Replacement Air Filters

If the filter fits directly into your car's original airbox, you can replace it without changing the rest of the intake. This category covers replacement filters for the factory airbox and for aftermarket intake kits – for you if you want to maintain your engine or choose a different filter material than the original.

What a replacement filter does

The air filter must keep dust and dirt out of the engine while giving the air as little resistance as possible. A replacement filter is shaped to fit a specific airbox or a specific intake kit, e.g. Cobb High Flow Filter for Ford Mustang Ecoboost or AEM DryFlow filters for Toyota Yaris and Impreza. How much a higher-flow filter changes performance depends on the engine and the rest of the intake. If the filter is to sit freely on an intake pipe, take a look at universal air filters instead.

How to choose an air filter for your car

Brands in this category include K&N Engineering, BMC and aFe. Consider these points before you choose:

• Fitment: Check the model year and engine, and compare with the original filter. Some product names state the outer length, width and height so you can check the dimensions.
• Filter material: Dry filters such as AEM DryFlow and Airaid Yellow Dry do not need oiling. Other filters may require filter oil after cleaning – see the product description.
• Filtration and airflow: A filter that lets more air through must still capture fine dust. The right balance depends on where and how you drive.
• Maintenance: Reusable filters are cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions, while disposable filters are replaced.

If you often drive on dusty roads with an open filter, a pre-filter from filter wraps and pre-filters can provide extra protection.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fit a replacement filter in the original airbox without other modifications?

Yes, when the filter is designed for your specific car and airbox, it typically fits just like the original. Check the model year, engine and dimensions, and make sure the airbox closes tightly around the filter's seal.

What is the difference between a dry and an oiled air filter?

A dry filter does not need oiling and is cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. An oiled filter needs new filter oil after cleaning, and too much oil can end up on the mass airflow sensor. The filter type is stated in the product description.

How often should the air filter be cleaned or replaced?

It depends on the filter type and driving conditions. If you drive a lot on dusty roads, you should check the filter more often. Follow the manufacturer's interval, and look for visible dirt, cracks or a seal that no longer fits tightly.