Common Mistakes When Installing Performance Air Filters

One of the simplest things you can do to improve your car engine is to change your performance air filter. Improving the airflow to your engine will give you a better performing car, with improved acceleration and better engine performance. The performance air filter will allow more airflow to your engine than the standard paper air filter and it will still maintain a high level of filtration so that your engine is not contaminated with dust etc. Ironically, the way that many car owners treat their air filters can actually have a detrimental effect on the engines of their cars and, if not replaced or cleaned correctly, can lead to serious engine problems.

A high performance air filter properly installed should give you better airflow, better throttle response and better engine protection. A poorly installed air filter may allow your engine to become contaminated with dust and dirt, resulting in loss of engine performance or re- adjustment of engine sensor readings. This article will highlight the most common installation errors and suggest ways of correcting them.

Understanding Performance Air Filters

There are so many common misconceptions when it comes to performance air filters and over the coming weeks we will address them in this blog. As you are well aware that the main function of the air filter in your vehicle is to supply clean air to the engine intake manifold for the combustion process. The cleaner and smoother, the better. What we want is clean, smooth air that can provide the most efficient combustion possible for the best engine performance and economy.

The high performance performance filters guarantee a better airflow than the standard paper filters and still filter out harmful particles. BMC AIR FILTERS are widely known in the automotive industry for their multi-layer cotton gauze technology that guarantees strong filtering efficiency, while at the same time ensuring an optimal airflow.

The Performance Air Filters are intended to be reusable and long lasting. Proper installation and maintenance is required to achieve intended performance.

1. Choosing the Wrong Air Filter for Your Vehicle

A frequent error made by users of high performance air filters is ordering the wrong part number for their vehicle. High performance air filters are not necessarily universal air filters, and it is crucial that the correct design and size is ordered. Failure to obtain the correct design and size air filter may result in improper fit and air flow to the engine.
If the filter does not seal itself fully inside the airbox unfiltered air can enter the engine through the gaps. This can reduce the efficiency of filtration and allow dust to enter the engine and other important components.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Always check your vehicle's make, model and year before purchasing a filter.
• Check manufacturer compatibility charts.
• Make sure the filter matches the exact specifications of your vehicle.

BMC Replacement Air Filter is a precise fit part. No airflow leaks and a perfect installation.

2. Not Cleaning the Airbox Before Installation

One common error is to install a new filter without cleaning the airbox. In time dust, dirt and fine particles can accumulate in the airbox. If a new filter is then installed on a dirty airbox, all the particles accumulated in the airbox will be drawn into the engine.
Even small particles can have an impact on engine performance and can cause damage to engine components.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Before installing a new performance air filter:

• Open the airbox and check it properly.
• Remove dust and debris using a clean cloth or compressed air.
• Airbox interiors must be clean before placing a new filter.

This is an important step to assure right airflow to the engine and to protect the engine from contaminants.

3. Improper Sealing of the Air Filter

The air filter must make a tight seal in the airbox. If it does not, unfiltered air leaks around the filter and into the engine.

This is a very common issue that we see a lot when someone is rushing to finish assembly and does not align the filter correctly to the housing.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Align the filter with the airbox grooves carefully.
• Check the rubber seal sits evenly around the edges.
• Close the airbox lid firmly and confirm it locks securely.

A correct seal is necessary to ensure that all intake air to the engine passes through the filter medium.

4. Over-Oiling the Filter

Many performance filters use an oiled cotton design that captures dust particles effectively. However, applying too much oil during maintenance can cause problems.

Excess oil can:

• Restrict airflow
• Contaminate the mass airflow sensor (MAF)
• Reduce engine efficiency

How to Avoid This Mistake

If you are servicing an oiled performance filter:

• Use the manufacturer’s recommended oil quantity.
• Apply oil evenly across the filter surface.
• Allow the oil to settle before reinstalling the filter.

Following proper maintenance procedures ensures the filter continues to deliver strong airflow and filtration.

5. Ignoring the Vehicle’s Sensor Components

These days the modern car is equipped with a vast array of sensors designed to improve the performance of the engine. Probably one of the most common is the Mass Air Flow or MAF sensor. This is situated in the air intake duct and is designed to measure the amount of air entering the engine. Due to the exact nature of the measurement provided by this sensor, it can be easily affected by the smallest change to the position of the sensor. In addition, it is not uncommon for a lot of oil to be deposited on the air filter. This is especially true if it has been some time since the air filter has been replaced.

