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Normally the idea is to get more air into the engine using a less restrictive air filter. As an engine is basically an air pump, getting more oxygen and more fuel into the engine usually equals a bigger bang and thus hopefully more power. That said, in order to get a meaningful improvement using a performance air filter, the main restriction needs to be the ...

Since its paper based, your ability to clean it is somewhat limited. Mechanically agitating it (i.e. with a brush) is iffy since you run the risk of damaging the filter element. You can try shooting compressed air from the opposite direction of the filter but that really only removes the larger chunks of dirt, and if you're not careful, can also damage the ...

Other possible sources: Vacuum Leak Other Ignition item (Plug Wires, Distributer, etc.) Really poor fuel Air Filter Blocked Exhaust Blockage I would start with the spark plugs. Take them out and see if they can give any indication as to the true problem. See this answer for more info (While you have them out, replace them if you need to). Then start ...

On my most recent car before my current car, I put in a K&N air filter. I believe I saw a minor improvement in horsepower, but it could also have been the placebo effect. As to your questions: You can save money with a K&N as long as the following are true: You clean/oil the filter at the recommended intervals You don't live in an excessively ...

I've never experienced of measured performance drops with good renewable filters. Most engines perform slightly better with a good filter in especially the low and high RPM ranges. A bad/cheap filter is not a good choice, some have to much oil (to catch the dust) and this clogs up the AFM until your "check engine" warning light turns on. A cold/open air ...

While some filters may interchange unless it is between different car models of the same brand it is likely coincidence. There will also be interchangability among rebadged or sister brands. As an example some Ford /Mazda or Chrysler/Misubishi may also interchange. Checking Frams cabin filter application guide they list dimensions of the filter. They do not ...

Unless you're going to spend a lot of money on a cleanable K&N type filter, I'm not aware of any real benefits to upgraded air filters - it's basically a folded sheet of cardboard after all... What is worth it, however, is getting a better quality oil filter. Many cheaper oil filters miss out the anti-drain-down valve that is commonly found on OEM ...

You definitely should try and find a new filter and because the filter is paper based your options are limited cleaning wise. If you own an air compressor, try limiting the amount of air coming out to the closest lowest setting and blow air gently into the filter which might help clean it slightly, but eventually you won't be able to clean it properly any ...

I agree with NoCarrier, you really have to tackle the source of the problem, which is ability to get a new filter. I'm iffy about recommending eBay, but this guy has a stellar rating, and seems to specialize in motorcycles. He has a listing for this filter with a quantity of 10+. Communicate with him and to see if this will work out for you, and consider ...

Bob's answer is a good suggestion. I had a similar issue with my 2005 Touareg. When it would get damp out I would get odd smells coming from the vents. I ended up replacing the filter and using this A/C Coil Cleaning solution on the vents, and it took away the smell. It might be worth a try if you can't get rid of the smell. It's basically a foam. You ...

It sounds like it wouldn't hurt to spray some Lysol into the intake. I wouldn't spray it into the filter itself, though, since those are generally paper and would likely dissolve. More importantly, I would strongly recommend running the heater for quite a while. If you get the system nice and hot, you will kill off quite a lot of the more horrible ...

I used to change mine at the factory recommended change interval (severe service, since my car sees lots of dirt roads). I believe that was 15k miles. It was always pretty dirty looking when removed, but no differences in performance or MPG noted due to replacement. Upsides to more frequent changes: - Cleaner air should mean more MPG and performance - Do ...

I usually change mine as part of any service, so generally twice a year. Obviously this will depend on how much you use the car and what sort of environment you're in - if you drive it a lot in dusty conditions you may well need to do it more often. As Gabriel says, its a cheap thing to replace, and a clogged filter will adversely affect your power and ...

Typically the main difference between a 'normal' stock filter over a high performance one is airflow. They are designed to retain the filtering capability, but have superior airflow (design, materials, shape of filter internals etc) to allow more oxygen to the engine, which means you can get superior burn and greater output power. So pros: Greater ...

Air filters are one of those things that can have real measurable effects. However, the measurements are often more hassle than normal people are willing to tolerate. tl;dr: I don't think you'd be able to detect a change in performance on a Prius. I recommend that you don't bother. Air filters have measurable properties that can be broadly lumped into: ...

It depends if you're talking a drop in filter or a cone filter. In many cases, a cone filter which replaces the airbox can suck in warm air - decreasing performance. Some cone filter designs come with their own airbox/heat shielding, or are relocated to someplace else where it sucks in cold air. A drop in filter should not lose power per se, but make a few ...

How about a vacuum cleaner? Try using the upholstery brush, which will limit the amount of vacuum applied (due to air leaking through the bristles). Don't actually brush the filter. That said, I agree that you really should find a new filter. Even if you manage to clean it, the paper will eventually disintegrate due to age, and then you'll have to replace ...