What is an air filter wrap?

An air filter wrap isn’t part of the standard equipment on a typical car or truck, but it is something you can add to your air filter to help keep it free of dirt and debris. Do you need one, and do you know which kind to use? Here’s what you need to know about using an air filter wrap.

What Is an Air Filter Wrap?

First, let’s start with your air filter — it does exactly what its name implies. A filter wrap fits around your air filter and provides an extra layer of filtration to keep the air coming into your engine clean by removing dirt, dust, sand, mud and any particulates in the air before it reaches the engine. Cleaner air for your engine means it will run better.

Who Needs an Air Filter Wrap?

Pretty much anyone can use a filter wrap, but there are some situations where it’s especially helpful. Anyone who does lots of off-road driving, where dust and dirt are everywhere, can certainly benefit from using a wrap. They’re also beneficial in city driving, where the dirt from streets and oil gets kicked up into the air. Heavy-equipment can also benefit, especially when used off road or dusty gravel roads.

What Kind of Wrap Is best?

There are lots of different filter wraps from which to choose, and finding the right fit for your vehicle will largely be a matter of personal preference. They’re available in a range of materials, including water-resistant polyesters and foams, and some can be washed and reused. Some are specially treated with hydrophobic solutions to prevent water from soaking through and saturating your air filter. It’s up to you to decide how much protection you want for your vehicle.

How Hard Is Installation?

The style of filter wrap you choose dictates the installation process, but it’s typically easy. The wrap sits around the outside of your filter and generally slides over it to fit snugly in place without any required tools.

While not everyone needs a filter wrap, having one can be beneficial and may extend the life of your filter by keeping dirt out and only letting air pass through. Whether you’re off-roading or city driving, an air filter wrap helps keep the air flowing into your engine clean and free of debris.

Check out all the filter wraps available on NAPA Online, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information about how to care for your air filter, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy Bethany Williams Kunz, US Geological Survey. Public domain.