Many Jeep owners tend to think about every possible upgrade available for their vehicle but the engine filter?
When driving your Jeep Wrangler JK, make sure your engine is having the clean air it needs to work at its best. Regular maintenance and the use of the right air filter can help your vehicle run better and last longer. It would also benefit passengers’ health.
Your Jeep’s air filter allows the engine to breathe freely while still preventing the infiltration of massive explosion and toxins. A high-performance air filter can give your Jeep Wrangler JK’s engine more airflow and better filtration.
A decent cabin air filter, on the other hand, can keep bad smell, and toxins out of your Jeep for the duration of your trip.
See here for: Best Jeep Wrangler Accessories
The rougher and more rugged the terrain the dirtier and dustier the engine of your Jeep can become which could cause severe damage to the engine. When you often take your Jeep off-road or in dusty environments, the air filter will get dirty and will need a replacement.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Jeep Wrangler JK air filters available. Let’s take a look at them first, and then we’ll help you decide which one is best for you.
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Types of Air Filter
Paper Engine Air Filters
They are the most basic kind of air filter, consisting of paper and a special type of wood pulp.
They are pleated out to raise the amount covered so they are fine and flexible. It is normally between 100 g/m square and 200 g/m square in weight.
The surfaces of these filters are coated with foam or plastic. They are less expensive than other models and are ideal for jeeps that operate in less dusty or polluted environments. They will, however, get worn out after a certain mileage and cannot be reused.
Cotton Engine Air Filters
Multiple rows of cotton are trapped between mesh screens in this air filter. The cotton cloth has been dipped in oil, which helps contain the majority of the dust while allowing air to flow easily.
They last a long time and can be reused. You should wash and re-oil the filter if it seems to be clogged. However, if you choose a low-maintenance lifestyle, you can find the maintenance to be inconvenient. Additionally, they are more costly than paper filters.
Foam Engine Air Filters
These are similar to cotton filters, except instead of cotton gauze, they use polyurethane foam. It’s even dipped in oil to trap toxic dirt and dust particles. They are inexpensive and uncommon for off-road vehicles because they can handle a lot of dust and dirt.
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Guide to Buying an Air Filter
Here are a few features that determine how well the air-filter works and will help you choose the right one for yourself:
Compatibility
Before you go out and buy a new air filter, double-check the specifications of the one you own. Looking at the part number and specs on your old filter and purchasing one with the same numbers is a simple solution. Otherwise, you should use an online compatibility list to double-check your jeep’s compatibility with the air filter.
Temperature Resistance
If you live in an area that experiences high-temperatures, you better chose air filter which is resistant to extreme weather.
Ease of Installation
Clear and easy-to-follow instructions are always a benefit, particularly if you’re a beginner. Any filters need a certain side to be approaching the air source in order to work properly.
You should hire a professional auto mechanic to do this for you, and depending on your Jeep type, they can charge more. However, the service fee would be more expensive than the air filter!
Lifespan
Air filters have a lifetime that is measured in miles. It suffices to say that the longer the air filter works, the better the value for money.
They would now need to be replaced less often as a result of this. And if the filter is simple to clean, you wouldn’t want to do so on a regular basis.
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Here some of the Top best Air filters for Jeep Wrangler are:
1. K&N High-Performance Filter Jeep Wrangler JK
When it’s time to replace your dusty, old cabin air filter, a washable, reusable type cabin filter from K&N is a smart option.
This may be the last cabin air filter you purchase for your Jeep thanks to K&N’s million-mile warranty. This replacement air filter unit is designed specifically for the Jeep Wrangler JK and can accommodate high acceleration and horsepower.
This unit is small enough to fit into the filter box and is also washable. It filters impurities using a 6-layered cotton-gauze mechanism sandwiched between two sheets of wire mesh coated in epoxy.
To improve filtration, it is well pleated and oiled. This filter has a clear drop-in layout that improves performance.
In rough road conditions, several reviewers find that this filter lasted at least 50,000 miles.
Before using it again, you’ll need to clean it, re-oil the filter, and let it dry for 1-2 days. This process may not occur often, but it is necessary for the filter to have a long lifespan.
Features
- This Air filter is specially designed to boost horsepower and rate of acceleration.
- The air filter can be cleaned and used again.
- High airflow with exceptional filtration.
- Works with original equipment manufacturer vehicle electronics.
- Item Weight: 1 pound.
- Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 4.3 x 5.9 inches.
Pros
- Great warranty
- Improves throttle response
- Sturdy and will last for years
- Washable/reusable
- Has shown to increase gas mileage for some
Cons
- The filter has square corners instead of the more common rounded ones, so you might need to trim the corners according to your Wrangler
2. K&N engine air Filter Jeep Wrangler JL
It’s only natural to expect that any replacement item for your vehicle will last you forever when making a purchase. However, since any component has an unique service life, you will need to replace the replacement soon.
Where it comes to air filters, it is fair to assume that the manufacturer has done everything possible to ensure that the component lasts as long as possible.
K&N filters are said to shield the vehicle’s engine for up to ten years. If you ask me, it is more time than any of us have owned the same vehicle, but it is undoubtedly a good investment.
Apart from the longer life, K&N air filters are configured to let in 50% more air, which is obviously a significant benefit when it comes to ensuring your engine’s consistent and flawless performance.
While the provided filter prevents your engine from pollutants that might pollute it and reduce its efficiency, it also contributes to acceleration, which should not be ignored.
The filter is reusable, which ensures such longevity. The new filter is already oiled and fit for easy installation. Besides, both the manufacturer as well as the users claim that you do not need to attend to the filter unless you reach 50K miles point. After that, you simply wash it, oil, let it dry, and put it back in.
Features
- This air filter are easily washable and reusable and these are custom designed to fit your Jeep wrangler.
