Best Intake Car Air Filters of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 25, 2026

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Intake car air filters are a crucial component of a vehicle's engine system. They work to remove harmful particles and debris from the air that enters the engine, ensuring that the engine operates efficiently and smoothly. These filters are typically made from high-quality materials such as foam, cotton, or paper, and come in a range of sizes to fit different makes and models of vehicles. Regularly replacing the air filter is important to maintain the performance of the engine and prevent damage from occurring. Intake car air filters are an essential investment for any vehicle owner looking to keep their engine running smoothly for years to come.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fram Air Filter CA12295 Cover #TOP 1
Fram Air Filter CA12295
ftb score rating icon 9.9
FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter for Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Cover #TOP 2
FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter for Ford and Lincoln Vehicles
ftb score rating icon 9.8
FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter for Select Vehicles Cover #TOP 3
FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter for Select Vehicles
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Intake Car Air Filters

#TOP 1

Fram Air Filter CA12295

CA12295
White
One Size
Fram Air Filter CA12295 Cover
FRAM Extra Guard Flexible Panel Engine Air Filter Replacement, Easy Install w/Advanced Engine Protection and Optimal Performance, CA12295 for Select Subaru Vehicles

The Fram Engine Air Filter CA12295 offers exceptional protection for your vehicle's engine. It efficiently traps dirt and filth, ensuring a cleaner engine performance. With double the protection of standard filters, it can last up to 12,000 miles. The easy installation process allows you to replace it yourself in minutes. By providing smoother horsepower performance, it helps prevent engine clogs, leading to higher efficiency. The expansive airflow feature captures debris without affecting airflow, keeping your engine clean and running smoothly.

What We Like
Exact fit for Subaru models
Easy DIY installation
Good quality materials
Significant cost savings
Reliable brand reputation
#TOP 2

FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter for Ford and Lincoln Vehicles

CA10262
White
1 Filter
FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter for Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Cover
FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter, CA10262 for Select Ford and Lincoln Vehicles

FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter, CA10262 for Select Ford and Lincoln Vehicles provides 2X engine protection by improving air flow and preventing dirt and dust from entering the engine. This car air filter comes with clear installation instructions, and 12,000 mile change intervals help improve overall performance.

What We Like
Easy installation
Perfect fit for F150
Affordable price
Reliable performance
Quick delivery

FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter for Select Vehicles

CA4309
White & orange
11.4 Inch
FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter for Select Vehicles Cover
FRAM Extra Guard CA4309 Replacement Engine Air Filter for Select Infiniti, Nissan, Saab and Subaru Model Years, Provides Up to 12 Months or 12,000 Miles Filter Protection

The FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter, CA4309 provides 2X engine protection by preventing dirt and dust from entering the engine. Its clean air filter improves air flow, which helps increase acceleration and horsepower. The filter has clear installation instructions and recommended change intervals of 12,000 miles, which helps improve the overall performance of select Infiniti, Nissan, Saab, and Subaru vehicles.

What We Like
Perfect vehicle fit
Easy DIY installation
Improved air quality
Advanced filtration technology
Durable build quality
#TOP 4

FRAM Extra Guard CA9997 Replacement Engine Air Filter

CA9997
White
One Size
FRAM Extra Guard CA9997 Replacement Engine Air Filter Cover
FRAM Extra Guard CA9997 Replacement Engine Air Filter for Select Subaru Models, Provides Up to 12 Months or 12,000 Miles Filter Protection

The FRAM Extra Guard CA9997 Replacement Engine Air Filter is an automotive replacement engine filter for Subaru models, providing double maximum protection for up to 12,000 miles. Its fine filter media captures various debris without hampering airflow and traps dirt and filth for a safer, cleaner, and quality engine performance. The seamless DIY replacement can be completed in minutes.

What We Like
Easy installation
Good fit for Subaru
Affordable price
Reliable performance
Comparable to OEM quality
#TOP 5

ACDelco GM Original Equipment A3244C Air Filter

A3244C
ACDelco GM Original Equipment A3244C Air Filter Cover
ACDelco GM Original Equipment A3244C (84121219) Air Filter

The ACDelco GM Original Equipment A3244C Air Filter helps to trap airborne particles before they enter the engine, ensuring excellent filter capacity and efficiency. It comes equipped with tight seals to help keep unfiltered air from entering the combustion chamber. Designed, engineered, and tested to rigorous standards, this air filter is a perfect fit for your Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle.

What We Like
Easy DIY installation
Perfect OEM fit
Significant cost savings
Improved engine performance
High product quality
#TOP 6

FRAM Extra Guard CA10242 Replacement Engine Air Filter

CA10242
White
1 Filter
FRAM Extra Guard CA10242 Replacement Engine Air Filter Cover
FRAM Extra Guard CA10242 Replacement Engine Air Filter for Select Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, and Mercury Models, Provides Up to 12 Months or 12,000 Miles Filter Protection

The FRAM Extra Guard CA10242 Replacement Engine Air Filter provides up to 12 months or 12,000 miles of protection for select Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, and Mercury models. It offers double protection compared to standard filters, trapping dirt and other damaging particles for a cleaner engine performance. With easy installation, this DIY replacement can be completed in minutes.

