Automotive

BEHAVIOR

Air filters remove much of the particulate load in the air, keeping it out

of the engine. Dirt in the air could clog small openings in the engine,

restricting the flow of air or abrading parts.

HABITAT

Air filters sit directly above the engine.

HOW IT WORKS

Most air filters today are made of resin-impregnated paper supported by a rim of plastic with a urethane gasket. The paper is folded or pleated to create a large surface area. Some filter elements have dimples to further increase the surface area so more particles are arrested. Incoming air has to travel through many sheets of paper before entering the engine’s intake valves.

Older cars used oil bath filters. In these filters, larger particles are thrown into the oil bath where they are trapped. The oil bath needs to be changed periodically. Smaller particles are caught in a fibrous material that surrounds the oil bath.

INTERESTING FACT

For every gallon of gasoline consumed about 10,000 gallons of air are sucked through an air filter.

A field guide to automotive technology

Ed Sobey

Cover and interior design: Joan Sommers

Photo on page 28: © Smokey Combs

Published by Chicago Review Press, Incorporated

814 North Franklin Street

Chicago, Illinois 60610

ISBN: 978-1-55652-812-5

Printed in the United States of America

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Here's the Cliff Notes version of North American International Auto Show industry preview. (Cole's notes for my Canadian followers.)

The show was a great one, especially compared to last year. Industry people were there from across the globe, and most of the exhibits were packed. (The pictures below that were absent of people required patience, timing, and retakes.) NAIAS was strong, despite some debate about how it may be losing relevance with Europeans or Asians. Jaguar LandRover was missing this year. But it's still the show where the big three pulls out all the stops; very few other major automakers want to risk being absent. Cobo hall was filled with absolutely massive displays of new models, concept cars, and interactive displays from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Fiat, Ford, GM, Hyundia, Kia, Toyota, Volkswagen, and many others.

There was a lot to see. Unfortunately due to my other show duties, I didn't get a lot of time on the show floor. What I saw was pretty darn cool, and here are the highlights.