Sensor contamination results in the engine control unit receiving bad data. The engine control unit receives the bad data, misinterprets the information and the vehicle’s fuel economy or engine performance are compromised.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Avoid touching or disturbing the MAF sensor during installation.
• Ensure the air filter is installed correctly without excess oil.
• If performance issues occur after installation, inspect the sensor for contamination.
• Taking care around sensors helps maintain accurate engine performance data.

6. Skipping the Installation Instructions

A performance air filter is commonly believed to be a replacement for the stock OEM air filter. While installing a performance air filter is relatively simple, the fact of the matter is that air filters are a bit more complicated than that. Different automobile manufacturers require different procedures for changing an air filter and if the correct procedure is not followed, there could be consequences such as the voiding of warranties, damage to your car and health risks.

Ignoring these instructions can cause incorrect installation or maintenance mistakes.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Read the installation guide provided with the filter.
• Follow each step carefully.
• Pay attention to orientation and sealing instructions.

Manufacturers design their filters for specific airflow patterns so proper placement is essential.

7. Not Checking the Air Filter After Installation

A very common mistake people make when they put on a new air filter is that they open the gas cap, get in and start up and then close the hood and drive away. This leaves the filter clips loose, the gaskets not seated and the filter not fully seated on the correct studs.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Once installation is complete:

• Start the engine and listen for any unusual air intake noises.
• Check that the airbox is tightly closed.
• See if there are any warning lights appearing on the dashboard.

A quick inspection can help identify major issues before they cause big problems.

8. Delaying Maintenance and Cleaning

Performance air filters are made from premium materials and are long lasting and reusable. However they need to be replaced and cleaned frequently in order to ensure optimal airflow. If too much dust and debris is allowed to build up in the filter material the airflow can be severely restricted and a new air filter may be necessary.

A dirty filter can really cause problems. They can impact engine performance and any gains you get from your air filter upgrade.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Check your air filter periodically.
• Clean it according to manufacturer advice.
• Replace it if it becomes damaged or excessively worn.

Regular maintenance ensures your performance filter continues delivering optimal results.

9. Buying Filters from Unverified Sources

Drivers frequently commit the error of using air filters that were manufactured by low grade suppliers. There are many cheap air filters that are available in the market that were manufactured by low grade suppliers. Though they may appear like the OEM air filter, they may not be as efficient in cleaning the air on the intake of the engine.

A bad air filter can allow low quality air into the engine, which can cause damage.

• How to Avoid This Mistake
• Always buy from trusted retailers or popular automotive sellers.
• Verify product authenticity before buying.
• Buy through authorized BMC Air Filter distributors to make sure you get genuine parts.

This will protect both your vehicle and your investment.

10. Expecting Instant Performance Gains Without Other Maintenance

Some drivers expect dramatic performance improvements immediately after installing a performance air filter. Increasing airflow to the engine can provide a faster responding throttle and increased fuel economy. However, there are a number of other factors that influence the performance of a vehicle.

Ignition source, spark plug condition, quality of fuel and the condition of the engine all affect its performance.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Maintain your engine regularly.
• Combine airflow improvements with proper maintenance.
• Performance upgrades and improvements are best on a well maintained car.

A balanced approach ensures the air filter contributes effectively to engine performance.

Final Thoughts

The performance air filter is a simple and inexpensive mod that not only increases airflow into the engine but can also gain power. However if not done correctly, this mod can be pointless and potentially cause long term damage to your engine.

Wrong choice of filter, dirty airbox, wrong sealing materials, non-compliance with the recommended assembly procedure of the performance air filter are the most common causes for loss of performance with air filters. A well thought out maintenance procedure and handling of the filter also improves the filter efficiency.

Whether you're a serious car enthusiast, a racing team owner, or simply an owner of a high performance automobile, you undoubtedly know and appreciate the fact that buying quality parts from proven parts manufacturers is a necessity when enhancing your car's overall performance. In summary, we highly recommend the purchase of performance parts from proven performance parts suppliers, like Exotic Auto Parts.