Matija Pinko
Updated on August 30, 2023
If you’re like most drivers, you’re always on the lookout for ways to improve your car’s performance. One way to do that is by installing a K&N air filter. K&N filters are known for their ability to increase horsepower and fuel economy. But are they really worth the money?
K&N Filters are worth it if you are looking for an air filter that will improve your car’s performance. They offer quality, options, and a good reputation. They also last far longer than disposable filters and can save you money in the long run.
Are K&N Filters Worth It?
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Top | K&N Universal Clamp-On Air Intake Filter: High Performance, Premium, Washable, Replacement Air Filter: Flange Diameter: 6 In, Filter Height: 6.5 In, Flange Length: 1 In, Shape: Round Tapered, RU-1042 | Buy Now | |
 Top | K&N Engine Air Filter: High Performance, Washable, Replacement Filter: Compatible 2007-2021 Ford/Lincoln Truck and SUV (F150, F150 Raptor, Expedition, Navigator, F250, F350, F450, F550, F650), 33-2385 | Buy Now | |
 Top | K&N Universal Clamp-On Air Intake Filter: High Performance Premium, Washable, Replacement Filter: Flange Diameter: 4 In, Filter Height: 5.5 In, Flange Length: 1.125 In, Shape: Round Tapered, RG-1001RD | Buy Now | |
 Top | K&N Universal Clamp-On Air Intake Filter: High Performance, Premium, Washable, Replacement Air Filter: Flange Diameter: 6 In, Filter Height: 7.5 In, Flange Length: 1 In, Shape: Round Tapered, RU-1041 | Buy Now | |
 Top | K&N Engine Air Filter: High Performance, Washable, Replacement Filter: Compatible with 2016-2020 Toyota/Jeep/Fiat (Corolla, Hatchback, Camry Hybrid, Avalon,C-HR, RAV4 Hybrid, Renegade, 500X), 33-3080 | Buy Now | |
 Top | K&N Engine Air Filter: High Performance, Washable, Replacement Car Air Filter: Compatible with 1999-2019 Chevy/GMC Truck/SUV V6/V8 (Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra, Yukon, Avalanche) 33-2129 | Buy Now |
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
K&N Filters are often thought of as THE go-to aftermarket air filter for many car enthusiasts. There are a lot of reasons why people think this way – K&N has been around since the 1960s, they make quality products, and they have a wide range of options to choose from. But are K&N Filters really worth it?
To answer this question, we first need to understand what an air filter does and why it is important. An air filter’s job is to remove contaminants from the air before it enters the engine.
These contaminants can come in many forms, such as dust, dirt, pollen, and even oil vapors. Over time, these contaminants can build up on the air filter and restrict airflow. This can lead to engine damage, as well as decreased performance.
So, it is important to have a good air filter. But does that mean you need a K&N Filter? Not necessarily. There are other brands out there that make quality air filters. The deciding factor really comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for in an air filter.
Some people prefer K&N Filters because they offer more options in terms of size and shape. They also offer different media types, such as cotton or paper. And, they have a wide range of prices, so you can find one that fits your budget.
Other people may prefer another brand because they offer a better warranty or because they have a better reputation. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a K&N Filter comes down to personal preference.
If you are looking for an air filter, there is no doubt that K&N Filters are worth considering. They offer quality, options, and a good reputation. But, it is ultimately up to you to decide if they are the right choice for your car.
What Makes K&N Filters Special?
K&N Filters are special because they are designed to improve your car’s performance. They do this by allowing more air to flow into the engine. This increased airflow can lead to improved acceleration, better fuel economy, and reduced emissions.
Additionally, K&N Filters are designed to last for the life of your car. They can be cleaned and reused, which saves you money in the long run. And, they don’t need to be replaced as often as traditional air filters.
Do K&N Filters Save Money?
We all know that K&N filters are more expensive than your average air filter. But do they actually save you money in the long run? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a K&N filter to see if it’s worth the investment.
