Best Intake Car Air Filters of 2025

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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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

Mann Filter C 3698/3-2 Air Filter Cover #TOP 1
Mann Filter C 3698/3-2 Air Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.9
muge racing Universal Clamp-On Air Intake Filter Cover #TOP 2
muge racing Universal Clamp-On Air Intake Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bosch 5335WS Engine Air Filter Cover #TOP 3
Bosch 5335WS Engine Air Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Intake Car Air Filters

#TOP 1

Mann Filter C 3698/3-2 Air Filter

C 3698/3-2
Red/Brown
Standard
Mann Filter C 3698/3-2 Air Filter Cover
Mann Filter C 3698/3-2 Air Filter Element, (Set of 2)

The Mann Filter Air Filter is designed to enhance your vehicle's air intake system. Its specially embossed paper provides excellent pleat stability, ensuring long-lasting performance. By filtering out harmful particles like dust, pollen, and even water droplets, this air filter keeps the air clean for optimal engine function. Additionally, it balances airflow towards the air flow meter and effectively seals off adjacent components, contributing to a more efficient operation. With this filter, you can enjoy improved engine performance and a cleaner driving experience.

What We Like
Enhanced air filtration
Durable pleat stability
Protects engine components
Improves vehicle performance
#TOP 2

muge racing Universal Clamp-On Air Intake Filter

OFI074-Burn+BL
Blue
muge racing Universal Clamp-On Air Intake Filter Cover
Cold Air Intake Filter, High Performance, Washable Filter, Clamp-On Replacement Air Filter, Flange Diameter 3inch/76mm Blue

muge racing Air Intake Filter is a high-performance, washable filter with a 3-inch inlet. It offers up to 50% more airflow than disposable filters, enhancing power and acceleration. Its easy installation makes it a cost-effective upgrade for your vehicle, providing quick performance gains. By being washable and reusable, it reduces replacement waste and can outlast over 10 disposable filters. Moreover, it provides world-class protection by safeguarding your engine from harmful contaminants.

What We Like
High Performance Airflow
Easy Installation
Washable and Reusable
#TOP 3

Bosch 5335WS Engine Air Filter

5335WS
Air Filter
5335WS
Bosch 5335WS Engine Air Filter Cover
BOSCH 5335WS Workshop Engine Air Filter

The Bosch Engine Air Filter is designed with a high number of pleats, enhancing its ability to trap particles effectively. This means you can expect a 98% filtration efficiency, which helps protect your engine from wear caused by small debris. The filter's high-velocity cellulose media minimizes air resistance, ensuring your engine breathes easily and performs at its best. Additionally, the quality polyurethane foam seal provides excellent elasticity and sealing, safeguarding your air intake system from water and heat. Together, these features ensure your engine receives clean air for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

What We Like
High filtration efficiency
Reduced air resistance
Durable foam seal
Robust particle retention

Cartman Clamp-On Engine Air Filter

CM-AF-2101
5.1" height
Cartman Clamp-On Engine Air Filter Cover
Cartman Clamp-On Engine Air Filter, Fit Intake Tube with 3/3.5/4in Diameter, Premium High Performance Replacement Filter, Washable and Reusable, Round Tapered, Red

The Cartman Clamp-On Engine Air Filter is a premium high-performance replacement filter designed to increase horsepower and acceleration, with easy installation due to its pre-oiled and simple clamp-on design. The filter is washable and reusable, reducing replacement waste and saving money. It is constructed with non-woven synthetic media and ultra-strong molded pliable rubber flanges that absorb vibration and allow for secure attachment. The filter comes with adapter rings to fit intake tubes with 3 inch, 3-1/2 inch, and 4-inch diameters, providing world-class protection by filtering dirt and protecting the engine from harmful contaminants.

What We Like
Increases horsepower and acceleration
Washable and reusable
Easy to install
Durable and strong construction
Provides world-class protection for the engine
#TOP 5

ECOGARD Engine Air Filter for Honda Civic and Acura ILX

XA6171
ECOGARD Engine Air Filter for Honda Civic and Acura ILX Cover
ECOGARD XA6171 Premium Engine Air Filter Fits Honda Civic 1.8L 2012-2015 | Acura ILX 2.0L 2013-2015

The ECOGARD Air Filter is designed for specific Honda Civic and Acura ILX models, ensuring a perfect fit. By replacing your air filter regularly, you can enhance your vehicle's performance, providing it with the clean airflow it needs for better acceleration and power. This filter helps prevent engine wear by blocking harmful particles from entering the engine through dirty intake filters. With a straightforward installation process, you can easily replace the old filter and maintain your vehicle's efficiency without hassle.

