Cheap air filter regrets :(
- Thread starter slybunda
- Start date
Mann Filter is of course the gold standard, but is there any reason to think that the new filter won't do its job reliably?
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
A cheap air filter that wasn't all that cheap (Napa Pro Select) ruined the MAF sensor on my 2019 Pathfinder. I didn't realize it for many miles, but it didn't fit quite right in the air cleaner housing, allowing unfiltered air to pass. I cant say the OEM sensor is for sure ruined, but it won't work as-is and I haven't attempted to clean it. It's a weird cartridge style. All my local Napa carries for this application is the same pro select filter so I had to go elsewhere.
My experience has been OEM filters bought at the dealer aren’t much more expensive than filters bought elsewhere. They may or may not be better, but the manufacturer approves them. They designed, tested and manufactured the car so I’ll run with what they deem best.
wemay
Site Donor 2023
I don't understand, who has regrets?
For me the Fram air filters at Walmart are the least expensive for our vehicles. They seem to work fine.
I often bring in parts for a indy shop to use but my parts are almost always better quality that what they can get quickly from NAPA. I am not looking to save money on the parts by getting them myself, but rather decide what quality of parts are used in my car.
Had Crosstrek at shop last week, needed a new rear wheel bearing. I did not want a Chinese one from NAPA (I am assuming that is what it would have been) so I supplied an OEM one from Subaru. The mechanic probably could have gotten one from Subaru himself but might have had to wait for it to be delivered.
Had Crosstrek at shop last week, needed a new rear wheel bearing. I did not want a Chinese one from NAPA (I am assuming that is what it would have been) so I supplied an OEM one from Subaru. The mechanic probably could have gotten one from Subaru himself but might have had to wait for it to be delivered.
Snow IIRC
wemay
Site Donor 2023
Yes, that's it.
The cheap filter isn't the "Cold weather" filter either.
It prevents snow from soaking into the cellulose air filter, also acts as a pre-filter.
before the cold weather filter, cars had a screen at the front of the airbox intake duct, which the screen will get clogged up with dirt, which then forces a trap door open to bypass the screen.
"Who the hell can source their own air filter but not have the screwdriver to change it?" is what's running thru my head after reading this....
With my VW's, a screwdriver doesn't work. newer VW airboxes uses Torx
Or, in the case of my Phaeton, the snow screens get blocked and both restriction gauges max out because there is no bypass door.
If all the impossible goals Piech made his engineers meet... that's one thing the Phaeton lacks, where a lowly MK4 Golf has.
Still a screwdriver....
Not really, It's not your usual phillips or flat head drive that most people have handy.
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