Filters are components made from materials with microscopic openings which only certain things can pass through (such as air or fluids) while unwanted materials (like dirt or metal particles) are retained.
- Air Filters:
These keep dirt and other contaminants from entering the intake system and damaging the engine. The more surface area the filter has, the easier it is for air to get through the filter, allowing the engine to create more power.
- Oil Filters:
Oil filters usually attach to the side of the engine, and are cylindrical, as seen at the right. The filter mostly keeps any metal shavings from causing even more wear in the engine, as well as clean the carbon deposits out of the oil passing through it.
- Transmission Filters:
The fluid in Automatic transmissions doesn't get dirty as quickly as the engine's oil does, but it still needs a filter to keep the ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) clean. Most automatic transmissions use ATF and filters, and a few manual transmissions do as well.
- Cabin Air Filters:
Cabin filters keep the cabin air free from dust, pollen, and other unwanted material from making the driving/riding experience unpleasant.