Give your car a breath of fresh air with a high-performance air filter.

Engines are a lot like humans – we all need air to function properly. Limit your engine’s air supply and it won’t work as well as it should, which usually results in increased fuel consumption. Engines need all the oxygen they can get for combustion, but they only want pure air, not all the other debris and tiny particles that can come with it. That’s where an air filter comes in handy.

As the old saying goes, not all air filters are created equal. There is a variety of choices, especially when it comes to performance or sport air filters for cars. Here, we will give you all the information you need about what they are, how they work, and how to choose the best air filter for your car.

WHAT IS AN AIR FILTER?

An air filter is what prevents debris and dirt from entering your car’s engine through the intake manifold valves.

Cars rely on an air-fuel mixture to power the engine and the purer the air, the better it is for the engine. The air filter will ensure that this is as clean as possible, not only removing large pieces of dirt and debris but in some cases stopping particles that would unbalance the air-fuel mixture and lead to worse performance or “misfiring.”

In addition to ensuring that performance remains constant, a good air filter will ensure that fuel consumption remains low. If the air drawn in is not “pure,” then more fuel will be needed to achieve the required engine power. Since the engine heats up as part of the combustion process necessary to power the car, a constant flow of clean, fresh air also prevents your car from overheating.

Due to the work they do and the fact that they have a limited capacity to collect dirt, air filters can become clogged and prevent air from passing through. In this case, they will need to be replaced. If you do not replace it, your engine’s performance will begin to decline, and dirt and grime can also mix with the oil supplied to the engine, which will wear down engine components over time.

Until the 1980s, air filters were round paper elements, but manufacturers began using flat filters that channeled air to fuel-injected engines. This would ensure that the systems remain cool.

However, factory air boxes often reduce power. The air intake passages provide the engine with enough air to stay cool when running, but they are not intended for the best performance.

WHAT IS A SPORT AIR FILTER?

While most standard filters are made of paper and need to be replaced when they reach their capacity, there are also special filters for sports or performance. These fit into the original housing and never need to be replaced. While factory-installed air filters are primarily designed to prevent dirt from entering the engine, a good performance air filter must find the perfect compromise of balancing filtration with airflow. The more air in the engine, the more power you can get.

For this reason, in the quest for increased power, a performance air filter is one of the simplest upgrades to make. Since the filter is the first part of the intake system, the amount of air it lets into the engine has a direct correlation with the power the engine can potentially produce. Allowing more air to enter by using a less restrictive sport air filter will therefore give your car the potential for increased power.

Most sport air filters are conical, meaning they are sometimes called cone air filters. This shape allows for a larger surface area when taking in air, although some can also be wedge-shaped. The filter element can be simply made of paper, but it is more often made of foam and designed to draw in more air from colder places than the factory air filter, thus keeping the engine cooler and helping you achieve optimal performance.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

There are many advantages to sport air filters.

As briefly mentioned above, these filters do not need to be replaced. Unlike paper filters that can clog quite easily and need to be replaced regularly, all you have to do with sport air filters is clean them about every two years or so. This is because they do not clog as quickly or as easily because the filter has a larger surface area, but they offer better airflow and better filtration of the air entering your engine.

Since you never have to wonder when to change your cone air filter, you just need to think about how to clean the cone air filter, and another advantage of this is that it is relatively simple.

Most filters recommend cleaning after about 10,000 km as they can be quite dirty. There are a variety of filter cleaning kits available online that come with specific cleaners to use on your sport filter, as well as an oil to apply afterward so it continues to work as well as possible. These can simply be soaked in the cleaning substance, then left to dry, while brushing off as much dirt as possible during the process. Simple!

They will also improve your performance. If your engine gets more air, it can perform better. A question often asked by skeptics is, do cone air filters actually work, and the simple answer is yes. In fact, the best sport air filters can increase your power by about 3 to 5 HP and increase your torque.

Some more expensive units will also come with a cold air intake unit. This acts to draw air from outside the car instead of replacing the hot air used inside the engine compartment. This cold air is denser and will therefore burn better, further improving your engine’s performance. The free-flow intake pipe also draws in less turbulent air that moves faster and contains more oxygen than factory-installed air filters.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

A sport air filter sounds louder than a normal air filter because the larger volume of air is less restricted. Although the increased air is necessary for performance, it will make your car roar much more than normal. This may not be particularly friendly when driving through sleepy villages at night, but it certainly makes your car much more dynamic.

Another issue that has been noted is that due to the increased air intake, high-performance filters can actually expose your engine to more dirt and debris. This increased intake of foreign objects can wear down the internal moving parts of the engine more and cause damage there, although this is quite rare.

A final issue, especially with cold air intakes, is that water from the road (and with it mud and other forms of dirt) can splash and soak your filter, and water can even enter your engine. However, there are ways to avoid this, such as by purchasing a hydroshield and making sure not to drive through roads with high water levels. Getting a decent filter from a reputable brand and paying a fair price should actually put an end to all these problems. As with many car parts, the more you spend, the fewer risks there are for your engine.

HOW TO INSTALL A SPORT AIR FILTER

Installing or removing a sport air filter to clean it is a relatively simple process.

