Auto Air Filters: Replacement Versus Performance

It never ceases to amaze me when I hear peopleUnlike replacement brands, performance air filters
complaining about the high price of gasoline andare washable and reusable; can last as long as
then learn that they do not do the simple things50,000 miles before requiring to be cleaned; come
to improve their gas mileage. Changing the oil/oilwith lengthy warranties as long as ten years/one
filter at regular intervals, keeping tires at adequatemillion miles; are designed to increase horsepower
levels, and replacing the air filter can all go a longand acceleration; and they will not void out your
way toward improving gas mileage. Nobody likesvehicle's warranty. Unlike replacement brands that
to pay $2.65 a gallon for gas...you can't controlare filling up our landfills, most performance filters
supply and demand. You can, however, makewill outlast your car and it probably never will see
sure your car is in top shape by doing simplethe bottom of a dump.
maintenance which translates into maximum fuelOf course, if you are considering purchasing a
economy. Let's compare and contrast twoperformance brand air filter you may wonder if
different types of air filters available for your car.you will pay through the nose for your filter. With
1. Replacement brands. As the name suggests,a little online comparison shopping I learned that a
these air filters are used once and then tossedK&N performance filter for my Dodge Neon
after their useful life has ended, which is usuallyretails for $44. Compare that price to the $10 I
within one year of installation. If you purchaseshell out annually for my replacement brand filter
your own air filters then you are familiar withand you will see that I would realize my savings
national replacement brands like Fram, Purolator,by the fifth year. Not bad, considering a
and Bosch. In addition, brands developed for carperformance air filter is much more productive as
manufacturers, such as the Honda Air Filter, arewell as environmentally friendly. Who can put a
also replacement air filters.price on that?
2. Performance brands. Accel, AFE, Airaird, GreenSo, if you want a high performing, environmentally
Air Filters, K&N Filters, True Flow, and Volantfriendly product available at a reasonable price,
are some of the top performance brands on thethen the replacement air filter should be avoided.
market. Originally made for race cars, eachYou can improve your fuel mileage and help the
performance brand is now available to consumersenvironment by switching over to a performance
for the family car, SUV, minivan, or pick up truck.air filter today.