Paper Air Filters

Pleated paper air filters are used by more vehicles than any other type because they are the least expensive for the manufacturer to install as original equipment from the factory. Since they are "throw away" items (cannot be cleaned for reuse), they represent a large and profitable part of the replacement market, while occupying our landfills.

Paper filters are made up of pleated paper or synthetic fiber that is approximately 1/16” thick.  Because they are so thin they are also known as surface filters.   As surface air filters, all dirt or dust particles must be caught on the surface or not at all. Each time a particle is caught, it plugs up a hole. This means that from the moment you start your engine, you have a rapidly decreasing air flow rate.