Open the hood to expose the engine compartment and the air filter should be located either in the engine cover itself or in a separate housing, although this of course varies depending on car and filter manufacturers.

Check your car’s manual if you are unsure where it is located. Unscrew the fasteners or open the clips of your old air filter. You simply need to attach your new replacement cone air filter to the location of the old air filter. Most universal sport air filters have a clip or screw that holds them in place and will come with instructions on how to attach them.

We’ve filtered out the worst to leave you only the best oil filters.

Oil is the lifeblood of your car; it keeps the working parts of your engine in good working order by letting them slide against each other, meaning you get the best performance. Just as you wouldn’t want dirty blood circulating around your body, you don’t want dirty oil flowing around your car’s engine. Ensuring this never happens is the role of the oil filter, and a poor-quality filter can shorten your engine’s lifespan and cause other serious problems. It may be a small part of your car’s lubrication system, but it plays a very big role. There are several types of oil filters. So our guide will introduce you to some of the best oil filter brands and tell you which is the best oil filter to use.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN OIL FILTER?

To put it simply, the oil filter removes dirt, sediment, or other impurities from the engine oil as it circulates around your engine. It plays an absolutely crucial role in ensuring your engine runs properly. It is a small cartridge containing a filtration system, which is connected to the engine, and the location of the oil filter is usually the same in all cars. When the oil has circulated around all the moving parts of the engine, it is then pumped through the filter, which removes impurities and contaminants.

Dirt and sand can enter the engine in various ways, and if even small particles of hard substances get into the oil flow, they can rub up and down against essential parts of the machinery (mainly the pistons and cylinders) and can wear them out much faster. In the worst case, one of these pieces of dirt or stone can be large enough to lodge in a part of your engine and prevent a piston from moving or a valve from closing. This would have serious consequences on your engine’s overall performance and could lead to very expensive repairs. The oil filter ensures this does not happen.

Oil filters do not last forever. Over time, dust and dirt build up in the oil filter and it begins to clog. It stops working as effectively as before and it’s time to replace it. The duration depends, as we will see below, on the quality or type of oil and filter and driving conditions.

BUT WHY DO I NEED A GOOD OIL FILTER FOR MY CAR?

In addition to the damage caused by unfiltered oil described above, using a bad filter can cause oil leaks and a poorly fitted filter can simply fall off – certainly something that won’t be good for your car when you’re speeding down the highway late for an important meeting.

Many manufacturers recommend getting a new oil filter every time you change your oil. This can range from 3,000 to over 15,000 miles. That’s a lot of mileage, so it makes sense to get the best possible oil filter. This is especially true when using synthetic oil, as it contains additives and detergents that prevent dirt particles from settling in the engine. This means they don’t need to be changed as often, but the filter has to work much harder. Getting a high-quality filter will limit the risk of these floating particles damaging engine parts.

A top-notch filter will also protect against oil oxidation. Regardless of the situation or conditions, oil reacts with oxygen in a process called oxidation. This ongoing chemical reaction increases the oil’s viscosity and makes it less effective, in addition to causing sludge buildup. An oil filter prevents the physical byproducts of this from entering the engine and prevents it from being damaged.

The engine always operates at high temperatures, and preventing it from overheating is also one of the many tasks of the oil filter. A buildup of dirt and impurities in the oil can reduce thermal conductivity, meaning the oil draws less heat away from the engine’s moving parts. This will cause the engine to overheat, just as when poor-quality oil is used.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of a good oil filter is extended engine life. Since the filter allows oil to flow cleanly and smoothly, removing any debris that could cause damage, your engine will always be powerful and last a long time.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD QUALITY OIL FILTER?

The key elements of an oil filter are the filter element, the anti-drain back valve, and the gasket or seal. The materials they are made of can have a direct impact on the oil filter’s effectiveness.

Anti-drain back valves prevent oil from flowing back into the reservoir unfiltered and can be made of rubber or silicone. Rubber valves are cheaper and often indicate rather poor quality, although they may be suitable for engines using conventional non-synthetic oils. Overall, they tend not to last as long and often become quite stiff after about 3,000 miles of use. The fact that they are not as flexible can mean they do not form a tight enough seal. Silicone, on the other hand, lasts much longer and retains its flexibility, but is more expensive than rubber. As is often the case, you get what you pay for. Silicone can go 6,000 to 8,000 miles and still reseal. It therefore makes a good seal and prevents unfiltered oil from flowing back.

The type of filter element is also very important in determining the filter’s effectiveness at keeping the oil clean. This is the material that actually filters the oil. It is made of cellulose, synthetic material, or a blend of both and can often look like cardboard. Synthetic elements are usually made from polyester, glass, cotton, or nylon and have better filtration capacity due to tightly woven fibers. They can capture even tiny impurities in the fluid without slowing the oil flow and are very difficult to tear or rip, making them robust with great longevity. Cellulose elements are cheaper than synthetic elements, but the quality is worse. Blended elements offer a better choice in terms of cost and performance. Some high-quality oil filters have a metal mesh on top of the filter element, which removes larger pieces of debris before the oil reaches the filter element. This protects the material and ultimately makes it last much longer.

