For different models machines use various filtering devices. Air filters are no exception: there are many varieties of these filtration elements, made using different filter materials. Clean if desired air filter car, you need to take into account the properties of the filter material, since it cannot always be washed.
Cleaned filter material and contaminated accordingly
Devices for filtering the air sucked in by a vehicle from environment, clean the incoming air flow from various types of contaminants, for example, particles of dust, soot or rubber, as well as plant and insect residues. Thanks to these products, oxygen-saturated air enters the combustion chamber of the fuel, affecting the combustion process fuel mixture. If the volume of incoming air is insufficient, the fuel will not burn completely - this will eventually lead to the formation of a large amount of carbon deposits on the engine elements, reducing its service life. Getting abrasive particles inside the engine is generally unacceptable: they damage the elements of the car engine and reduce its service life.
There is an air filter as a barrier to prevent contaminants from entering the engine. Depending on the design features the specified filtering elements are divided in this way:
- dry inert;
- oil inertial;
- zero resistance.
If you want to clean your car's air filter, you need to keep in mind that devices with paper filter material cannot be washed. Also, products that have a layer of activated carbon cannot be cleaned. It will be possible to wash filtration elements made of synthetic materials, while restoring specified devices Do it yourself with your own hands, you need to do it very carefully so as not to damage the filter curtain.
Cleaning procedure
Zero Resistance Filter Device Cleaning Procedure You can clean the car air filter by following the following sequence:
- Remove the filtration element from the machine.
- Make sure that the rubber seals of the product (if any) are not damaged.
- To clean the filter material from dirt, use a soft brush; you can first get rid of large dust particles using a special vacuum cleaner.
- Having completed mechanical cleaning, apply a special filter cleaner to the filter element. Please note: using a simple soap solution is unacceptable, it will clog the pores of the filter material, making the filter unusable. If not special means For washing, it is better to use plain water.
- Rinse the filter under warm running water.
- Shake the product, do not wring out the material under any circumstances.
- Allow the filter element to dry naturally, without using a battery or hair dryer.
If we are talking about “wet” filters, then these products, after drying, are treated with a special viscous agent that improves the degree of dirt holding capacity of the device.
Conclusion
Restoring air filters at home does not take much time. But not all filter elements can be washed. If the filter material is made of paper or other fibrous material, then this product should not be washed. Even specified material just wipe with a damp sponge, it will begin to come apart and will look like washed cotton wool.
Many supporters of cleaning air filters argue that it is permissible to clean air filters in the same way as cabin filters. This is a misconception; many cabin filters resemble foam rubber, which has nothing to do with the structure of the material used for filtering air flow entering the engine. Plus, not so long ago, reusable cabin filters were used, they were washed using gasoline. At the same time, the throughput of these filtration elements was very low, so many manufacturing plants refused to produce them.
Please note that a refurbished filter will differ from a similar new product in the following parameters:
- throughput;
- porosity;
- degree of filtration.
- created resistance to air flow.
If you want to clean the filter element from contaminants, first weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of the restoration procedure. Consider the cost of a new filter device and the possible risks if you perform poor cleaning and violate the original characteristics of the filter material.
Please note that manufacturers provide reusable use of zero-resistance filters. Their main advantage is that they create virtually no resistance to the air flow. Special detergents have been developed for washing them. But the cost of these products is significantly higher than that of conventional filter elements.
Air and oil filters belong to the type of parts whose condition is not particularly “shaked”: it stopped performing its functions - threw it away and bought a new one. In other words, this is consumables, subject to regular replacement. However, if vehicle constantly operates in dusty conditions, the air filter can be cleaned between replacements; and you will learn how to perform this action yourself by reading this article to the end.
1. What is an air filter for and why should you clean it?
All living beings need fresh air - this is a fact, but they are not the only ones who need it. Thus, the most complete combustion of fuel in the “heart” of the car will be possible only when there is oxygen present in it, which exceeds the volume of fuel by 20-30 times. Severe contamination of a car engine leads to its irrational operation or even full exit out of service. designed to clean air flows even before they get inside the engine, which, naturally, cannot but affect it. Therefore, it definitely won’t hurt to know about ways to clean it, but first things first…
Nowadays there are several varieties car filters: oil inertial, dry inertial, paper and a filter with reduced air resistance. Often on passenger cars paper elements are installed, based on porous paper folded into an accordion. Its plexuses hold dust particles as small as 1 micron well.
