Best Air Intake Filters for Diesel of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Air intake filters for diesel engines are an essential component for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your engine. These filters prevent harmful particles and debris from entering the engine and causing damage. They also improve the quality of the air that is consumed by the engine, leading to better fuel economy and reduced emissions. There are various types of air intake filters available, such as standard paper filters, washable/reusable filters, and performance filters. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, but all are designed to keep your engine running smoothly and reliably.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

LDMINDA Cold Air Intake Kit Cover #TOP 1
LDMINDA Cold Air Intake Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Rough Country Cold Air Intake 6.7L Diesel Cover #TOP 2
Rough Country Cold Air Intake 6.7L Diesel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Rough Country Cold Air Intake for Ford Super Duty 6.7L Diesel Cover #TOP 3
Rough Country Cold Air Intake for Ford Super Duty 6.7L Diesel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Air Intake Filters for Diesel

#TOP 1

LDMINDA Cold Air Intake Kit

1999.5-2003 F250 F350 F450 7.3L Diesel
LDMINDA Cold Air Intake Kit Cover
Oiled Cold Air Intake 7.3 Diesel Kit Air Intake Pipe With Oiled Filter Replacement For Ford F250 F350 F450 Super Duty 7.3L Power stroke Diesel 1999.5-2003 (1999.5-2003 F250 F350 F450 7.3L Diesel)

The LDMINDA Air Intake Kit is designed specifically for 1999.5-2003 Ford F250, F350, and F450 Super Duty 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel models. This kit includes an air intake pipe and an oiled filter, which work together to enhance airflow, improving your engine’s performance. The high-quality aluminum construction ensures durability and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a reliable choice for your vehicle. Additionally, the direct fitment means you can easily replace your existing intake system without hassle, ensuring a smooth installation process.

What We Like
Easy installation
Durable aluminum construction
Enhanced engine performance
Direct fitment
#TOP 2

Rough Country Cold Air Intake 6.7L Diesel

10476
Black
6.7L Diesel
Rough Country Cold Air Intake 6.7L Diesel Cover
Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 11-16 Ford Super Duty | 6.7L Diesel - 10476

The Rough Country Cold Air Intake enhances your 2011-2016 Ford Super Duty's performance by increasing horsepower and improving throttle response. It works by circulating cooler, denser air, which boosts power by delivering more oxygen to the engine's combustion chamber. This system features a premium, reusable air filter, making it both efficient and environmentally friendly. Plus, installation is straightforward, allowing you to set it up at home with support from Rough Country. With a Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, you can enjoy peace of mind while upgrading your vehicle.

What We Like
Increased horsepower
Improved throttle response
Reusable air filter
Easy installation
Lifetime warranty
#TOP 3

Rough Country Cold Air Intake for Ford Super Duty 6.7L Diesel

10490
Black
6.7L Diesel
Rough Country Cold Air Intake for Ford Super Duty 6.7L Diesel Cover
Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 17-19 Ford Super Duty | 6.7L Diesel - 10490

Rough Country Air Intake for Ford Super Duty 6.7L Diesel provides increased horsepower and throttle response, circulates cooler, denser air for more power, includes a premium reusable air filter, and offers easy at-home installation. By enhancing horsepower, you can experience better acceleration and towing capabilities. The cooler air intake improves fuel efficiency and engine performance. The reusable air filter saves money on replacements, and the easy installation ensures quick upgrades without professional help.

What We Like
Increased horsepower
Cooler, denser air
Premium reusable filter
#TOP 4

Jetuplusllc Intake Resonator Cover for 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L LML Diesel

Cover Plate
Jetuplusllc Intake Resonator Cover for 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L LML Diesel Cover
Intake Resonator Cover Plate for Chevy/GMC 2011-2016 Duramax 6.6L LML Diesel - Black

The Jetuplusllc Intake Cover is designed to improve your Chevy or GMC Duramax 6.6L LML Diesel truck from 2011 to 2016. This cover plate is easy to install with a bolt-on mounting style, so you won’t need complicated tools or modifications. Made from billet aluminum and CNC precision machined, it offers durability and a perfect fit, ensuring long-lasting performance. Plus, it comes with all the hardware you need for installation, making the upgrade hassle-free. This cover plate helps protect your intake resonator, which can contribute to better engine performance and a cleaner air intake system.

What We Like
Easy bolt-on installation
Durable billet aluminum
Precision CNC machining
Includes all hardware
#TOP 5

ZTUOAUMA 25mm Air Intake Filter

251864810100
Air Filter
ZTUOAUMA 25mm Air Intake Filter Cover
ZTUOAUMA 25mm Air Intake Filter Compatible with Webasto Dometic Eberspacher Diesel Parking Heater Replace 251864810100 Exhaust Pipe

The ZTUOAUMA Air Intake Filter is designed to fit seamlessly with Webasto Dometic Eberspacher Diesel Parking Heaters. It features a universal fit for 25mm air intake pipes, ensuring compatibility with various diesel heater models. Made from high-quality plastic and metal, this filter promises long-lasting durability, so you can rely on it for extended use. Additionally, it serves as a direct replacement, with precise dimensions that have been rigorously tested in the factory, guaranteeing you a dependable part that enhances your heater's performance.