The oil filter’s capacity refers to the filter’s ability to hold the contaminants it extracts from the oil and continue to function effectively, meaning it does not need to be replaced. The type of element and the filter’s construction will impact this capacity. The higher the capacity, the more miles you will get out of it. Some high-quality filters will have a bypass valve that allows unfiltered oil to enter the engine, so it can continue to operate. Others, which do not have this bypass valve, may prevent any oil from entering the engine when they reach their capacity.

The size and shape of the filter are also worth considering, as not all filters fit all cars. Your manufacturer may also recommend certain filters or be designed for a specific filter. For example, some Land Rover models may be fitted almost exclusively with Wix oil filters due to their size. There are no common standards for oil filters, meaning each car brand and model has its own specifications. The oil filter’s weight and housing design determine whether it can be installed in your car or not. Make sure the filter’s specifications match your car’s requirements as outlined in the owner’s manual. If the oil filter housing is too heavy, it can also affect your vehicle’s performance.

THE TOP 7 OIL FILTER BRANDS

1. BOSCH

For conventional and blended filters, Bosch may offer the best oil filter on the market. Their filters feature a robust, thick blended filter element with high glass content and the ability to hold up to 14 grams of dirt. They are sturdy, reliable, and fit well in most Asian and European vehicles.

2. MANN-FILTER

Mann-Filter focuses on high performance and incredible durability. Their filters feature anti-drain back and bypass valves, and the filter elements have been specially designed for modern engines. They offer a wide variety and claim to be the safest option and the trucker’s choice of oil filter.

3. MAHLE ORIGINAL

Mahle offers very interesting options for those looking for a new replacement oil filter. In addition to selling premium oil filters with fully synthetic elements, they also have the cheaper and more environmentally friendly option of replacing only the element itself rather than the housing, an “oil filter cartridge” as they call it.

4. K&N

For racing and high-speed driving, K&N offers the perfect design. A nut at the bottom and slots on each side help keep the filter in place, even during high-speed travel. It has a silicone anti-drain back valve and a thickness of 77mm, which is thicker than your average filter.

5. VALEO

Valeo filters are designed to provide the highest standards of filtration quality and meet all their users’ needs. Their impressive oil filter technology blocks particles as small as 40 microns (40 µm), half the width of a human hair.

6. BLUE PRINT

Blue Print offers filters for gasoline, diesel, electric, and hybrid cars, and their replacement filters are designed to meet the required standards of most vehicles so they can be easily replaced. Blue Print filters are made from premium materials.

7. STARK

Stark products claim to offer long life, good flow, and reliable rubber sealing elements. They are equipped with anti-drain back and bypass valves to ensure timely oil supply immediately after starting the engine and avoid damaging its components if the filter element has reached its capacity.

Dust, soot, rubber particles, abrasive substances, ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur and carbon dioxide, benzene, and plant pollen in spring and summer enter the car through the vents with the air. Due to the enclosed space, the concentration of these substances inside the cabin can be several times higher than outside. Inhaling polluted air can tire the lungs and cause allergic reactions. The cabin filter (or pollen filter) is designed to solve this problem. Here is our advice for choosing a high-quality filter suitable for your car.

Why it is important to replace this part in due time

A pollen filter is a consumable part, so it must be replaced regularly. It is recommended to change it at least once a year or every 15,000 km. If you live in a big city and are often stuck in traffic jams or, conversely, if you drive on dusty country roads most of the time, you may need to replace it more often.

A dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of the air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems, as the filter’s resistance to airflow increases due to dirt buildup. Windows fog up heavily in rainy weather, and over time, pathogenic bacteria and fungi begin to grow on the surface of the filter element.

Sometimes the filter element deforms, and the airflow bypasses it, allowing all contaminants to enter the cabin.

The different types of cabin filter

Nowadays, the following types are popular:

1. Conventional barrier filter. These are dust traps. They are made of special paper or synthetic fibers. They usually consist of several layers. Each is designed to trap particles of a certain size. It is worth noting that using synthetic fibers as the filtering material is preferable because they can ensure effective cleaning without offering resistance to airflow. In high-quality filters, one of the layers may use an electrostatic charge that allows its fibers to capture even the smallest dust particles.
2. With absorbent layers. Each of these layers has a textile base with activated carbon granules up to 0.5 mm. The granules have a porous surface that absorbs molecules of toxic substances that enter the car through the air. Such filters are more expensive but guarantee finer cleaning. Additionally, they neutralize unpleasant odors.
3. With an antibacterial layer. This layer is made of a bactericidal material, usually polyphenol. It binds and neutralizes bacteria and allergens and inhibits mold growth by several dozen times. These parts are the most expensive as they guarantee maximum protection.

4 tips from AUTODOC on choosing and using cabin filters

1. Choose products from reputable manufacturers. We recommend Mann-Filter, Bosch, Mahle Original, Stark Automotive, Knecht, K&N, and Ridex. In low-quality items, less material is used for the filter layers, which results in better air purification. Poor-quality products may even have a fake carbon filter that is actually just a conventional dust filter with one of its layers painted black.
2. Check the condition of the pollen filter if you notice any of the following:
   1. an unpleasant smell inside the car;
   2. it is cold in the car even when the heater is on or hot when the air conditioning is activated;
   3. dust starts to accumulate on the dashboard.
3. Choose the replacement part in strict accordance with your vehicle’s specifications. It is impossible to install components larger than necessary. Parts smaller than standard ones allow unfiltered air to enter the cabin.
4. When installing the filter, make sure to position it correctly. The airflow direction should be marked on the side of the part, which is particularly important for carbon and anti-allergy filters.

