The air entering your truck’s engine is one of the most important parts of its function. Do you know how the air enters the machinery? Your vehicle’s air intake system is made up of many parts, including the air filters. It may be hard to tell the difference between air filters and air intakes, but once you understand the difference, you can keep your truck clean and give it the care it needs to function.
While the names are similar, an air intake and an air filter are quite different. The most basic difference is that the air intake is the entire system that brings outside air into your engine’s intake manifold. A mechanism inside the intake creates pressure to suck air into the engine.
Air filters, on the other hand, are located within the air intake. They filter out harmful particles that could damage the engine. For example, plain air coming in is good, but the air intake can suck up dirt, dust, gas, and debris. The filters keep these substances away from the engine, intake manifold, and air filter box.
Another difference between the two components is their size. An air intake is much larger, while the air filters are smaller. Even though the filters are smaller than the air intake, they play a big role for the entire system, stopping contaminants from damaging the intake or engine.
The air intake is large because it maximizes the air entering the system, improving the engine’s efficiency. A greater volume of air increases the power and performance of your engine.
Replacement times differentiate the air intake and air filters. You should replace the air intake system if you’re upgrading it or something is broken. Air filters are delicate and lose effectiveness over time. Check them regularly and clean or replace them every 12,000 miles or so. If you frequently drive in dirty or dusty environments, you may need to check and replace them more frequently.
Understanding the difference between air filters and air intakes is an important part of being a responsible truck owner. When you know the intricacies of every component under the hood, you can enjoy your time on the road and boost your truck’s performance. If you’re on the hunt for valuable upgrades, let Norcal Diesel Performance take care of you with our 6.6 Duramax cold air intake to boost your truck’s fuel efficiency and horsepower.
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