What We Like
Double protection for a safer, cleaner, and quality engine performance
Easy installation with seamless DIY replacement
Long-lasting protection for up to 12 months or 12,000 miles

FRAM Extra Guard CA10171 Replacement Engine Air Filter

CA10171
White
1 Filter
FRAM Extra Guard CA10171 Replacement Engine Air Filter Cover
FRAM Extra Guard CA10171 Replacement Engine Air Filter for Select Toyota Venza and Camry Models, Provides Up to 12 Months or 12,000 Miles Filter Protection

This car air filter is designed for 2009-2016 Toyota Venza (2.7L), 2007-2009 Toyota Camry (2.4L), and 2010-2017 Toyota Camry (2.5L) vehicles. FRAM Extra Guard provides 2x the protection compared to standard filters for up to 12,000 miles, entrapping various damaging particles and dust to ensure a safer and cleaner engine performance.

What We Like
Provides double maximum protection compared to standard filters
Traps various damaging particles and dust for a safer, cleaner engine performance
Suitable for a range of Toyota Venza and Camry models from 2007 to 2017
#TOP 8

EPAuto Replacement Car Air Filter for Mazda SkyActiv Engines

FP-027-1
EPAuto Replacement Car Air Filter for Mazda SkyActiv Engines Cover
EPAuto GPA0A (PE07-13-3A0A) Engine Air Filter, Replacement for Mazda CX-5 2.0L/2.5L, Mazda 6, Mazda 3 – Fits SkyActiv and Naturally Aspirated Models (2012–2025)

The EPAuto GPA0A (PE07-13-3A0A) Replacement Car Air Filter is a high-quality replacement part designed specifically for Mazda SkyActiv engines. It helps extend engine performance and protect against dirt, while also improving fuel mileage. This filter is recommended for replacement every 12,000 miles and is compatible with a wide range of Mazda models, including the Mazda 3 (2012-2018), Mazda 6 (2014-2021), and Mazda CX-5 (2013-2021). The filter is also a replacement for FRAM CA11259 and Mazda Genuine Part# PE07-13-3A0, PE07-13-3A0A, PEAR-13-3A0PE07-13-3A0, PE07-13-3A0A.

What We Like
Designed specifically for Mazda SkyActiv engines
Helps extend engine performance and protect against dirt
Improves fuel mileage
Compatible with a wide range of Mazda models
Easy to install
#TOP 9

FRAM Extra Guard CA8755A Replacement Engine Air Filter

CA8755A
White
One Size
FRAM Extra Guard CA8755A Replacement Engine Air Filter Cover
FRAM Extra Guard CA8755A Replacement Engine Air Filter for Select Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC Models, Provides Up to 12 Months or 12,000 Miles Filter Protection

This FRAM Extra Guard Replacement Engine Air Filter is designed to fit a range of Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC models, providing double maximum protection for up to 12,000 miles. The air filter traps dirt and filth to protect the engine and ensure quality performance. The filter media also allows for expansive airflow without hampering performance, and installation is a simple DIY process that takes only a few minutes.

What We Like
Provides 2x the protection compared to standard filters for up to 12,000 miles
Traps dirt and various damaging particles to protect the engine and ensure quality performance
Expansive airflow with fine filter media without hampering performance
#TOP 10

FRAM Extra Guard CA10755 Replacement Engine Air Filter

CA10755
White
1 Filter
FRAM Extra Guard CA10755 Replacement Engine Air Filter Cover
FRAM Extra Guard CA10755 Replacement Engine Air Filter for Select Lexus, Toyota, Jeep and Dodge Models, Provides Up to 12 Months or 12,000 Miles Filter Protection

The FRAM Extra Guard CA10755 Replacement Engine Air Filter is a plastic-made air filter that fits various vehicle models, including Lexus, Toyota, Jeep, and Dodge. It provides double maximum protection against dirt and filth, ensuring safer, cleaner, and quality engine performance for up to 12,000 miles. It's also very easy to install, taking only a few minutes to replace your old filter with this one.

What We Like
Easy installation
Good price
High-quality material
Effective dirt trapping
Fast delivery
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if my air intake filter is bad?

You can easily identify a bad air intake filter by checking for signs such as a dirty or discolored filter, odd engine noises, check engine light, poor performance, weak fuel economy, or black smoke coming from the exhaust. These indicators suggest that the air filter needs to be replaced to ensure proper engine performance and fuel efficiency.

2. What happens if you don't change your intake air filter?

If you don't change your intake air filter when it becomes dirty, it can get clogged and restrict the airflow to the engine's combustion chamber. This leads to the engine using more fuel and less air, resulting in decreased performance and fuel efficiency.

3. Can you drive without air intake filter?

While it is technically possible to drive without an air intake filter, it is not recommended. The air filter plays a crucial role in keeping debris out of the climate control system and ensuring fresh and safe cabin air. Driving without an air filter can lead to a compromised air quality inside the vehicle.

4. How do I know when my air intake needs replacing?

Signs that indicate the need for air intake replacement include a visibly dirty filter, reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, smelling gas when starting the car, flames or black smoke from the tailpipe, or the check engine light coming on. If you notice any of these signs, it is advisable to replace the air intake filter.

5. Can I drive my car without the air intake filter?

While driving without an air intake filter is technically possible, it is not recommended. The air filter plays an important role in keeping debris out of the climate control system and ensuring fresh and safe cabin air. It is best to have a properly functioning air intake filter in your car for optimal performance and air quality.

Editor's Notes

During our intake car air filter research, we found 24 intake car air filter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 177,019 customer reviews through our big data system to write the intake car air filters list. We found that most customers choose intake car air filters with an average price of $15.48.

The intake car air filters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of intake car air filters, including Fram, ACDelco, EPAuto. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.