Zero-Maintenance Air Filter

[The Critic]

http://www.visteon.com/utils/whitepapers/2005_01_1139.pdf

This is a link to a SAE Technical Paper.

Currently standard on all 2004+ Ford Focus vehicles.

Apparently, these new systems can last for 100K under severe service, and 150K or longer under normal service.

Very interesting.

 

[The Critic]

Correction: I read the paper for myself, and 150,000 miles is consider a normal service interval for this setup, as the expected lifespan of the vehicle is around 150,000 miles.

A replacement unit costs $180 online.

 

[racer12306]

wow $180 thats rediculous. say you change your regular a/f every 30,000 miles, and it cost $20. thats only $100. maybe that price will come down for those that have that car when they start getting up to 150,000 miles

 

[tom slick]

I get the impression that by making the filter last so long they don't have to design the intake so that the filter is easy to get to for maintenance. a fuel filterfor instance is tucked away somewhere that is easy for assembly and practical for it's function. if you had to change it more often it would be up under the hood where it is easy to get to, like on a diesel truck.
by not needing routine maintenance it could be tucked away anywhere practical for assembly or it could be placed somewhere that is the most beneficial for performance.