Your engine’s air filter does the important job of cleaning the air that enters your car’s engine for combustion. In doing so, the air filter helps to remove dust, dirt, pollen and similar types of debris from the incoming air, before it can mix with the fuel in the combustion chamber.
The additional benefits of an air filter include improved fuel efficiency and vehicle performance, which in turn also help to reduce the emissions of the vehicle.
However, when it comes to buying a vehicle air filter, you can opt for a traditional (single use) filter or a recyclable air filter.
Filter Services is a UK supplier of air filters and we stock all of the leading brands.
In today’s post, we want to explain more about traditional and recyclable air filters to help you make an informed purchase decision.
Traditional Air Filters – What Are They?
Traditional air filters simply describe the filters which are made in the standard way and are also designed for single use.
Some of the typical materials found in a traditional air filter include cellulose, polyester or fibreglass. Often, the folded pleats of the filter are contained in a cardboard or plastic frame with glue or metal mesh.
Air filters made in this way continue to be popular, especially since they are widely available and have a low cost. They also boast consistent filtration performance until it’s time for replacement, which is usually every 10,000-30,000 miles.
However, like many other types of air filters, there has been a push to make vehicle air filters more sustainable, especially since they are single use and are difficult to recycle.
Unfortunately, it is also not possible to delay replacing an air filter ‘to be green’, since clogged filters reduce fuel efficiency and performance if not replaced when required.
Recyclable Air Filters – What Are They?
Recyclable air filters are designed to do the job of a traditional air filter. That is, keep your vehicle engine healthy by removing various contaminants.
The main difference is that a recyclable air filter is designed to be washable and reusable, meaning it can last for much longer than a traditional air filter.
While there is a higher upfront cost and some maintenance work involved, recyclable air filters are designed to offer an eco-friendly option compared with single-use filters.
Although a sustainable option sounds better, there can be drawbacks to consider. In particular, the filter relies on regular and effective cleaning so that it can continue to work efficiently. If the cleaning isn’t done often enough or to standard, it can reduce the performance of the vehicle and potentially cause damage.
The Verdict
Sustainability remains an important topic for all industries, including the production and ongoing maintenance of vehicles.
In terms of vehicle air filters, it’s crucial that the filter is not only the correct type for the vehicle, but that the filter is operational. Otherwise, even a dirty air filter that is classed as recyclable can actually increase the emissions produced by your vehicle.
When purchasing an air filter that is recyclable, some top considerations include:
- What is the filter made from and can it be recycled?
- Can the filter be cleaned and how many times can it be reused instead of needing to be replaced?
- Does the manufacturer offer any options for taking back or recycling the filter?
- If the filter is reusable, does it maintain equivalent filtration efficiency and airflow compared to a standard filter?
- Will a recyclable filter be acceptable for my vehicle’s make/model and service schedule?
- What are the upfront costs, maintenance effort (cleaning) and expected lifespan?
Additionally, it’s good to remember that maintaining your vehicle as a whole can also help reduce emissions. This includes when choosing a standard air filter. Beyond being better for the environment, an efficient vehicle will also boast lower running costs.
Filter Services – Purchase Air Filters For Your Vehicle
If you are in search of vehicle filters, including air filters, then you are in the right place. At Filter Services, we stock over 5,000 automotive components including air, cabin and fuel filters.
Finding the exact filter you need couldn’t be easier. Simply head over to our filters page to view our available stock.
Filter Services is based in Chesterfield with additional locations in Leeds and Leicester.
If you need any assistance, please send us a message or give us a call on 01246 802 822.