The engine air filter has a cylindrical design, while the part designed to clean the air inside the vehicle has a panel design. If you decide to clean the filter, the differences between the two elements should be taken into account.
The filter element of the part retains both small and large dust particles, providing the power unit (or interior) of the car with the necessary flow of oxygen. If the vehicle drives on asphalt roads, then the filter element becomes dirty relatively slowly, but if the vehicle constantly travels over unpaved and heavily dusty road sections, the micropores of the filter become clogged very quickly and begin to poorly pass incoming air flows.
Too much clogging of the described element can lead to two main options for further developments. Firstly, the vehicle's power and the operating efficiency of its engine will decrease, and Secondly, due to incomplete combustion of the working mixture, fuel consumption may increase, as a result of which there is a real chance of getting not only damage to the filter itself, but also engine failure, so you definitely shouldn’t delay replacing or cleaning parts.
2. How to properly clean the air filter?
Some older car models have permanent air filters, while modern SUVs have more complex designs with dry or wet filter elements, and all cleaning or replacement should be carried out in accordance with the instructions noted in the owner's manual.
As in any other case, before moving on to the actual repair work, it is necessary to carry out appropriate diagnostics. In the case of a car air filter, simply hold it up against a bright light. If the light does not pass through it, try “letting” it onto a hard surface (bottom down).
This action will knock some dirt out of the part, but if after several attempts at cleaning this method, the filter still remains very dirty and does not allow light to pass through, then you can try to carefully clean it using other methods. True, one should not hope for a miracle; it is quite possible that only a replacement can help.
In fact, many experts advise changing the air filter as soon as complaints arise about it, but in our lives there are situations when the lack of funds does not allow us to listen to this advice, which forces car owners to resort to the second solution to the problem - cleaning the air filter .
For correct execution During the procedure, the filter will need to be removed from the car, although it can be cleaned without dismantling it using a compressor.
The algorithm for carrying out the procedure is as follows: first, the largest contaminants (lumps) are knocked out of the part, after which cleaning continues with a vacuum cleaner. After cleaning the air filter, make sure that it is intact so as not to reinstall an already damaged part. You can use this cleaning method at least every day, but it is best to limit it to once a week. In addition, it is recommended to clean the filter before long trip and after the downfall season. However, despite the apparent simplicity of the procedure, you should not treat it negligently, because the life of the air filter is not unlimited, and too much wear can cause damage to the integrity of the part at the most inopportune moment, jeopardizing serviceability power unit
, and repairing the motor will cost much more than purchasing a new filter element.
3. What do you need to clean the air filter? Standard cleaning of the air filter consists of simply blowing out the part. compressed air
A special air compressor, which is available from repair shops, is best suited for this task. As a last resort, you can negotiate with the driver of a KamAZ or ZiL truck, which has a compressor with an air bleed valve. Also, some car owners solve the problem using a pre-inflated tire, but this method is not always convenient. On passenger vehicles you can most often find paper filters, and if it has a carbon layer, then cleaning it is simply pointless; it is better to immediately purchase a replacement part.
In other cases, to perform cleaning at home, it is worth preparing a household vacuum cleaner. A weak water pressure from a Kӓrcher type sink will help deal with very serious dirt deposits.
To properly clean pleated engine air filters, you will need either an air hose (to blow out dirt) or the same household vacuum cleaner (to suck out dust). When using either method, use extreme caution as there is a risk of damage to the air filter folds.
The nozzle of the hose (or vacuum cleaner) is held a few centimeters from the part to be cleaned, without pressing on it. If you decide to use compressed air, carry out the procedure away from the vehicle, otherwise you may simply blow dirt out under the hood of the car. If sand or dust is inside the manifold box, then before removing it, you need to seal the open end of the inlet hose with adhesive tape. With this simple action you will prevent dirt from getting into it. Next, use either a compressed air hose or a regular household vacuum cleaner.
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Must be replaced twice a year or after fifteen thousand kilometers. The product is designed to clean the air entering the car interior from dust particles, debris, exhaust gases and soot. The filter cannot be called a luxury product; rather, it protects the health of passengers and the driver; however, the price of the product good quality high. Not everyone can afford to buy new filters twice a year.