Pros
- K&N filters can last up to 1,000,000 miles before needing to be replaced, while most other air filters need to be replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles. This means that over the long run, you’ll save money by not having to constantly replace your air filter.
- K&N filters don’t restrict airflow like some other types of air filters do. This means that your engine will be able to breathe more easily, which can lead to improved performance and fuel economy.
- K&N filters capture up to 99% of harmful contaminants in the air, while most other air filters only capture around 80-90%. This means that your engine will be better protected from damage, and you’ll have fewer repairs to worry about down the road.
- They’re built to last. Many companies attempt to knock off the K&N high-flow air filter, but there is no comparison in quality. If you want to be sure you’re receiving a genuine K&N product with all of the filters’ benefits, purchase from K&N or an authorized dealer directly. Each individual design for every K&N filter is tested in an ISO 5011 laboratory setting for superior filtration efficiency and engine protection.
- One of the best things about K&N filters is that they’re very easy to clean. You can simply remove them and wash them with soap and water, and they’ll be good as new. This is in contrast to other types of filters, which can be difficult or impossible to clean properly.
- Another reason why K&N filters are often seen as being a better choice than the competition is that they come with a warranty. This means that if something goes wrong with your filter, you can simply get a new one without having to pay for the repairs yourself.
- Finally, K&N filters are often seen as being a better choice than the competition because they’re very affordable. In fact, they’re usually priced competitively with other premium brands of air filters, which makes them a great option for budget-minded shoppers.
Cons
- K&N filters are more expensive upfront than your average air filter. However, if you consider long-term savings, they are actually very cost-effective in the long run.
- Some people have reported that their engines run louder with a K&N filter installed. This is due to the fact that K&N filters allow more air to flow through. However, the increase in noise is usually only noticeable when the vehicle is first started up, and it quickly goes back to normal once the engine is warmed up. Still, we like it, but most drivers would report it as a con.
- K&N filters need to be cleaned and re-oiled. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s not difficult to do and takes a few minutes.
Do K&N Filters Improve Performance?
K&N air filters are often marketed as a way to improve engine performance, but do they really work? We’ll take a look at the science behind K&N filters to see if they’re worth the money.
K&N air filters are designed to allow more airflow than a standard paper filter. Increased airflow brings more cold air into the fuel/air mix. Cold air is denser and contains more oxygen molecules than warm air. More oxygen in the mix means more complete combustion, which can lead to increased power.
K&N air filters will also last longer than a paper filter – they can be washed and reused indefinitely. This is another selling point, as you’ll never need to buy another air filter again.
So, do K&N filters actually improve performance? The short answer is yes, but the improvement is minimal.
In most cases, you’re looking at an increase of 1-2% in horsepower and torque. That might not sound like much, but it can be the difference between winning and losing on the racetrack.
If you’re looking for maximum performance, K&N filters are a good option. But if you’re just looking to improve your engine’s efficiency and don’t care about a few extra horsepowers, stick with a standard paper filter.
How to Oil a K&N Filter?
If you own a K&N filter, then you may be wondering how to oil it. After all, keeping your K&N filter well-oiled is important for maintaining optimal performance. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of oiling a K&N filter step-by-step.
To oil a K&N filter, you’ll need:
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Top | K&N Air Filter Cleaning Kit: Aerosol Filter Cleaner and Oil Kit; Restores Engine Air Filter Performance; Service Kit-99-5000 | Buy Now | |
 Top | K&N Air Filter Cleaning Kit: Squeeze Bottle Filter Cleaner and Red Oil Kit; Restores Engine Air Filter Performance; Service Kit-99-5050 | Buy Now | |
 Top | Med PRIDE NitriPride Nitrile-Vinyl Blend Exam Gloves, Large 100 - Powder Free, Latex Free & Rubber Free - Single Use Non-Sterile Protective Gloves for Medical Use, Cooking, Cleaning & More | Buy Now | |
 Top | Simpli-Magic 79100 Shop Towels, 14"x12", Basic White, 50 Pack | Buy Now | |
 Top | Amartisan 10-Piece Magnetic Screwdrivers Set, 5 Phillips and 5 Slotted Tips Professional Cushion Grip Screwdriver Set (10-Piece) | Buy Now | |
 Top | WORKPRO 8-piece Flex-Head Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set, SAE 5/16 - 3/4 in, 72-Teeth, Cr-V Constructed, Nickel Plating with Organizer Bag | Buy Now |
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare your workspace and gather your materials. Make sure you have everything you need before getting started.
