Environmentally Sound Automotive Air Filters

Matthew C. Keegan

When I explain to someone that there are several lines of
vehicle air filters available that are environmentally sound I
usually receive a quizzical look back from that person. For some
motorists the idea of environmentally compatible automotive
parts is a foreign concept to them. Yet, when you think about it
many parts that come standard on just about any vehicle
qualifies for that title. A catalytic converter is one part that
everyone knows about, even if they don't understand exactly how
one works. So, exactly what is an environmentally sound air
filter? Let's take a closer look for all the details.

As you probably know the air filter that comes with your car is
made predominately of paper with plastic molding holding the
filter together. If you change the air filter at recommended
intervals - once a year is common - you can easily go through 3,
5, or even 10 or more air filters depending on how long you keep
your car as well as how many miles you put on your car. All of
these air filters end up in your trash and then go straight to
the dump. The paper in the filter will probably disintegrate
quickly, but the plastic sits in place perhaps for thousands of
years.

If this sort of thing disturbs you then take heart. Thanks to
race car technology, manufacturers have developed reusable air
filters for many production vehicles. If you purchase one for
your vehicle it likely will be the last one you ever need. How
is that? Because a reusable air filter can be cleaned and put
back in your car over and over again. In fact, quality reusable
air filters are designed to outlast your car with many
guaranteed to last 500,000 miles or more, even up to one million
miles!

A reusable air filter costs more, with prices running
approximately 2-4 times the price of a standard air filter. If
you keep your car for any length of time you will get that money
back, but if do not you are still helping to show environmental
responsibility by keeping our landfills free of unnecessary
throw away parts.

Two additional benefits of a reusable air filter -- the type
that K&N and other top manufacturers produce -- is that it will
give your vehicle a boost in horsepower as your engine will run
more efficiently. Furthermore, a more efficient engine burns
less fuel so your fuel economy goes up too.

So, what is there not to like about a reusable air filter? In
reality, not much! By installing a reusable [or performance] air
filter you help the environment, realize a noticeable gain in
horsepower, and you burn less fuel. A true win-win-win
proposition, don't you agree?

About the author:

Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a car fan and automotive writer
for the Worlds
Best Air Filters internet shop, discount retailers of href="http://www.worldsbestairfilters.com/intake.html">K&N
Intake and href="http://www.worldsbestairfilters.com/fipk.html"> K&N
FIPK.

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