When discussing air intake systems, everyone tends to focus on the advantages they provide. However, it is rare that individuals discuss its disadvantages as well. As a result, enable us to provide you with a 360-degree picture of the entire situation so that you can better grasp it. Keep up with us!
What Exactly Is a Cold Air Intake System?
You can get a good notion of what it is just by looking at the name. Cold air intakes are fitted primarily to improve a vehicle’s performance. It is commonly understood that the more oxygen the automobile receives, the more combustion occurs. This is precisely what a cold air intake system accomplishes. It draws in more air and offers the automobile more breathing room. These solutions entail removing the air filter from the engine compartment and adding air intakes in regions or locations where air may flow freely. However, while they boost the vehicle’s performance, as previously stated, they also have significant downsides. Let’s talk about them.
List of Advantages of Cold Air Intake System (Pros)
1. Increased Engine Life
Engines that run at lower temperatures may have a longer life expectancy. This will also help engine components like the radiator.
2. Improved Throttle Response
When starting from a full stop and pushing the gas pedal, the intake of stock air would send heated air for combustion. As a result, engine response will be sluggish. Cold air intake, on the other hand, will enable chilly air to enter the chamber. As a result, the engine will respond faster than with the factory intake.
3. Improvement in Horsepower
Because cold air is more favourable to fuel combustion, the horsepower of the engine will rise once the cold air intake is installed.
4. Increased Mileage
When it comes to systems that use cold air intake, the air-to-fuel ratio entering the gas lines might be much better. In fact, it will yield higher mileage since the combination will be burnt much more effectively
5. Filter Cost Savings
Once properly lubricated, the air filter with cold air intake is easy to wash and reuse. This will save you a lot of money since you won’t have to change it every 15,000 miles as you would with a paper filter.
List of Disadvantages (Cons of Cold Air Intake)
1. Filter Types
Any type of filter can be used with cold air input. Foam filters, for example, will provide greater horsepower, but they are more prone to allowing debris and dirt into the engine.
2. Concerns about hydro-locking
When your engine collects moisture rather than air, the components inside it are jeopardized. This is known as hydro-locking, and it is the process by which water becomes trapped inside the cylinders. As a result, you will destroy your pistons while allowing the connecting rods to flex
3. Form
The intake of cold air permitting a 90-degree bend might compensate for your car’s idle. When combined with additional aftermarket components, this becomes even more feasible. The issue here is that it will suck air into the engine as it rolls air.
4. Influence
The rolling impact of air on the meter might cause it to deliver erroneous readings back to your engine. As a result, the precise air-to-fuel ratio will be thrown off, causing your engine to shut down
This alternative may improve your car’s gas consumption, but it is also a bit pricey to contemplate, according to experts. The advantages and disadvantages of cold air intake should assist you in deciding whether or not to pursue cold air intake systems.
Conclusion of Pros and Cons of Cold Air Intake
Air intakes are excellent additions to a car since they do not require any specific tools to install. However, you will need to adjust your engine before you can enjoy a little better ride.
