My girlfriend has a 2010 Mazda3 2.0 4 banger and her air filter is yucky. Same one since she bought it 20k ago. I have a mustang with a CAI and a JLT oiled air filter, so I dont know much about the paper cheapo filters. What are some good ones I can find at local stores? I know most of you here seem to dislike K&N, but I had mentioned that to her because its rechargeable. Anyways whats a decent air filter I can find locally that wont brake the bank? Thanks
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Best filter (on a budget) for a Mazda3
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I would use the OEM. Never had much luck with aftermarket on Japanese cars (Mexican cars?) The filter should be spun polyester depth media not paper if it like any other Japanses car Ive owned recently ( Suzuki, Subaru, Honda, Toyota), IMO, Skip the K&N.
Mazda OEM filters are probably rebadged motorcraft filters. The ties between Mazda and Ford have not been cut entirely as my MS3 has motorcraft stamped on some parts. And all Mazda 3's are made in Hiroshima.
Don't be scared of a K&N if that's what you're interested in. I'm using them in both of the vehicles listed in my signature and have no air filtration issues at all, as has been confirmed by multiple UOAs.
However, with that said, if I were to do it over again, I'd probably just stick with quality paper filters. I agree with ARCOgraphite on OEM if the price is reasonable. Otherwise I'd use WIX, Mann, or micronAir. (Mann and micronAir are OEM for a number of manufacturers.) A Fram or Purolator would be just fine for your girlfriend's car too.
However, with that said, if I were to do it over again, I'd probably just stick with quality paper filters. I agree with ARCOgraphite on OEM if the price is reasonable. Otherwise I'd use WIX, Mann, or micronAir. (Mann and micronAir are OEM for a number of manufacturers.) A Fram or Purolator would be just fine for your girlfriend's car too.
If it says made in china (on the part or box) - leave it on the rack. I avoided purolator for that reason.
I always buy what is on sale at Amazon or Rock Auto. You should be able to get a filter for <$5. If it says Made in China...get 2
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Im using a Pure One right now that cost around 10 bucks I think? I have heard the STP filters are not that bad either.
I'm in Canada but I buy the Fram air filter from Walmart in buffalo. About $11 plus tax. I change every 25k kilometers.
I live on the other side of Canada, I have 134K kms on my Corolla and my original air filter is still fairly clean. How do you know yours needs to be changed?
When it does need to be changed maybe this year...I will be sticking with OEM.
When it does need to be changed maybe this year...I will be sticking with OEM.
Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
I live on the other side of Canada, I have 134K kms on my Corolla and my original air filter is still fairly clean. How do you know yours needs to be changed?
When it does need to be changed maybe this year...I will be sticking with OEM.
One way to know is install restriction gauge like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Wix-24801-Air-Filt...4684&sr=1-1
I live on the other side of Canada, I have 134K kms on my Corolla and my original air filter is still fairly clean. How do you know yours needs to be changed?
When it does need to be changed maybe this year...I will be sticking with OEM.
One way to know is install restriction gauge like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Wix-24801-Air-Filt...4684&sr=1-1
Agree on the restriction gauge, IMHO it is the best way to know when to change.134000km on air filter you got to be sh----g me, what is your problem?
What's your goal? I think that any and every air filter will be OK for that car. None will do any damage and none will feel any different while driving. The only thing I'd shy away from would be one with a bad gasket.
Originally Posted By: mgm13
Agree on the restriction gauge, IMHO it is the best way to know when to change.134000km on air filter you got to be sh----g me, what is your problem?
The question of whether the filter needs to be changed was direct towards the OP....20K miles would be nearly brand new in my location. Many people change their filters way before they need to be, thus robbing themselves of the best performance time frame and return on investment the filter provides.
...I know I am not suffering from any restriction issues. I have an functioning restriction gauge indicator on my truck, so I know how they work. I change the filter on the truck according to passage of time as well as it never trips the gauge despite at least 100-150K kms as well.
I actually don't have a problem....do you? My cars filter looks pretty clean it doesn't need to be changed from accumulation, but more from passage of time.
Agree on the restriction gauge, IMHO it is the best way to know when to change.134000km on air filter you got to be sh----g me, what is your problem?
The question of whether the filter needs to be changed was direct towards the OP....20K miles would be nearly brand new in my location. Many people change their filters way before they need to be, thus robbing themselves of the best performance time frame and return on investment the filter provides.
...I know I am not suffering from any restriction issues. I have an functioning restriction gauge indicator on my truck, so I know how they work. I change the filter on the truck according to passage of time as well as it never trips the gauge despite at least 100-150K kms as well.
I actually don't have a problem....do you? My cars filter looks pretty clean it doesn't need to be changed from accumulation, but more from passage of time.
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I would have to say the air up your way must be a whole lot cleaner than what I have down here. You don't happen to have a pic of your filter at those km's?
http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/superbastage/
Please excuse the linking, first time with a photoaccount...Please note that I have never cleaned out the filter box, never tapped, shaken or picked out debris from the filter. Other than periodic inspection I have never removed the filter either.
Please excuse the linking, first time with a photoaccount...Please note that I have never cleaned out the filter box, never tapped, shaken or picked out debris from the filter. Other than periodic inspection I have never removed the filter either.
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Thanks for the pics-like they say 1,000 words. It may be that I have been too critical based on appearance, thats why I broke down and installed the restriction gauge. The filters aren't free and I need to get my moneys worth.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
She drives a 2010 car how is her money that tight? Got to freaken Autozone and buy a $15 filter and be done with it.
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