The engine air filter is that tiny part of the car that supplies fresh, filtered air to your car's engine. You can think of it as the lung of a vehicle whose task is to purify the ambient air of fragments of dust or other pollutants before it enters the core. That is to say, a good car air filter is incredibly essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly. The car air filter is a small, foam-like piece that collects dust and debris and prevents it from reaching the combustion chamber. K&N is one of the top brands that make engine air filters as well as cabin air filters, and if you want to enhance the performance of your car’s engine, then you should check out consumer reports K&N air filter reviews along with detailed buying guide.

Reviews Of Best K&N Air Filter

1. K&N Universal Clamp-On Air Intake Filter

consumer reports k&n air filter

Have a look at this air intake filter, which comes with cutting-edge filtration media that offers up to 50% more airflow compared to disposable paper filters to increase acceleration and power. You will be surprised to know that dirty or clogged engine air filters can reduce the acceleration of your vehicle by up to 10%. You will get the air filter pre-oiled and it boasts a simple clamp-on design, which makes it one of the most-effective upgrades for your vehicle for instant gain in performance.

Using this filter will help you save around $250 over 10 years because you won’t use disposable air filters. Besides being cost-effective, this air filter is eco-friendly, you can wash it and continue to use it over and over again. You will give your car’s engine comprehensive protection by using this clamp-up air intake filter.

2. K&N Engine Air Filter ‎33-2247

consumer reports k&n air filter

This is an advanced engine air filter, which has been specially designed to increase horsepower as well as acceleration, which will result in a much better performance from the car’s engine. The filter is made from premium and durable materials and has been meticulously constructed to last a lifetime.

This engine air filter comes with 4 layers of protection made up of premium cotton gauze along with a unique tacking agent that works together to create a complex mesh of engine filter media that blocks and traps all the harmful contaminants. This is a low-maintenance engine air filter, which you will have to replace every 75,000 miles when driving on highways. The company provides a lifetime warranty on the engine air filter.

3. K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter VF2000

consumer reports k&n air filter

This is the cabin air filter, which will improve the heating and cooling efficiency of your car’s air conditioner. With this cabin air filter, you don’t have to worry about bad odors giving inconvenience to you and other passengers, as it won’t allow the musty smell to get inside the car’s interior. The air filter is pre-treated and takes just 5 minutes to install without requiring any tools.

It is a reusable product, which you can wash and reuse for a long time. This is a cost-effective product, which will produce significantly less waste that usually arises from using disposable filters. The company provides a 10-year warranty or a 1-million-mile warranty on the air filter, whichever comes first. All in all, a pretty reliable product.

4. K&N Engine Air Filter 33-2385

consumer reports k&n air filter

Here is another incredible air filter media that is designed in such a way that it increases the acceleration and horsepower of the engine, resulting in better performance. The filter is made from premium and durable materials and has been meticulously constructed to last a lifetime. This engine air filter comes with 4 layers of protection made up of premium cotton gauze along with a unique tacking agent that works in tandem to create an intricate mesh of engine filter media for blocking and trapping all the harmful contaminants.

If you are driving your vehicle mainly on the highways, then it will need cleaning every 75,000 miles, otherwise, the cleaning is required after 15,000 miles on average. Installing the air filter is easy, as it comes pre-treated, so you just need to install it in its spot. You can take the help of an expert if you don’t know where to install it. The engine air filter is reusable, as you can simply wash it after a certain period, hence bringing the overall running cost down. The company provides a worry-free lifetime warranty on the air filter.

5. K&N Engine Air Filter 33-5041

consumer reports k&n air filter

Ending with yet another top-notch engine air filter, which would require cleaning every 75,000 miles if the vehicle is mostly driven on the highways, otherwise, the cleaning is required after 15,000 miles on average. The air filter media is designed in such a way that it increases the acceleration and horsepower of the engine, resulting in better performance. The filter is made from premium and durable materials and has been meticulously constructed to last a lifetime.

