Pontiac Air filter: lets your engine breathe properly in any condition

Anthony Fontanelle
September 10, 2007

The internal combustion engine of your Pontiac vehicle produces the power that’s needed to make your car move through a process called combustion. But in order to make a successful combustion, your car needs to have a correct mixture of air and fuel. It gets its share of air outside, through the vehicle grille. But you need more than just air to rev up your vehicle—you need clean air. However, outside air is definitely not 100% clean. As a matter of fact, the air that comes in your engine compartment may be contaminated with dust and other particulates that cannot be vented by your car grille. Your car needs to allow a free flow of air so that your internal combustion engine can breathe easily. For this reason, your Pontiac has been equipped with a filtering component known as the Pontiac air filter. There are two major styles of car air filters: the radial style and the panel style. The radial style is commonly seen on carbureted vehicles; while the panel style is utilized mostly on fuel-injected engines.

The Pontiac air filter installed on your car prevents your engine components such as the engine cylinders, piston rings, and walls from being damaged. This is because they are designed to filter the dirt particles that can clog these car components. So basically, this car component is the first line of defense of your car against damage-causing elements that can enter the engine system of your Pontiac. Because cars have different needs, there are various types of air filters available in the automotive market: the paper air filters, cotton air filters, and foam air filters. Paper air filters are inexpensive, that is why they are the most commonly used type of air filter. Cotton air filters, on the other hand, are the most effective type of air filter because of their special construction. Also known as cloth air filters, this type of air filter is made up of a specialized ridged wire mesh that effectively traps incoming dirt—even those unseen by the naked eye. Lastly, foam air filters also allow more airflow because the foam itself is made up of 97% air. The good thing about foam and cotton air filters is that they can be re-oiled and washed, unlike paper air filters that are designed to be disposed.

When choosing the right air filter for your car, it would be best to consider things like your driving environment, the weather condition in your area, and how often you want to upgrade your intake system. If you live in snowy or dusty areas, then it would be better if you equip your Pontiac with paper and foam air filters. The efficiency of your filtering media depends upon your maintenance. Always make sure that they are changed at specific time intervals if you are using paper air filters. On the other hand, cotton and foam air filters must be kept clean and properly oiled to prevent clogging. And, no matter what type of Pontiac air filter you use, be it paper, foam or cotton air filters—it is always highly recommended that you replace them once a year irregardless of how dirty they look.

Source:  Amazines.com