What We Like
Compatible with specific models
Improves engine performance
Prevents engine wear
Easy installation
#TOP 6

Bosch 5600WS Air Filter

5600WS
Air Filter
5600WS
Bosch 5600WS Air Filter Cover
Bosch Air Filter - 5600WS

The Bosch Air Filter is designed to enhance your vehicle's engine performance. With its high number of pleats, it effectively captures particles, ensuring that 98% of small contaminants are filtered out. This helps protect your engine from wear and tear. The filter also features high-velocity cellulose media, which minimizes air resistance for better airflow. Additionally, a premium polyurethane foam seal provides excellent elasticity, preventing water and heat from entering the air intake system. Together, these features ensure that your engine receives only the cleanest air, promoting efficiency and longevity.

What We Like
High filtration efficiency
Robust particle holding capacity
Minimized air resistance
Effective water and heat protection
#TOP 7

LAINLOY Universal Clamp-On Air Filter

LAINLOY
Clamp-On Air Intake Filter
Black
5.95×6.1inch
LAINLOY Universal Clamp-On Air Filter Cover
Universal Clamp-On Air Intake Filter, High Flow Closed-Top Cool Air Filter Cleaner, 76 89 102MM Performance Round Tapered Cone Air Filters, Premium Washable Replacement Filter for Car Truck (Black)

The LAINLOY Air Intake Filter is designed to enhance your vehicle's performance by boosting horsepower and acceleration. Made from durable non-woven fabric and metal, this reusable filter can be easily cleaned without oiling, promoting long-term use and reducing waste. Its conical shape increases air intake efficiency, making it easier for your engine to breathe. Additionally, this filter protects your engine from harmful pollutants, ensuring that impurities are filtered out, which helps extend the engine's lifespan. With a simple clamp design, installation is quick and hassle-free.

What We Like
High-quality reusable material
Improves horsepower and acceleration
Protects engine from pollutants
Easy installation
#TOP 8

ECOGARD Engine Air Filter for Buick and Chevrolet

XA11899
ECOGARD Engine Air Filter for Buick and Chevrolet Cover
ECOGARD XA11899 Premium Engine Air Filter Fits Buick Encore GX 1.3L 2020-2022, Encore GX 1.2L 2020-2022 | Chevrolet Trailblazer 1.3L 2021-2022, Trailblazer 1.2L 2021-2022

The ECOGARD Air Filter is designed to fit various Buick Encore GX and Chevrolet Trailblazer models from 2020 to 2022. By replacing your old air filter with this one, you can enhance your vehicle's performance, ensuring that the engine receives clean air for optimal acceleration and power. Regularly changing your air filter, ideally every 12,000 miles, can help prevent engine wear caused by dirt and debris entering the engine. Plus, this filter is a factory fit, making installation a breeze, so you can quickly get back on the road.

What We Like
Improved engine performance
Prevents engine wear
Easy installation
#TOP 9

Bosch Workshop Engine Air Filter

5169WS
Air Filter
5169WS
Bosch Workshop Engine Air Filter Cover
BOSCH 5169WS Workshop Engine Air Filter - Compatible with Select Pontiac Vibe; Scion iM, xD; Toyota Corolla, Corolla iM, Matrix, Yaris

The Bosch Engine Air Filter is designed to enhance your vehicle's performance by effectively filtering out harmful particles from the air. With a high number of pleats, it has a strong capacity to trap dirt and debris, ensuring that only clean air reaches your engine. This filter boasts 98% efficiency in removing small contaminants, which helps protect your engine from wear and tear. Its specialized cellulose media reduces air resistance, allowing for better airflow, while the polyurethane foam seal adds durability and prevents water and heat from entering the air intake system. Experience improved engine protection and fuel efficiency with this reliable air filter.

What We Like
High filtration efficiency
Robust particle holding capacity
Reduced air resistance
Durable sealing performance
#TOP 10

RIAYOOE Cold Air Intake Filter XH-UN101-101-RD

RIAYOOE
XH-UN101-101-RD
A-4in-Red
RIAYOOE Cold Air Intake Filter XH-UN101-101-RD Cover
RIAYOOE 3 3.5 4 inch Cold Air Intake Filter 76mm 89mm 101mm Performance Cone Air Filters Universal for Racing Sport Car 3 Sizes in 1, XH-UN101-101-RD, A-4in-Red

RIAYOOE Air Filter is a high-performance cone air filter suitable for cold air intake, enhancing your engine's sport performance. The conical design with a thickened sponge filter at the top and non-woven fabric on the sides reduces engine suction load, making it easier for air intake. This dry air filter is reusable and washable, requiring cleaning every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. With a simple clamp-on design and included reducer ring adapters, it offers easy installation for increased engine power.

What We Like
Enhances engine performance
Reusable & washable
Easy installation
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 31,126 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 $16.59.

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 Mann Filter, muge racing, Bosch, CARTMAN, ECOGARD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.