Conclusion

The pollen filter does not directly affect the operation of the car’s basic systems and assemblies, such as the engine or transmission. For this reason, some car owners do not bother to replace it in a timely manner. This can be dangerous for your health. High-quality components are capable of trapping up to 99% of dust and allergens. That is why you should not skimp on this part. By following our simple tips, you will ensure a comfortable and safe car environment for a long time.

Hydrogen Cars: Just Another Hype or the Holy Grail of Green Automotive?

Cars equipped with hydrogen fuel cells burn no fossil fuels, produce no pollution or greenhouse gases, operate with the same chemical reaction that powers rockets, and travel twice the distance of a Tesla, meaning they are a credible and effective alternative to electric cars as part of a fossil fuel-free future.

If you haven’t heard of this utopian car yet, you wouldn’t be alone. Only Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai have already established fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) production lines, and it’s rare to see one outside of California, the hub where this technology is slowly but surely developing.

This could change, however: the UK government announced in 2017 a £23 million fund to support the development of cars with hydrogen fuel cells and infrastructure, and Transport Minister John Hayes noted that “hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles can play a vital role… in helping us reduce harmful emissions.” This funding is certainly needed, as there are currently only about 17 hydrogen refueling stations in the UK (most in London, you guessed it) and none in the US outside of California.

There are clearly startup issues, but if FCEVs follow the same path as electric vehicles, it’s important to ask what these hydrogen cars are, how good they really are, and what are the best hydrogen cars on the market?

HOW DO HYDROGEN CARS WORK?

Despite running on gaseous fuel, hydrogen cars are technically also electric cars; they are powered by an electric motor rather than a gasoline or diesel engine. Hydrogen is stored in a tank, which is connected to the fuel cell. Hydrogen enters the fuel cell and mixes with oxygen from the ambient air. Hydrogen and oxygen react and combine to produce electrical energy and harmless water vapor, which is then expelled as a byproduct.

There are no moving parts in the fuel cell, just a chemical reaction that creates electricity to power the engine. The battery where electricity is stored, known as the Peak Power Battery, is significantly smaller and therefore lighter than the battery of a standard electric vehicle, as it is constantly recharged by the fuel cell, as well as by regenerative braking in some models, a process in which the electric motor converts the car’s kinetic energy into electrical energy and feeds it into the backup battery.

Hydrogen tanks are refueled in a way that is almost the same as gasoline and diesel; gaseous hydrogen is pumped into the tank as you would with gasoline. For a vehicle that could change the world, the system as a whole is incredibly simple.

THE ADVANTAGES OF HYDROGEN CARS

THE DISADVANTAGES OF HYDROGEN CARS

5 BEST HYDROGEN CARS

TOYOTA MIRAI

Toyota clearly has big plans for the Mirai, as it means “future” in Japanese. Its sleek and elegant look complements its excellent handling, but it is expensive and rare: starting at £65,000 before the government’s £3,500 ultra-low emission grant, only 15 will be released in the UK in 2020.

HONDA CLARITY

With Clarity, of course, referring to the lack of emissions from Honda’s first fuel cell vehicle, that’s not the only thing it has going for it. The Clarity offers attractive performance, top-notch engineering, and provides great range and comfort. Unfortunately, it can’t even be leased in the UK yet.

HYUNDAI NEXO

Following on from the Hyundai ix35 FCEV, the Nexo offers a guaranteed great range of 414 miles, with even more possibilities thanks to regenerative braking. The South Korean manufacturer claims it can even purify the air around it – and for a huge amount of £68,000, you’d expect that at a minimum.

MERCEDES-BENZ GLC F-CELL

The GLC F-Cell is Mercedes’ first attempt with an FCEV, and it looks promising so far. The tank has a capacity of 4.4 kg of hydrogen, giving it a range of 478 km and a power output of 155 kWh. More importantly, 90% less platinum was used, making it potentially very affordable.

BMW HYDROGEN X5

Scheduled to go into production in 2022, the X5 will have a total power of 368 hp, a total of 6 kg of hydrogen in its two H tanks, and regenerative braking to help support the battery. Refueling is said to take between three and four minutes, and this could be a very strong offering for the future.

Following the introduction of the Euro 6 carbon emissions directive in the UK and Europe, an unexpected race for engine downsizing began among car manufacturers. They started reducing the size of larger engines and including smaller engines in their model ranges. However, this change has been implemented across several other continents, including the United States.

Throughout this downsizing race, four-cylinder engines have become increasingly popular with car manufacturers. From family cars to sports cars, 4-cylinder engines have become the most important element in the engine range.

These four-cylinder engine cars have excellent performance. Usually, you don’t get too much luxury and comfort with these cars. The fuel consumption of these cars is the highest and has been carefully planned.

