Best Intake Car Air Filters of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
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
Top 10 Intake Car Air Filters
Fram Air Filter CA12295
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.
FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter for 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.
FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter for Select Vehicles
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.
FRAM Extra Guard CA9997 Replacement Engine Air Filter
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.
ACDelco GM Original Equipment A3244C 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.
FRAM Extra Guard CA10242 Replacement Engine Air Filter
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.
FRAM Extra Guard CA10171 Replacement Engine Air Filter
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.
EPAuto Replacement Car Air Filter for Mazda SkyActiv Engines
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.
FRAM Extra Guard CA8755A Replacement Engine Air Filter
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.
FRAM Extra Guard CA10755 Replacement Engine Air Filter
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.
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.
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.
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.