Car filters parts

Filters for your car: find out more! Which ones to choose, when to change them, and how much they cost

Filters are used to clean the vehicle’s operating environment of various impurities that may get into the system from either outside or inside due to the wear and tear of movable parts like pumps or compressors. Apart from that, there are filtering elements capable of absorbing moisture and gases.

Filter design

Most components consist of a housing and filtering element. The latter is made of intricately pleated paper, felt, or synthetic fibre. These materials have a porous structure, so they can let air or fluids through while trapping the particles that are larger than the pores. The design of some products includes a metal mesh that protects the filtering element from deformation.

Furthermore, there are a number of features that are characteristic of each type of filter. For example, air filters may be equipped with a kind of impeller designed to pre-clean highly polluted air. Oil ones are equipped with pressure relief (bypass) and anti-drain back valves which ensure timely and uninterrupted lubricant flow to the engine. Cabin air filters often have an additional activated carbon layer that absorbs gases. Fuel ones can be fitted with a special chamber to collect separated water, and filters used in air conditioning systems contain a special material which absorbs moisture.

Maintenance tips

• You should always choose products that meet the specifications of your vehicle. Incompatible parts will be inefficient and may also fail earlier.
• Use high-quality automotive fluids. Impurities contained in low-grade fuel and the use of unsuitable oil additives cause filtering elements to clog faster.
• Avoid engine and gearbox overheating. High temperatures degrade the oil and lead to increased soot formation and accumulation of contaminants in the system.
• When new oil, fuel, or hydraulic filters are being installed, you should always change the corresponding fluid too. Contaminants contained in the old one will cause premature failure of newly installed components. It is advisable to flush the corresponding systems using dedicated chemicals.

Symptoms of malfunction

Decreased efficiency of the corresponding systems may indicate that components are faulty. For example, clogged filtering elements in the air intake and fuel supply systems impair fuel–air mixture formation, which is accompanied by reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, and impaired vehicle dynamics. In some cases, misfiring occurs. If the throughput capacity of the cabin air filter is restricted, you may notice dust accumulation on the dashboard, misty windows in wet weather and reduced performance of the heater and air conditioner. Sometimes there is an unpleasant smell inside the car. A clogged oil filter doesn’t usually show any noticeable symptoms as it is equipped with a bypass valve. On the other hand, it is easy to notice oil leakage in the place where the component is mounted.

Causes of malfunction

Poor-quality automotive fluids, such as oil and fuel, or wear and tear of the assemblies that have moving parts often cause premature contamination of filtering elements. Air filters can fail if the crankcase ventilation system is faulty, allowing oil into it. Cracks and deformation of the product may be caused by excessive pressure exerted during installation.

autodoc.co.uk: only high-quality automotive products

You can buy filters for any of the car systems at our online shop. We offer a huge range of products in different price segments, guarantee the quality of each item, and provide fast shipping of goods. When you order from us, you’re sure to be satisfied with your purchases.