Here is the list of the ten most popular 4-cylinder cars in the UK and European markets.

1. AUDI S3 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder Engines

It’s a bitter reality that Audi, as a subsidiary of the German car manufacturer VW, uses VW engines, and they don’t have a specific engine family name like Mazda or Ford. They simply adapt to the engine dimensions and number of cylinders.

For diesel engines, they have TDi engines, and for gasoline engines, they have TFSi engines. The most powerful are the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TDi engines with 292 horsepower, which reach 62 miles per hour and a top speed of 155 miles per hour in just 4.6 seconds.

In the Audi S3 models, these engines are economical at 25 miles per gallon, and they are superbly designed sports sedans.

2. MAZDA 3 SkyActiv Engines

Mazda is more active in the family car sector and makes a major contribution to this segment. The most exclusive thing about Mazda vehicles is that they introduced the Mazda Skyactiv engines; these units are the highest-rated four-cylinder engines with exclusive performance and efficiency in the Mazda 3 engines.

The Mazda 3 models are living examples of this engine family. These engines produce 184 horsepower and take nearly seven seconds to reach the 60 mph mark.

These engines are available in a variety of models and power outputs with a fuel consumption range from 30 miles per gallon to 47 miles per gallon.

3. FORD FOCUS ST EcoBoost Engines

In the current UK new car market, the Ford Focus is one of the most attractive versions of small family cars. These hatchback vehicles were part of the top 10 British family hatchback cars and show excellent sales figures.

The Focus hatchback sedans are among those family vehicles that can easily carry five passengers. The Focus ST is one of the models equipped with Ford’s most efficient four-cylinder EcoBoost engines.

Ford engines range from 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engines to 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines that develop 252 horsepower and a powerful torque of 270 lb-ft, capable of reaching 62 miles per hour in just 6 seconds. In the Ford Focus ST models, this engine has a top speed of 150 miles per hour, which is an excellent top speed.

4. KIA SOUL 2.0-Liter Engine

KIA Soul is a Korean offering; it’s an SUV with all the features and qualities of a sedan to provide extra fuel economy and an excellent blend of performance in family driving.

A range of 4-cylinder engines is available for the KIA Soul. The best-tested version of these 4-cylinder engines is a 2.0-liter version developing 201 horsepower. This engine delivers a mountain of torque almost equal to the power.

With this engine, the Soul has an acceleration time of 6.5 seconds to go from 0 to 62 miles per hour, but the top speed is also not less than that of an Audi in the same class.

Fuel consumption is stated as an average of 30 miles per gallon, which is much better than a number of cars in this category.

5. PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER Engines

Porsche is a well-known sober sports car and uses four-stroke engines. The Porsche 718 Boxster engines are simply excellent four-cylinder engines. They are based on the 2.0-liter turbo versions and are available in different power outputs.

The Boxster is one of the most spectacular machines and takes just under five seconds to break the 100 km/h barrier. It has an average fuel consumption of 26 miles per gallon in a full sports car.

6. CHEVROLET CAMARO 4-Cylinder Engine

The Camaro is one of the most inspiring muscle cars and is in direct competition with the Ford Mustang and is one of the oldest living muscle cars in the world. The Camaro is offered with the world’s best smaller engines.

The base version starts with the 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engines. These engines are capable of producing a rich torque of nearly 300 lb-ft and a power of 275 horsepower.

The Camaro takes just over 5 seconds to reach 100 km/h. It has excellent fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon.

7. SUBARU BRZ 2.0 Engine

The Japanese car manufacturer Subaru produces the BRZ family vehicles, and these vehicles are equipped with the most powerful boxer engines. These engines are 4-cylinder units and have a displacement of 2.0 liters, placing them at the top of the BRZ models.

Subaru BRZ also has a brother that looks like an identical twin; everything is almost the same and most features are the same, except for the badge. Guess what it is? It’s the Toyota 86.

In terms of performance, it’s far behind the BRZ models. BRZ models are popular in European markets, but the 86 models are very rare. The BRZ’s 4-cylinder engine is a powerful unit that develops 205 horsepower and transfers all the power to the manual transmission.

It’s not an inline engine but a flat boxer engine. On the other hand, there are also automatic transmissions, and if you choose automatic transmissions, 5 horsepower is lost from the system due to mechanical losses from the automatic system.

The BRZ is more efficient and useful with a manual transmission. It takes 6.2 seconds to reach the 62 miles per hour benchmark. It has a combined fuel consumption of 28 miles per gallon, and on the highway, the BRZ remains a muscular and robust sports coupe.

In urban traffic, it lacks a bit of driving pleasure, but overall, it’s simply a great vehicle that can be driven with a 4-cylinder boxer engine.

8. ACURA TLX 4-Cylinder Engines

The Acura TLX is another luxury model under the Honda platform, and in several markets, it is more famous than the Civic models. The TLX offers something for family drivers, and the 4-cylinder TLX starts with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It takes 6.8 seconds to reach a speed of 100 km/h.

Moreover, this Honda model is relatively less fuel-efficient than previous 4-cylinder models and is also slightly slower, but still manages to achieve a fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon, and on the driving side, with this excellent engine, the TLX has a well-balanced and smooth steering system and an excellent infotainment system.

