Car owners need to replace their air filters regularly based on the driving conditions of the owner. Off-road conditions require more frequent changes versus city driving where there is less dirt on the road. These filters help reduce engine wear and power loss by keeping the air intake clean from debris that would otherwise mix in the combustion process. Many people choose to install a replacement filter in their vehicle without checking its effectiveness. Doing this could make the car less efficient or even cause additional problems. Luckily, there are many options for replacing your air filters without sacrificing performance.
Super Tech a Walmart brand has been making air filters for many years as a third-party alternative to OEM filters. They are generally cheaper to purchase and in most cases do the same job as other OEM replacement filters.
Air filters in automobiles and trucks help prevent fuel system choking. This happens when airborne dirt and other small particles enter the inlet manifold through the air intake. This reduces airflow by lining small hoses with dirt, often this can be mixed with oil and cause sludge and further reduce airflow. Dirt in the air intake can also impact the Mass Flow Sensor. This sensor detects the amount of air in the system and helps tell the engine how much air is in the system and how much fuel to inject. Temperature also impacts air volume, you may notice driving on cold nights the car seems to perform better than on hot days.
What is the difference between Super Tech and OEM Engine Air Filters?
Firstly OEM filters are specifically made to spec and meet engine requirements from manufacturers. Third party filters try and build to these specifications and aim to make it better or cheaper.
They will fit the car perfectly, are made to a standard that matches the maintenance interval specified, and meets the requirement for the amount of filtration and airflow.
The Honda Civic Engine Air Filter is made out of a plastic housing with a rubber gasket on the edge. It weighs 234grams and has 27 folds.
The Super Tech Engine Air Filter is also made out of a plastic housing with a rubber gasket. It weighs 240 grams and has 17 folds.
| OEM Filter | Super Tech Filter | |
| Weight (g) | 234 | 240 |
| Material Folds | 27 | 17 |
Why are Engine Air Filters Dirty on Only One Side?
Air passes the filter in only one direction so the side that is pulling in air from the outside is the side that gets dirty. Engine air filters are part of the air intake system for a gasoline engine. Piping can extend from below the car, from the front grill, or from behind the headlight. In some instances, plumbing is removed to encourage more airflow for better performance at the expense of less protection from dirt. The Honda Civic uses a square air filter with the inlet piping coming from below the engine bay sucking up air from the ground.
Engine Air filters should only be dirty on one side if it is doing their job. The picture above shows all the dirt trapped by the air filter and stopped from entering the engine. Clean air means less contamination and mixture with oil. Dirty oil increases wear on an engine and will require more maintenance with more frequent oil changes. The side of the filter facing the air inlet should be the only one dirty. The side that is facing the engine manifold should relatively be clean.
How does the Super Tech Engine Air Filter Compare?
This filter seems to be of similar quality to the Honda filter it replaces. The fit is a little tight to close the lid, but it did fit. Shape, gasket, and plastic designs seem to be the same. The plastic housing is a little thicker than the OEM, rigidity is not really required for air filters, since it comes in an air box that holds the filter securely in place. The filter material seems to be quite thick and does its job of filtering dirty air.
Air filters are easy to install with just 4 clips to undo on the 2010 Honda Civic. Taking it to a dealer service center could cost upwards of 50-100 USD to install.
When changing the air filters, it is important to vacuum out the compartment just below the filter to remove dirt, bugs, and other rubbish trapped there. Avoid spraying it or rinsing it with water since there may be electronics in that air box to help feed information to the fuel injection system.
The main difference with the Super Tech Engine Air Filter is the number of folds visible in the material. The fewer folds mean less surface area for filtration. There is quite a difference in the number of folds from the Super Tech to Honda OEM however the weight of both Engine Air filters is quite similar. The Super Tech may be using a thicker type of material to make up for less surface area. Super Tech Filters are also much cheaper than OEM. You are paying about a third cheaper.
How Often Do You Need to Change an Engine Air Filter?
The Super Tech Engine Air Filter is rated for 30,000 miles or 3 years of protection. In practice, it can last much longer depending on driving conditions. My recommendation is to check the filter every time you do an oil change. The filter can be cleaned from large debris by using a vacuum cleaner to suck away dirt. You also want to clean the air ducts, there shouldn’t be any sludge unless the ducts have a poor design and water can get in. Replace the filter if more than half of the surface area is no longer the original color.
If the top of the air filter has changed color, it means dirt is getting through. Replace the air filter when you see this, regardless of the mileage. Mileage is just a guide and each driver should use their own judgment on when to replace the air filter so you don’t waste unnecessary money. A trusted technician will also check the filter versus going by the maintenance schedule in the handbook. If you want to keep the filters clean, avoid driving on dusty roads, and don’t follow cars and trucks too closely.
If you have experience with Super Tech Air Filters, please leave a comment below.
