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How to distinguish the filter is good or bad?

The quality of a filter directly impacts the lifespan of a car’s engine and the overall driving experience. Many car owners prefer to purchase filters online, but distinguishing between a good and bad filter isn’t always straightforward. Today, we’ll explore key methods to evaluate filter quality.

Air Filters: Focus on Material and Craftsmanship

To assess an air filter’s quality, consider both its material and craftsmanship:

  • Material: A simple iodine test can reveal the presence of starch in the filter paper. Drop iodine onto the filter paper; if it turns black or dark blue, it indicates starch content. Filters with starch are prone to absorbing moisture, deforming in humid conditions, and ultimately accelerating engine wear instead of protecting it.
  • Workmanship: Check for precise craftsmanship. Look out for excessive glue, uneven rubber edges, or poor finishing. These flaws often signal substandard manufacturing. Additionally, inspect a used filter for signs of deformation or melted glue. If the glue has melted, it indicates poor-quality materials, rendering the filter ineffective.

Oil Filters: Look Beyond Weight

Many believe that a heavier oil filter signifies higher quality, but this is a misconception. The weight of an oil filter is determined by its materials and design, not necessarily its performance. Instead, consider the following factors:

  • Appearance: Examine the printed labels, thread smoothness, and overall finish. Poorly threaded or jagged components often indicate lower quality.
  • Standards: Look for filters that meet OE (Original Equipment) standards. These filters are designed to provide optimal performance and reliability.

Key Design and Performance Considerations:

  • Filter Material: The quality of the filtration material is crucial, as it determines the filter’s performance grade.
  • Seal Integrity: The height of the rubber sealing ring’s exposure after assembly is critical. A low seal height increases the risk of oil leakage.

Quality Control Indicators:

Manufacturers’ quality control can also be judged by these external factors:

  1. The integrity and verification of the threads on the mounting plate.
  2. The smoothness and uniformity of the shell edges and rolled seams.
  3. The quality of surface treatments, such as powder coating or cathodic electrophoretic paint.
  4. The clarity of printed instructions and the ink’s adhesion to the metal shell.

Cabin Air Filters: Efficiency and Material

Cabin air filters contribute to a clean, comfortable driving experience by maintaining air quality inside the vehicle. Here’s how to evaluate their quality:

  • Material Thickness: Thicker white fabric filters generally offer better filtration efficiency. If the fabric is layered, it likely includes melt-blown cloth, which enhances filtration performance.
  • Activated Carbon Filters: Identify good carbon filters by their smell. A sour or unpleasant odor suggests poor-quality materials. You can also test effectiveness by placing a lit cigarette under a cup covered with the filter. If smoke can still be detected through the filter, the activated carbon’s absorption ability is inadequate.
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Filter
How to replace the filter

If the pre-filter pressure alarm triggers or usage exceeds 300 hours, the filter element should be replaced. For double-barrel parallel pre-filters, the device can be stopped during replacement.

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