That’s why many car owners are interested in how to clean their car’s cabin filter. Let's try to figure out which elements can be mechanically cleaned and how to do this so that the product can be used after the end of its service life.
We extend the life of the cabin filter with our own hands
Filter elements must be replaced at the end of their service life. Additionally, experts recommend conducting regular preventive inspections of purifiers to avoid serious contamination.
To carry out regular replacements and inspections of the product, you need to understand where the air purifier is located in the car. It can be located behind the glove compartment in dashboard or under the glove box on the passenger side. And also in some car models the product is located under the hood near windshield on the passenger side. Its exact location can be found in technical documentation by car or on the Internet.
You can do it yourself, without contacting service center. To dismantle the product, it is necessary to unscrew the fastening elements, most often these are screws or special latches. Next you need to carefully examine the product. If it is not heavily soiled, you can clean it cabin filter with his own hands, thus prolonging his life.
Methods for cleaning the cabin filter depending on its type
Whether it can be washed or how to properly clean it depends on the type of part installed on the vehicle. There are three main types of filters - paper-based, synthetic and carbon.
Paper based filters are different low price and corresponding quality. It can only be cleaned with a strong air flow. The easiest way to do this is with a vacuum cleaner with a small brush. It is strictly forbidden to wash it, since after contact with water the element will completely lose its shape.
Synthetic parts are characterized by more high quality and service life, compared to the previous type of product. To extend the life of the air purification element, it can be washed or cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. For the most effective cleaning, first remove heavy dirt with a vacuum cleaner. Then, carefully, so as not to damage the product, you can wash it in warm water with powder or laundry soap. Next, you need to thoroughly rinse the product under running water and dry it very well. A completely dry product will be able to serve the owner for a little longer.
Coal elements differ from their predecessors in higher quality. They protect the car interior not only from debris and dust, but also delay unpleasant odors and various gas mixtures harmful to human health. It is not recommended to wash them, since along with particles of debris and dust, coal particles, which are responsible for efficient work products. To extend the service life of such parts, the maximum that can be done is to clean it with a compressed air stream.
Consequences of cleaning the cabin filter
Cleaning and washing the filter is widespread among car owners, however, there are a number of factors that affect physical properties products after such procedures.
- Filtration elements that are cleaned and washed lose their properties. The fact is that physical treatment helps remove only visible elements of debris and dust. Microparticles that are invisible to our eyes remain in the product, which will lead to condensation of moisture in it and fogging of the car windows, although to a lesser extent.
- The new cleaner has an electrostatic charge. Physical cleaning helps remove it. It is impossible to restore the charge at home. Accordingly, the performance of the part decreases significantly.
- from the more expensive class have special impregnation or antibacterial additives that help retain germs and bacteria. When washing, these substances are washed off, which significantly reduces the level of protection of the interior from bacteria, germs and allergenic odors.
- Washing the product may cause deformation of the air purifier. Accordingly, this factor will affect the performance of the part.
How to clean a car's air filter? After several years of use personal car There is a clear list of consumable items that must be periodically replaced. An impressive part of the list is occupied by all kinds of filters. Of particular interest are the air elements. All car owners say that they need to be changed immediately after their service life has expired. However, to extend the life of the power unit, it is worth cleaning before its service life expires.
Before you clean the cabin filter, you need to check a few things. important points.
First, there are several types of air filter elements:- Inertia oil.
- Dry.
- Simple paper.
- Has low resistance to incoming air.
Secondly, even if the material of the product can theoretically be washed, everyone should do it accessible ways under no circumstances - the filter element may lose its properties. So is it possible to wash the cabin filter? And if so, which one? Standard paper dust bags are the easiest to clean. If there is a carbon layer in the paper, then there is little point in washing such structures.
In addition, interior and engine accessories, even if they are of the same type, differ from each other in shape. The first case is characterized by panels made of material folded into an accordion, and the second case by cylinders. This should also be taken into account before you clean your car's paper air filter.
Attention! Not every filter can be washed at home with your own hands. Some types cannot be washed or placed in the car fuel system again.
