See the data tables for a complete summary of these comparisons.
Compared to the AC, the K&N plugged up nearly 3 times faster, passed 18 times more dirt and captured 37 less dirt. After only 24 minutes the K&N had accumulated 221gms of dirt but passed 7.0gms. When you take it all into account, we say the pluses outweigh the minuses. In 60 minutes the AC Filter accumulated 574gms of dirt and passed only 0.4gms. Is it worth more money for your own comfort and to avoid odors and allergens?īear in mind that a K&N filter will last the entire life cycle of your vehicle, rather than having to be thrown away and replaced every 12,000 miles. Millions more report an improvement in heating and AC performance with a K&N cabin air filter, so you can draw your own conclusions. Is the K&N air filter worth it?Ĭonsidering the boost in fuel economy and power from a K&N engine air filter, millions of customers believe they're worth the extra cost. So let's talk about cost: These products are significantly more expensive than their competitors' disposable filters. In the '90s, most vehicles came equipped with a cabin air filter to prevent particulates from entering the vehicle's HVAC system, and K&N stepped up to adapt its engine air filter technology for that application. Applying oil to a paper element will cause the paper filter to have reduced efficiency, as well as weakening the element and thus increasing the risk of it tearing or breaking, similar to a piece of paper towel or toilet. Then, in 1969, K&N developed a reusable cotton-element air filter that provides superior filtration with low restriction and great flow, enhancing performance and fuel economy. K&N filters use a cotton filter element, and the oil is designed to increase the efficiency of that medium. Unlike other conventional filters, which are disposable and must be replaced on a regular basis, K&N air filters are washable, reusable, and designed to last the life of your vehicle. 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. The K&N filter oil suspension allows the air filter to trap and hold dust particles that are much smaller than the opening in the fiber itself. It's what prevents dust, pollen, and debris from making its way into your fuel system, and for years air filters were just a simple pleated paper element inside a frame. Typically the main difference between a normal stock filter over a high performance one is airflow. The air filter is a necessity for your engine.