A vehicle’s air intake may not be something the average driver thinks about very often, but when you care for your vehicle as much as we do, you know how integral the device is to a vehicle’s performance. Air filters have the essential job of ensuring only clean air enters the engine for combustion. If you’re wondering which is better between paper and cotton filters, we can show you the pros and cons of both so you can make an informed decision for your truck.
The most common kind of filter you’ll find in an air intake system is made from paper. More accurately, it’s made from compacted wood pulp with very small fibers that filter foreign bodies from the air. The real benefits of paper air filters come from the fact that they’re quite effective for how inexpensive they are. They’re cheap and easy to make, and when it comes time to replace them, you can toss out the old one and easily slot in a fresh filter.
Issues start to pop up when you look at how paper filters affect air intake over time. The collection of dust and other particles on paper filters can be uneven. This can lead to turbulent airflow, as the air has to find its way around all the accumulated particles. Turbulent airflow impedes the ideal air-to-fuel ratio, which can reduce your vehicle’s performance and power over time.
Cotton filters last much longer than paper ones before needing replacements. Theoretically, you could use one high-quality cotton filter for the entire lifespan of a typical vehicle, although that isn’t recommended for vehicles that see frequent use. Cotton filters also have a layer of oil that traps excess material, preventing it from reaching the cotton fibers. Over time, this oil and dirt layer acts like a magnet for other dust and debris, possibly increasing the filter’s performance in the long run.
Cotton filters have some downsides to consider when deciding which kind of filter is better. You can’t replace a cotton filter as easily as a paper one. Instead, you’ll need to clean and reapply an oil layer to the cotton filter. This can take some extra time that some truck owners may not want to deal with. Cotton filters are also more expensive since they last much longer and are usually more reliable than paper filters.
The final decision of which filter is better is ultimately up to you, but it won’t make much difference if you have a subpar factory intake system. Upgrading to a 6.7 Powerstroke air intake will give your truck real improvements you’ll be able to see and feel.
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