There are two effective methods that recommend how to properly wash the air filter. One is suitable for daily care of the air purifier, and the other is suitable for comprehensive cleaning of the latter. It is worth noting that all manipulations are carried out with the filter removed from the car in advance, regardless of where it is located - in the cabin or in the engine.
So, cleaning the cabin filter in the first way is carried out according to the following scheme:
- First of all, we clean large contaminants. These are all kinds of lumps and large accumulations of dust. They should be cleaned by lightly striking the filter “accordion” against something hard;
- Then cleaning is done using a vacuum cleaner. Carefully, without touching the filter material to the nozzle, you need to pull out small particles of dust from it;
- cleaning ends with assessment general condition. If no damage appears to the paper material during the procedure, it can be used further.
It should be emphasized once again that the cabin filter of a car is usually cleaned in this way, and even then for preventive purposes.
For filters that are responsible for cleaning the air before preparing the fuel mixture, the following washing method is suitable:- A special cleaning composition sold at an auto chemical store will help wash away ingrained particles of dust and dirt. Using a sprayer, it is applied directly to the canvas, which filters the dirt.
- Apply detergent necessary for the entire area of the product. Therefore, if the metal mesh on the filter does not allow this, you will have to possible way Dip the paper cylinder into the cleaning solution.
- Then the liquid must be allowed to dry. After this, rinse the paper filter element with warm, clean water.
- The last step is to apply oil impregnation to the washed and dried element.
Air filter cleaning is complete! Clean it more often, but do not forget that this does not renew the life of the product, but only extends it by 10-15 percent. This, whatever one may say, is a consumable item, and you will still have to change it.
When operating vehicles on dusty dirt roads, the engine often loses power due to lack of oxygen in the combustion chamber. Then the need arises to clean the car’s air filter, since the standard operating time before replacing the element has not yet expired. Material of replacement cartridges for car air purifiers different brands differ, as does the design of the housing. This affects the way the filter is regenerated.
To understand how to clean a car air filter, you need to know its design and the properties of the material from which the replacement element, the cartridge, is made. The dust removal device includes: a housing with openings for the entrance of a dirty jet and the flow of clean air, a membrane and a sealing gasket along the contour of the lid to prevent particles from passing past the filter. Depending on the make of the car, cleaning devices are located in different places, and the shape of the body can be cylindrical for the engine or rectangular frame for the salon version. Based on the cartridge material, the following types of filters are distinguished:
The technology for cleaning each type of cartridge differs; paper and carbon cartridges can only be blown with compressed air. This will be the answer to the question of whether it is possible to wash the cabin filter of a car, because the health of the driver and passengers of the car depends on its condition.
Cleaning methods and rules
Before you begin to wet clean the cartridge from dust, blow it with compressed air from a compressor or household vacuum cleaner. This procedure avoids the formation of dirt when debris comes into contact with water. There are several ways to wash your car's air filter:
When removing moisture from washed elements, it is not recommended to use hair dryers or other heaters: the cartridge may become warped. There are also dry methods for cleaning a car's cabin filter; they are used for carbon- and paper-based elements that cannot be washed in solutions. This is the air blast method mentioned above.
Chemicals for filter care
The air filter is responsible for the quality and quantity of air entering the engine and vehicle interior. Is it possible to wash its cartridge with ordinary detergents? This question sometimes arises among car enthusiasts. Here are recommendations on the range of chemicals used for cleaning air purifier elements:
If you don’t have anything suitable for cleaning at hand, you can use gasoline. It is important to understand that the restored element will not become new, and the effectiveness of the action will decrease, therefore it is not recommended to repeat the procedure more than 5 times.
Procedure for disassembling and replacing the cartridge
Replacing the air filter is not difficult, and most car enthusiasts do it themselves, without resorting to the services of a car service center. The service life of the working element is set at 15–20 thousand kilometers. Procedure for dismantling and replacement:
When determining the feasibility of cleaning the cabin filter, consider the following points. Regeneration of the surface of the elements occurs only from the outside, and the internal pores retain some of the dust. In addition, the new cartridge carries an electrostatic charge, which increases the efficiency of air purification. When washed, it is lost and cannot be restored.
Modern filter materials are impregnated with special preparations that can trap germs and bacteria - this protection will disappear and the comfort in the cabin will deteriorate. Therefore, it is acceptable to use remanufactured cartridges, but it is better to install new elements.