- Their drop-in design means adding performance is simple.
- Designed to boost horsepower and rate of acceleration.
- High airflow with exceptional filtration.
- Works with original equipment manufacturer vehicle electronics.
- Item Weight: 1.35 pounds.
- Product Dimensions: 13.6 x 7.7 x 1.8 inches.
Pros
- Adds up to throttle response
- Washable and easy to install
- Increased longevity for better service
- Made of durable materials to last longer
Cons
- A little pricier than other related options
3. aFe Magnum Flow Dry Air Filter for Wrangler JK
The aFe Magnum Flow air filter is specifically designed for Jeep Wrangler JKs. This filter is made of plastic and has three layers of synthetic polyurethane to maintain the engine running smoothly.
And when it’s really dusty, these layers allow airflow. The filters have a rounded pleat shape that increases the surface area and thus the dirt/dust capturing ability of the filter.
It’s easy to clean because it’s a dry filter. Since this filter does not need any oil, it can be reused several times after cleaning, which is something oil-filters cannot do.
It’s as simple as stacking them on a flat surface to clean them, but we prefer using a vacuum cleaner/hose.
Urethane is used to protect the filter, ensuring reduced leakage and eliminating the need for gaskets or sealants. The urethane will revert to its original form when it is soft, making for a better fit.
Because of the synthetic materials used, the aFe is a reasonable choice if you choose to use your Jeep Wrangler in hot weather.
aFe says that we can see a 45 percent increase in horsepower and torque; we weren’t able to verify this, but we did see improved stability and quieter idling time.
A lifetime warranty is included with all aFe filters. Many owners have had these for a long time, up to 5 years.
Features
- The air filter comes with an Oil-free for easy quick servicing and yet washable/reusable air filter for long service life with a lifetime warranty.
- It as a Three-Layer Progressively finer porosity synthetic media for high airflow with high filtration efficiency.
- It is of tall, Rounded, evenly-spaced pleats for maximum dust holding capacity.
- This air filter improves airflow for better performance and acceleration.
- It is Constructed with 100% polyurethane.
Pros
- Durable as this filter can last for years
- As this is a dry-filter, there is no spillage of oil or mess involved
- Thick rubber seal around the filter ensures that no dust or moisture gets in
Cons
- Issues are mostly due to improper fit so aFe should come up with a list of jeep wranglers this model is compatible with
4. Fram Extra Guard Rigid Air Filter
The Fram air filter is the cheapest option available – you’ll save money compared to other options. The difference in efficiency between a high-performance and a medium-performance alternative is obvious. It’s a slimmer style that’ll essentially be an OEM replacement.
If you’re going anywhere dusty and don’t want to deal with your usual air filter being congested, this could be the way to go. Alternatively, you can use it when re-oiling your high-performance alternative.
If you’re going to replace your air filter, we think it’s worth it to spend the money on one that will last several years. Engines are costly, after all, so keeping the gunk out of them is important.
Features
- This air filter Provides 2X the engine protection.
- A clean air filter improves airflow and prevents dirt and dust from entering the engine.
- On-pack directions and illustrations provide clear installation instructions.
- Item Weight: 8 ounces.
- Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 5.4 x 6.7 inches.
5. ECOGARD Cabin Air Filter
If you own a Jeep Wrangler model from 2011 to 2017, you already know that it comes standard with an air filtration feature.
The problem is that it does not come with factory-installed filters. So it’s good that the Ecogard fits well.
Without a lot of hardware, most ECOGARD cabin air filters can be assembled in less than 15 minutes. In either case, ECOGARD filters come with detailed installation instructions.
Dust particles, allergens, pollens, air pollutants, and other airborne toxins are all removed by this cabin air filter.
This Cabin Air Filter will enhance the driving environment regardless of how hot or dusty the weather is outside and the air inside will be free of impurities and allergy-causing pollen.
This replacement cabin air filter will also help protect the components of your Jeep’s climate control system from excessive wear and tear.
Maintaining a safe environment would also benefit the Wrangler’s air conditioning and heating systems. For regular city or highway travel, the manufacturers suggest replacing this air filter every 12000-15000 miles.
However, if you intend to drive over a lot of road debris or live in an environment where airborne toxins are prevalent, you can change your cabin air filter at least once a year.
Installing the ECOGARD Cabin Air Filter is easy. It doesn’t need any equipment and takes just a few minutes to complete.
Pros
- Good value for money
- OEM filters Collect pollen, dust, and dirt even in a highly dirty environment
- Easy to install but you can get a professional to do so at a cheap cost
Cons
- The rubber seal is not bonded to the filter cartridge as is the case in the OEM
6. POTAUTO MAP 2010W Cabin Air Filter Replacement
POTAUTO MAP 2010W Cabin Air Filter Replacement (2010W) is designed to suit your Jeep Wrangler JK perfectly. According to the manufacturer, this cabin air filter can strip nearly 98 percent of airborne toxins, which is an impressive figure.
The original Jeep Wrangler filter is a single square filter, but the Potauto has two parts that are easier to mount in the small space. The installation is straightforward; simply remove the glove box, open the enclosure, and insert the filters. If you’re still unsure, there are several videos on YouTube that will assist you in installing them on your own.
Since it is a high-density micro-fiber membrane, it can easily remove dust, pollen, diesel soot, and bacteria, instantly cleaning the air. This cabin air filter not only prevents you from breathing poor-quality air, but it also makes your system run better. I recommend changing the filters after 12,000 miles, as any more distance would leads to poor performance.
The most significant advantage of this air filter is its price, which is significantly lower than OEM filters while maintaining the same image quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a replacement air filter for your vehicle is not a daunting task. The list of the best air filter for Jeep Wrangler JK will hopefully make the task a lot easier.