The Bad Blow Job

Have you ever seen a workshop cleaning your air filter (AF) with compressed air because they say that they don't have stock for a new AF, but this AF cleaning method should suffice till the next service?

If yes, we bet your car felt good afterwards, and we know why! It's because the filter is cleaner thus letting more air into the engine. In fact, we bet it's even letting more air in than a new OE filter because that air compressor gun might have just torn your filter allowing more air and dirt into your engine at the same time.

Some from car forums have even gone as far as saying that by using this method, you might also tear the seals which are supposed to keep the AF snug and tight in its housing. If that's not sealed properly, you're definitely getting more dirt into your precious engine. 

Here is a short video by Motorservice Group which we think explains things well:

Filter's are cheap, engines are not, so we say insist on a new filter and avoid the compressed air cleaning method. If you really can't afford one we have seen some methods on car forums which logically seem safer.

One person just drops the filter from a height which helped to eradicate the dirt. " I drop the paper media filters on the ground flat from 12-14 inches. Beating the dirt out from the filter is enough for me."

Another person vacuums the filter. "Lightly tap on a firm surface then vacuum the dirty side after 2 years/ 20-25k miles, if the seal is pliable and no tear."

Whatever route you choose to take, just be careful. You car may feel better because of this cheap hack, but doesn't mean it'll stay that way for long.

Like the saying says, If it's cheap, it's not good, if it's good, it's not cheap.