What We Like
Durable plastic and metal construction
Universal fit for easy installation
Direct replacement for convenience
Factory-tested for reliability
#TOP 6

SUNROAD 4'' Cold Air Tube with Heat Shield for 2003-2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 5.9L Diesel

SD-Air Intake-033
SUNROAD 4'' Cold Air Tube with Heat Shield for 2003-2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 5.9L Diesel Cover
4'' Cold Air Tube with Filters with Heat Shield Compatible with 2003-2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 5.9L 359Cu. In. l6 DIESEL OHV Turbocharged, Red

The SUNROAD Cold Air Tube is designed specifically for 2003-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 models with a 5.9L diesel engine. It helps boost your truck’s power and acceleration, giving you a noticeable performance improvement. By replacing the factory air system, this tube is easy to install, making upgrades hassle-free. It also enhances the efficiency of your vehicle’s cold air intake, ensuring your engine gets cooler, denser air for better combustion. Overall, this product offers a simple way to improve your truck’s performance while protecting the engine.

What We Like
Enhanced power and acceleration
Easy installation
Improved cold air intake
Engine protection
#TOP 7

Waricaca 5.9L Cummins Intake Elbow for Dodge Ram 98-02

TUBE-06
Waricaca 5.9L Cummins Intake Elbow for Dodge Ram 98-02 Cover
5.9 High Flow Intake Elbow Compatible with Dodge Ram 2500 3500 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 5.9L Cummins Diesel

The Waricaca Intake Elbow is designed for Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 models with the 5.9L Cummins Diesel engine from 1998 to 2002. Its mandrel-bent tubing ensures smooth airflow, which helps improve engine performance. The elbow is fully TIG welded and pressure tested, giving you a durable and reliable part that can withstand tough conditions. The package includes the intake elbow, a gasket, and four 1/8 NPT fittings, providing everything you need for installation. While the manual isn’t included, professional installation is recommended to ensure the best fit and function. This elbow also supports boost gauge connections, making it a useful upgrade for your diesel engine.

What We Like
Durable mandrel-bent tubing
Fully TIG welded construction
Includes gasket and fittings
Pressure tested for reliability
Boost gauge compatible
#TOP 8

Jetuplusllc Intake Resonator Cover Plate for 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L LML Diesel

Cover Plate
Jetuplusllc Intake Resonator Cover Plate for 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC Duramax 6.6L LML Diesel Cover
Intake Resonator Cover Plate for Chevy/GMC 2011-2016 Duramax 6.6L LML Diesel - Silver

The Jetuplusllc Intake Cover Plate is designed to fit 2011-2016 Chevy and GMC 6.6L LML Duramax Diesel trucks. Made from billet aluminum and precision-machined with CNC technology, it offers durability and a perfect fit. Its bolt-on design makes installation quick and easy, so you won't need extra tools or modifications. This cover plate replaces the intake resonator, helping to maintain smooth airflow while enhancing your engine's performance. Plus, it comes with all the hardware you need, so you have everything ready for a hassle-free upgrade.

What We Like
Durable billet aluminum
Precision CNC machining
Bolt-on easy installation
Includes all hardware
#TOP 9

ZTUOAUMA Diesel Heater Air Intake Pipe Hose

25mm Air Pipe Filter Kit
Yellow
ZTUOAUMA Diesel Heater Air Intake Pipe Hose Cover
ZTUOAUMA Diesel Heater 25mm Air Intake Pipe Hose with Air Intake Filter and Seal Clamps Compatible with Eberspacher Webasto Airtronic D2 D4 D1LC and More Chinese Diesel Heater 2KW 5KW

The ZTUOAUMA Air Intake Hose is designed to work seamlessly with Eberspacher Webasto Airtronic models D2, D4, and D1LC, as well as many 2KW and 5KW Chinese diesel heaters. This compatibility means you can easily replace or upgrade your air intake pipe without worrying about fit issues. The hose stretches from 17 to 25 inches, giving you flexibility in installation. Its air filter cover is made from durable ABS plastic, protecting it from rust and heat damage, so it stays reliable over time. Plus, the included aluminum foil intake hose is flexible and resistant to breaking, making your heater system more durable and efficient.

What We Like
Wide compatibility
Flexible length
Durable ABS plastic cover
Heat and corrosion resistant
Flexible aluminum hose
#TOP 10

Sinister Diesel Pre-Filter Sock

SD-UPFS-01-20
Black
Sinister Diesel Pre-Filter Sock Cover
Sinister Diesel Pre-Filter Sock – Fits Sinister Cold Air Intake – Ideal for Sandy or Dusty Environments – Helps Extend Filter Life

The Sinister Diesel Pre-Filter Sock, designed specifically for your vehicle, is made from high-quality materials and comes fully assembled. This pre-filter sock is a great addition to your cold air intake system. By trapping larger debris and particles before they reach your air filter, it helps extend the life of your filter and improves overall engine performance. With its easy installation, you can quickly and conveniently keep your air intake system clean and functioning at its best. The Sinister Diesel Pre-Filter Sock is a reliable and effective choice for maintaining the efficiency of your cold air intake.

