Do aftermarket air filters really improve MPG and HP?

Question

It seems far fetched that for $100 you can get a significant improvement. If it worked so well, I'd think auto manufacturers would ship them that way from the factory.

Answer 1

Technically, yes.

Practically, no. You will NOT notice better MPG unless you are very particular about your testing. And then you will see just how little it is.

Think about this: A standard air filter is about $10. A K&N runs $30 or $40. If they really made HUGE differences in HP and MPG, every manufacturer would gladly cough up another $20 to make their car look better.

The fact is, they add very little to either, and there is a strong downside. Time and time again, they prove to allow slightly more dirt into the engine than a regular paper filter. This is assuming you get the oiling level PERFECT, which is not easy to do in itself. I suggest you check out one of the best online resources for this type of question www.bobistheoilguy.com.

Thanks!

Answer 2

Most cars will get a little bit of gain from an air filter that allows it to breathe better.

However, unless you do work on the exhaust too, you probably won't notice maximum gain.

Not to mention all of the other factors that go into how a car performs, and how efficient it is.

Usually when you start doing all that stuff to a car, you are more interested in performance than effiency though. If you can keep your foot out of it, then you might be able to get some MPG gain as well.

Answer 3

Yes they do give you HP and better gas mileage. If all manufacturers put Cold Air Intake and Magnaflow Exhaust on their cars, a Honda Civic (for example) would cost $35,000 off the line. That's why cars come out with sh***y parts, if you want better gas mileage and stuff like that you have to put more money into it. Some people are fine without all the aftermarket products and that's what they get. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

All an air filter can do is allow more air to get to the engine. This will imporve HP and MPG but I doubt that you'll notice the difference unless you measure you mileage for a few 1000 miles before and after or put it on a DYNO.

Still if we all did it..... the air would be that much cleaner!

Answer 5

It depends what you drive on how much an improvement you get. The main reason I got mine was the cost. Yes it is expensive, $50(for my vehicle). But a regular filter would cost $9 - $13, without the extra benefits.
Yes, it costs more to "recharge" its when needed, but its rarely needed.

Answer 6

K&M air filters do just that! Check them out.