9. FORD MUSTANG EcoBoost Engines

Ford claims that the Mustang with EcoBoost engines will boost the economy and also confirms that EcoBoost is the lightest powertrain in the entire Mustang range.

The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engines are capable of producing 310 horsepower and providing excellent torque of 320 lb-ft. The four-cylinder engines also offer excellent fuel economy, with the car manufacturer confirming an average of 28 miles per gallon.

To reach 62 miles per hour, this engine takes 5.8 seconds. The Mustang’s EcoBoost engines are actually quite decent engines and make the Mustang a decent sports coupe.

10. ALFA ROMEO 4C Cylinder Engines

Alfa Romeo is one of the most famous Italian brands for producing luxury sports cars, from the family sedan to the sedan, each model is powered by excellent engines. The 4C is one of the examples available in the UK, equipped with 4-cylinder engines.

The vehicle is equipped with a four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.75 liters. This is a turbocharged version of the 4-cylinder engines used in

As winter approaches, it is essential that you properly clear condensation from your car’s windshield.

Compared to scraping ice off your windshield, doors that won’t open, and the need to change tires, car condensation doesn’t seem to be one of the biggest problems that come with the drawn-out autumn and winter nights. However, that doesn’t stop it from being a major nuisance on icy mornings. Excess water in the form of condensation can leave your car cold and damp inside, emit a musty smell, damage fittings, and impair visibility. Follow our guide to learn how to prevent condensation on windows and how to remove moisture before it causes real problems.

WHAT IS CONDENSATION?

When you get into your car in the morning and notice that small droplets of water have formed on the windows and windshield, it’s due to condensation. Condensation is the process by which water vapor turns into liquid due to a change in temperature. It’s the opposite of evaporation, where liquid water becomes vapor.

This happens when the temperature inside your car is different from the outside. The warm air inside the car meets the cold windshield and turns the water vapor into actual water as the air inside the car becomes colder. This causes that irritating fog on the windshield that prevents you from seeing clearly. Since temperatures drop at night, often beyond the “dew point” (the temperature at which vapor becomes liquid), we often get condensation in our cars in the morning, but rarely in the afternoon.

Condensation can also form because the air in the car is too saturated with water vapor, and there can be several reasons for this.

Snow or rain on shoes or simply wet or soaked items left in the car for an extended period can be one of the most common causes of moisture inside the car. This shouldn’t cause any problems and becomes apparent during driving. Rainwater entering the car can also cause moisture, which could come through a sunroof or leaking windows. Water from the interior heating system can also cause condensation if there’s too much of it. A wet car floor is often a sign of a leak, and you should definitely investigate this if it’s the case.

Something often overlooked when considering the causes of condensation in a car is the effect of leaving old coffee cups or open water bottles in your car. Over time, the water from these open containers evaporates, and the resulting moisture is trapped inside your car where it can condense on your glass and dashboard or simply cause oversaturation of the air with water vapor. Get rid of these bottles to eliminate the risk of condensation.

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN CONDENSATION CAUSE?

Condensation on interior windows can cause bigger problems than just delaying the start of your journey by a few minutes. If water gets into the seals and enters the car’s electrical systems, it can cause engine misfires, failure of electric windows, or poor door locking. The latter issue can be particularly dangerous, and all these problems can be costly to repair and certainly keep you in the driveway for more than a few minutes.

Condensation can also cause mold in cars. Once droplets and moisture have formed on your car’s glass (or even on other surfaces such as car seats), mold can start to grow as small black spots on the windows and on car equipment. This can, in turn, damage window seals. So it’s essential that you know how to prevent condensation from forming in cars.

HOW CAN I GET RID OF CONDENSATION AND STOP IT FROM FORMING?

Tip to stop condensation immediately: if you get into the car and notice that condensation has formed overnight, the most important thing is to try to balance the temperature between the air and the windshield. One of the simplest ways to do this is to use your heater and defroster, but start by keeping the temperature cold at first. Set the system to maximum and direct them towards the windshield and windows. Using the AC at the same time will help keep the air dry. If your car has a heated windshield, that can also be used with them. Gradually increase the temperature until the windows are clear.

In addition to what you can do right away, there are several ways to prevent condensation from forming in the future and ensure you have a dry car:

You stop at the auto parts store for new seat covers and floor mats. You walk down an aisle with shelves and shelves of engine oil additives that promise to provide better fuel economy, a cleaner engine, and more power. Is your vehicle missing out? Is an additional engine oil additive worth it?

Learn more about oil additives before picking one off the shelf and pouring it into the most important component of your vehicle – the engine.

What is an engine oil additive?

It’s helpful to know the main purpose of engine oil itself before understanding the function of an engine oil additive. The function of engine oil is to lubricate your engine and reduce friction between its many moving parts. Oil also plays an essential role in protecting against corrosion, helping to remove contaminants, preventing sludge buildup, and keeping the engine cool.

There are different additives for different applications. Additives can include detergents, anti-wear additives, friction modifiers, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity index improvers, and more. Millions of dollars and hours are spent creating and testing oil formulations so they are perfect.