What We Like
Quality materials
Fully assembled
Improves engine performance
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Selecting the Best Air Intake Filters for Diesel for Your Car

Why Diesel Air Intake Filters Are Important

Diesel engines are known for their durability and longevity, but like any other engine, they require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. One important aspect of maintaining a diesel engine is choosing the right air intake filter.

An air intake filter is responsible for removing dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the air that enters the engine. Without a properly functioning air intake filter, these contaminants can build up and cause damage to the engine, leading to reduced performance and potentially costly repairs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Diesel Air Intake Filter

When choosing a diesel air intake filter, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best one for your engine. These include:

  • Compatibility: It's important to choose an air intake filter that is compatible with your engine. This means that it should be designed to fit the specific make and model of your vehicle.

  • Efficiency: The efficiency of an air intake filter is measured by its ability to filter out contaminants without restricting air flow. A high-efficiency filter will allow more air to enter the engine, which can improve its performance and fuel economy.

  • Durability: Air intake filters can be exposed to harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures and high levels of dust and debris. As such, it's important to choose a filter that is durable and can withstand these conditions.

  • Cost: The cost of an air intake filter will vary depending on its quality and the brand. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it's important to remember that a high-quality filter will provide better protection for your engine and may save you money in the long run.

Types of Diesel Air Intake Filters

There are two main types of air intake filters for diesel engines:

  • Panel filters: Panel filters are the most common type of air intake filter. They consist of a flat sheet of material, such as cotton or synthetic fibers, that is folded into a pleated design to increase its surface area. Panel filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, but they may not provide as much protection as other types of filters.

  • Cone filters: Cone filters are also known as high-flow filters. They are designed to allow more air to enter the engine, which can improve its performance. Cone filters are typically made of washable, reusable material, such as foam or gauze. They are more expensive than panel filters, but they can provide better protection and last longer.

Conclusion

Choosing the right diesel air intake filter is an important part of maintaining your engine. By considering factors such as compatibility, efficiency, durability, and cost, you can choose a filter that will provide the best protection for your engine and help it to perform at its best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it worth putting a performance air filter on a diesel?

If you want to significantly increase the performance of your diesel, upgrading the air filter may be necessary, especially if you are also upgrading other parts like the turbo or exhaust system. However, it's important to consider the overall modifications you plan to make to determine if a performance air filter is worth it for your specific diesel engine.

2. Do cold air intakes really work on diesels?

Yes, cold air intakes can be beneficial for diesel engines. Cold air is denser, which helps improve the combustion process and increases oxygen combustion rates. This can result in more efficient fuel burning and potential horsepower improvements. The amount of horsepower gain will vary depending on the vehicle, but cold air intakes can generally provide noticeable performance enhancements for diesel engines.

3. Do diesels need air filters?

Yes, air filters are essential for diesel engines. They ensure optimal airflow into the engine, allowing the correct amount of air to combine with diesel fuel for combustion. Clog-free air filters are crucial for maintaining fuel efficiency and overall engine performance.

4. Can air filter damage turbo?

Yes, a dirty air filter can potentially damage the turbocharger in a diesel engine. Foreign objects that enter the turbo compressor, often due to a dirty air filter, are a common cause of turbocharger failures. It's important to regularly clean or replace the air filter to prevent any damage to the turbocharger.

5. How much horsepower does a cold air intake add to a diesel?

The horsepower gain from adding a cold air intake to a diesel engine can vary, but typically it can provide a maximum increase of around 15 horsepower. The actual horsepower improvement will depend on the specific vehicle and other factors.

6. Why do diesels hate the cold?

Diesel engines are generally harder to start in cold weather compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. This is because diesel engines require higher temperatures to ignite the fuel. The cold temperatures can make it more challenging to achieve the necessary heat for fuel combustion, resulting in difficulty starting the engine in cold conditions.

7. Which type of air filter is most effective for use in diesel engines?

Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are considered the most effective technology for controlling diesel particulate emissions, including particle mass and numbers. DPFs have high efficiencies in reducing diesel emissions and are commonly used in diesel engines to meet emission regulations.

8. What are the two types of filters used in a diesel fuel system?

Most diesel fuel systems have two types of filters. The "primary" filter is located between the fuel tank and the engine, cleaning the fuel before it reaches the fuel transfer pump. The "secondary" filter is positioned near the engine and provides a final cleaning of the fuel before it reaches the fuel injectors. These filters play a vital role in maintaining clean fuel and protecting the engine from contaminants.

Editor's Notes

During our air intake filter for diesel research, we found 24 air intake filter for diesel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,517 customer reviews through our big data system to write the air intake filters for diesel list. We found that most customers choose air intake filters for diesel with an average price of $37.01.

The air intake filters for diesel are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of air intake filters for diesel, including LDMINDA, Rough Country, Jetuplusllc, ZTUOAUMA, SUNROAD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 189 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.