Installing a cold air intake in your vehicle can provide a number of benefits, from improved performance to increased fuel economy. A cold air intake replaces your vehicle's air filter and is typically installed outside the engine compartment, away from the heat generated by the engine itself. This allows the engine to have uninterrupted airflow and access to cooler, free-flowing air. An aftermarket cold air intake eliminates the need for a box that encompasses the air filter and replaces it with smoother intake pipes.
Additionally, the lower position of the cold air intake captures the coldest and densest air possible. The air filter is a key component of your vehicle's air intake system and can often have a significant impact on performance. With normal use, they can travel up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is needed (the larger cone filters included with K&N intake systems can go up to 100,000 miles between services). Because the cold air intake affects the engine, a dirty, clogged, or defective cold air intake will decrease the vehicle's performance and fuel economy.
But will a cold air intake really improve the performance of your vehicle? The short answer is yes, although how you improve engine performance may vary. The cool air intake also makes the airflow freer and less warm air accumulates in the engine compartment. This can result in improved acceleration, increased horsepower, and better fuel economy. On the other hand, drop air filters don't make much of a difference and it will be OK to run your car with higher water levels.
In theory, cold air and getting more air sound great, but there really is no difference unless you put it into application. A good rule of thumb is to clean the cold air intake filter every time you need an oil change. You can prevent water from entering the cold air inlet or open the capsule filters by using products such as hydroshield. With regular maintenance and cleaning, you can ensure that your vehicle's cold air intake is working properly and providing you with all of its benefits.