Most of the brightly colored bottles you see at the auto parts store are *aftermarket* or *supplemental* engine oil additives. Some claim to extend the oil’s life and others say to reduce engine smoke. However, research is mixed on whether they do what they claim.

What engine oil additives do to the engine

The majority of engine oils contain about 15% additives. Without additives, the oil is essentially incapable of performing its critical functions. Wear, oxidation, and breakdown can cause the oil to degrade over time.

Engine oil can lose its additives as it ages. Without the proper levels of these additives, you risk increased engine wear, which could lead to rust, corrosion, oil sludge, reduced fuel economy, breakdowns, overheating, and costly engine damage.

This is one reason a driver might consider an aftermarket or supplemental engine oil additive between oil changes – they want to revitalize their oil as quickly as possible. The value of an additive, however, would be whether it contains the additives that have been depleted and if it offsets any of the other existing additives remaining in the oil. Many types of oil additives work by attaching their molecules to an internal engine component. Too much of one additive can prevent a second necessary additive from doing its job.

Are engine oil additives good?

The question of using aftermarket engine oil additives has been controversial for years, and the answer is not a simple “yes” or “no.” You might assume that since standard engine oil already contains additives, no additional additives are necessary. But it’s not always that black and white. You’ll want to do your research, consult your vehicle manufacturer, especially if your car is still under warranty, and make the decision for yourself.

“When it comes to supplemental additives, I always say it’s the consumer’s choice,” says the Global OEM Technical Manager for Shell Lubricants. “Petroleum chemists and automotive engineers are really smart people who know what is and isn’t needed,” he says. “The oil already contains additives to do certain things, so the consumer needs to leverage that knowledge and look to oil additives that are carefully formulated into the oil by the oil manufacturer to provide an additional improvement in those areas.”

There are two factors to consider when deciding if aftermarket oil additives are a good idea for your vehicle, including:

• Warranty: Most importantly – double-check your manufacturer’s warranty. “Adding additional [aftermarket] additives to an engine oil could unbalance the additive system, leading to detrimental side effects and potentially voiding the engine manufacturer’s warranty,” reports the OEM Technical Liaison for Petro-Canada Lubricants.
• Vehicle Mileage and Age: The more miles on your engine, the more likely your engine is running at less than peak performance, making it more vulnerable to potential damage. Adding certain carefully balanced oil additives into a fully formulated high-mileage engine oil has the potential to reduce stress and wear on your high-mileage engine and help restore performance. Consistently using a quality high-mileage oil can help.

Start with an oil change

When it comes to what’s best for your engine, adding aftermarket engine oil additives can be a bit of a gray area. Ultimately, getting regular oil changes with a high-quality oil that meets your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations may be more beneficial for your vehicle’s long-term performance and uphold your vehicle’s warranty.

1. Inspect and Maintain your Air Filter

One of the most basic yet essential components of your car is the air filter. The filter itself may not be a big deal, but its job is crucial to the proper functioning of your car.

During operation, your car constantly draws in air from the atmosphere to mix with fuel for combustion. Atmospheric air is certainly not 100% clean, so it’s the air filter’s job to filter out dirt and debris from the air before it enters the mixture; otherwise, your car won’t perform as well as it should.

Thus, your air filter is constantly working while your engine is running and tends to get dirty over time. Therefore, it’s advisable to frequently inspect the air filter and clean or replace it based on its condition.

2. Inspect and Maintain your Car Battery

When it comes to vehicle maintenance tips, this is one of the most critical. Your car’s battery powers all the electrical systems, lights, and most importantly, the starter motor when you turn the key.

If your battery is in poor condition, you’ll likely end up stranded somewhere because your car won’t start.

Better safe than sorry, so it’s recommended to check and replace the car battery after 2 to 3 years. During this period, you should regularly check the battery fluid level if it’s an acid battery.

You should also maintain your car battery’s charge when you’re not using your car for an extended period. A low battery charge will kill your battery very quickly in cold weather.

3. Inspect and Change your Engine Oil Timely

Your car’s engine relies on oil for lubrication, so the lifespan of the engine’s internal components and transmissions depends on the oil.

Every bit of maintenance advice for your car includes timely oil changes. A car with low oil will eventually break down and require major repairs at a high cost. Sometimes, even the engine itself will need to be replaced.

It’s important to check the condition of the engine oil. If you notice the oil has turned black, it’s time to change the oil. Also change the oil after driving the mileage indicated by the oil manufacturer on the oil tank.

If there’s an oil leak, have it repaired immediately and never drive with a low engine oil level.

4. Check and Maintain Fluid Levels

We’re talking about your car’s power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. All these fluids are as important for your engine as engine oil.

Your power steering system won’t work as it should if the pump or pipes are leaking or if there isn’t enough fluid in the reservoir.

Transmission fluid is also as important for the transmission as engine oil is for the engine. With a low transmission fluid level, you’ll have major problems with your transmission that can be very costly to fix.

The coolant’s job is to maintain the engine’s temperature. Therefore, all these fluids should be at full level, and if there’s a leak, they should be repaired as soon as possible.

Consult your repair or maintenance manual to locate all the different fluid reservoirs in your engine compartment, and remember not to open the coolant when the car is hot.

