause severe damage to the engine. If the gap in the air filter cannot be restored, then you must replace it.
Clean Regularly
The air filter should be regularly cleaned. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning it after every 30,000 miles. However, if you travel regularly to dusty places, you should get it cleaned much earlier. In such cases, you will need a more frequent inspection of cold air intake filter than normal. You can do oiling and drying of the filter to remove any debris and contaminants from it. If there are a lot of contaminants, then you may need to redo the cleaning. You can use a soft nylon brush for cleaning the air filter but never use a metal brush as it can damage the filter.
How Long Does Cold Air Intake Last?
Like any mechanical part, the cold air intake has a limited life. Over time, they can become clogged due to continuously sucking in air. A clogged cold air intake will be unable to power the engine fully which will reduce the horsepower. This is due to less air available for combustion in the engine. It can also reduce your car’s fuel efficiency. Most aftermarket cold air intake is of good quality and lasts for a few years. They need to be cleaned every 30,000-40,000 miles. You should regularly check the cold air intake to spot symptoms of wear and tear. Such symptoms may include reducing engine power, reduced fuel economy, and overall loss of vehicle performance during driving.
Conclusion: Is Cold Air Intake Worth It?
Installing a cold air intake may cost you up to $500. Using cold air intake can improve the overall performance of your car. It can make your car run smoother with improved fuel efficiency. The cost of installing an aftermarket cold air intake system is compensated by the long-term benefits it offers. You should install a cold air intake to get the best performance from your car.