This engine air filter comes with 4 layers of protection made up of premium cotton gauze along with a unique tacking agent that works in tandem to create an intricate mesh of engine filter media for blocking and trapping all the harmful contaminants. The air filter comes pre-treated, so you just need to install it in its spot for which you can take the help of an expert as well. The engine air filter is reusable, as you can simply wash it after a certain period, hence bringing the overall running cost down. The company provides a worry-free lifetime warranty on the air filter.

What Is A Car Air Filter?

As its name suggests, the car air filter is the part of the engine that helps protect it from infiltration! If we were to equate the car with the human body, the “lung” of the vehicle would be the air filter. So, watch out! If your pipe is clogged, the air circulating in your engine will be of poor quality or too limited a volume, thus preventing the combustion of gasoline in good conditions.

How Important Is Having A Clean Air Filter?

Modern combustion engines operate with a perfectly balanced mixture of air and fuel to achieve optimum combustion levels. This mixture is based, among other things, on the cleanliness of the gasoline (beware of cheap fuels) and of the ground, of the filters.

Unfortunately, when certain operating conditions are not met, a clogged engine air filter can quickly hamper this perfect combination, at least enough to cause the check engine light to come on.

When To Replace The Air Filter?

For the replacement of an automotive air filter, first, check your automotive supplier's repair log. Your choice will depend on your interests, your budget, your driving style, and your desire to improve the performance of your vehicle.

How Important Is Having A Clean Air Filter?

Modern combustion engines operate on a properly controlled combination of air and fuel to achieve optimum combustion rates.

This combination is based, among other factors, on the cleanliness of the gasoline (beware of cheap gasoline) and the air, the filters. However, if certain operational requirements are not met, a dirty engine air filter will quickly unbalance this perfect mixture enough to activate the engine light.

Signs Of An Impending Air Filter Change

Manufacturers usually state that they replace air filters for one year or 12,000 miles, but that depends on how the car is used and where it is driven. The right engine air filter clogs easily if used in sandy areas, and should be washed or replaced sooner. Car air filter installation time often varies from supplier to supplier.

The appearance of your car's filter

When you notice that your filter is just plain dirty during the test, it's time to wash it. When your current engine air filter is incredibly old, it may be time to completely remove it and replace it with a new one.

Increased fuel consumption

Another indication of a drop in mileage. When you know that your vehicle is consuming more fuel than ever, it could be due to a faulty air filter. If so, check the air filter to see if it is dirty. It could also be torn.

Black smoke produced by exhaust gases

Although it could have several different causes, one explanation is a bad air filter. This happens because there is not enough gasoline in the vehicle to start a gasoline fire.

How Do I Change/Clean My Car's Air Filter?

Removing the engine air filter is as easy as washing the car vacuum cleaner. Here is a detailed manual for cleaning your car's air filter.

Open the hood and find the filter housing

The air filter housing can be conveniently placed in virtually any vehicle. Typically, it is either above the spark plugs or just to the right of the engine bay. The car filter is installed in a housing that is either cut out with screws or closed. Unclip the top of the box and remove the block. Check that there is no damage.

Filter cleaning

Some filters can be pressure washed to remove the material inside the filter. You will need to spray the tank with detergent or soap to clean it properly.

However, if you clean your car's air filter, you can refer to the user manual. If you are washing a new filter, please refer to the manufacturer's new filter guide to avoiding damaging the filter.

Install a new air filter

If you suspect any damage, it's time to change your car's filter.

Buy the right air filter

When your new filter does not fit your filter tube, it is prudent not to fit it by constraint, because it is useless. A filter box is hermetically sealed and works for true filtration.

Physical force draws fuel to the turbine, so as fuel is pumped, oxygen must pass through the filter which decontaminates the gas before it can reach the combustion chamber. There is absolutely no space in the filter box for air to get in or out. If it did, dirty air could enter your engine and render your tank unusable.

Summing Up

So, now, when choosing your car air filter, you will be guaranteed to know exactly how to go about finding the best model. You just have to follow all my recommendations on this subject, taking into account the essential criteria and your needs. Just pick the best product from consumer reports K&N air filter that fits your needs and budget.