5. Replace Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are something you always want to be top-notch. With bad wipers, you’ll struggle to see what’s in front of the car during heavy rain or snow. Bad wipers can actually be very dangerous and cause accidents.

Worn wipers can also scratch your windshield, leading to repair costs much higher than simply replacing the wipers.

Wipers are often quite cheap and very easy to replace, so make sure they’re changed from time to time.

6. Check and Maintain Tire Pressure

Another decisive vehicle maintenance tip: this factor directly affects driving comfort and quality. The correct tire pressure, which is around 35 PSI depending on your car model, ensures proper vehicle control.

The right pressure allows the tires to grip the road evenly and then wear down slowly and uniformly. Too high or too low pressure also puts excessive strain on the suspension legs and suspension.

Nevertheless, it’s best to regularly check the pressure of all four tires to avoid these issues. Inflating and maintaining your tire pressure is often free, and anyone can do it.

7. Wheel Alignment Every 2 Years

One thing most people don’t think about is wheel alignment. Wheel alignment can deteriorate if you hit a curb or replace suspension parts.

Most people don’t think that wheel alignment will change over time due to worn bushings.

As you may know, tires are expensive for your car. Poor wheel alignment will wear out your tires very quickly, which is why we recommend getting a wheel alignment every 2 years.

To perform a wheel alignment, you need the right equipment.

8. Inspect and Replace Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are often overlooked in vehicle maintenance tips. Depending on the make and model of your car, your car may have 4 or more spark plugs.

Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine, which is why they get carbon deposits on the tips over time. Carbon deposits then start to affect ignition timing and spark quality, directly impacting your engine.

After about 50,000 to 80,000 miles, you should have your spark plugs checked. If your mechanic suggests replacing them, replace all of them, not just the ones showing more wear.

Spark plugs are often quite cheap to replace and can prevent your car from misfiring, which can help your car maintain good condition over time.

9. Check Brake Pads and Rotors

No matter where you look for car maintenance advice, brake system maintenance will always be listed. Your car’s braking is one of the most critical factors for controlling your vehicle.

The only way for you to slow down or stop your vehicle is to keep the car’s braking system in perfect condition; it’s a matter of safety. Never compromise on brakes to save money.

There’s no mileage limit for having your brakes checked. It’s best to have your brakes checked every month, at least every 3 months.

Visual inspection of the brakes is often quite easy. Just use a flashlight and check inside the rim to look at the brake rotors and brake pads. Make sure there’s at least 4 mm or 0.15″ of material left on the brake pads (like the image above), and ensure there isn’t too much rust on your brake rotors.

If your brakes have deteriorated over time, it might be time to replace the brake rotors or brake pads.

10. Lubricate Door Hinges

A very easy thing that most people don’t think about is lubricating door hinges every year or more frequently. You might not think it’s something noticeable, but if the car makes noises when opening the door, it gives the impression that the car is in poor condition.

Lubricating door hinges is very easy – take a grease spray and spray it into the hinges and door locks to keep them in good condition.

Car financing can be tricky, and trading in your old car can sometimes make the process even more complicated. It’s important to make sure you have everything you need before going to a dealership. However, it’s also important to be aware of the following things you should avoid doing when you want to trade in your vehicle for a new one.

1. Overestimating or underestimating your car’s value

Entering trade negotiations for your vehicle can be difficult, and overestimating your vehicle’s value won’t help you get a fair price. But you also don’t want to trade in your car for much less than it’s worth either. Know how much your car can realistically sell for and be prepared to negotiate. You can find fair prices for your vehicle on valuation sites such as Kelley Blue Book.

2. Not cleaning your car

Dealers want to see a clean car that they won’t need to spend more money cleaning. If they have to clean the vehicle themselves, they will almost always try to offer less money. Before trading in, always make sure your car looks and smells as clean as possible. This can significantly increase the value offered by the dealer.

3. Over-fixing your car

It’s beneficial to spend some time sprucing up your car before starting trade negotiations, but make sure to set a budget for small repairs. Perform simple maintenance and cheap cosmetic fixes (like repairing scratches), but remember that you don’t want to spend so much money that you end up losing money on the trade.

4. Forgetting important documents

Trading in a vehicle requires you to have your title and other important documents such as maintenance records with you at the dealership. Maintenance records can help support your claims about the car’s previous damage and the repairs it has undergone. When looking at your car’s title, make sure you know whose name is on the car. If multiple people are listed on the title, everyone will need to be present during the trade. If your spouse signed the title and isn’t there to trade the vehicle with you, you won’t be able to complete the trade.

5. Not having all the accessories

Trading in your vehicle means you’re also trading everything that comes with it. You’ll want to make sure the original owner’s manual and any extra keys are in the vehicle when you arrive at the dealership. Dealers like used cars that still have all the accessories and may even offer you a better deal on your trade.

6. Not knowing the car’s history

The car’s history is important when buying a used car, and it will be doubly important for dealers trying to make a profit from selling your old vehicle. Knowing your vehicle’s history will help you during trade negotiations. If you’re not the first owner of your vehicle, be aware of any issues that might have been caused by previous owners. A dealer doesn’t like finding problems with the vehicle that can’t be explained.