- Put on your latex gloves. Oiling your filter will get messy, so it’s important to protect your hands.
- Spray the filter with K&N Filter Cleaner. Be generous with the cleaner and make sure to get both sides of the filter. Allow the cleaner to sit on the filter for at least 1 minute.
- Rinse the filter with clean water. Use a garden hose or a power washer if you have one. Make sure to rinse all of the cleaners off of the filter.
- Dry the filter with paper towels or a clean rag. Be thorough and make sure there is no moisture left on the filter before moving on to the next step.
- Place the filter on a clean, dry surface.
- Apply K&N Filter Oil to both sides of the filter. Be generous with the oil and make sure each side is evenly coated. Allow the oil to soak into the filter for at least 5 minutes.
- Wipe off any excess oil from the filter. You don’t want your filter to be dripping with oil, so use a paper towel or rag to remove any excess.
- Reinstall the filter and enjoy the improved performance!
And that’s it! You’ve now successfully oiled your K&N filter. Following these steps on a regular basis will help to ensure that your filter is always performing at its best.
FAQs
How Long Do K&N Filters Last?
K&N air filters are designed to last for the life of your vehicle. That said, they will eventually need to be replaced – but not nearly as often as a traditional paper filter.
K&N recommends replacing your filter every 1,000,000 miles or sooner if it becomes damaged. Yep, you’ve read that right. In most cases, we advise you to replace your car.
Why Can’t You Clean Other Air Filters?
You can – but you shouldn’t. Other air filters are designed to be disposable, which means that they’re not meant to be cleaned and reused. Trying to clean them will only damage the filter material and reduce its ability to do its job.
Are K&N Filters Different?
K&N air filters are made from a washable and reusable cotton gauze material. This means that they can be cleaned and reused over and over again.
In fact, K&N proudly states that their filters never need to be replaced – as long as you clean them according to the instructions in their Cleaning Kit.
How Often Should You Clean Your Filter?
It depends on how often you drive and the conditions of the roads you’re driving on.
In general, though, K&N filters should be cleaned every 50,000 miles or once a year – whichever comes first. If you live in a dusty area or do a lot of off-roading, you may need to clean your filter more often.
Can I Clean K&N Filter With Any Oil?
K&N filters can be cleaned with any oil, but it is best to use a product that is designed specifically for cleaning K&N filters. There are several products on the market that are designed for this purpose and will clean your filter without damaging it.
If you do not have access to one of these products, you can use any type of oil that is safe for use on your skin. Be sure to avoid using anything that is abrasive or harsh, as this could damage the filter.
Conclusion
So, are K&N Filters worth it? That really depends on what you are looking for in an air filter. If you are just looking for a quality air filter, there are other brands that offer similar products.
However, if you are looking for an air filter that can improve your car’s performance, save you money in the long run, and sounds great, then K&N Filters are definitely worth considering.
Overall, K&N filters are an excellent investment if you’re looking for improved performance and fuel economy, as well as increased engine protection.
They may cost more upfront, but they’ll save you money in the long run by lasting much longer than your average air filter. So if you’re looking for a quality air filter that will save you money, go with a K&N!
Find more relevant information with these articles:
Why Is There Oil in the Air Filter? (Common Reasons)
How Much HP Does a Cold Air Intake Add?
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