The filter is like the lungs of the engine, keeping dust and other things out of the engine and preventing dirty air from entering the engine’s interior and affecting combustion efficiency. Have you ever wondered if a filter set, like motor oil, has different solutions for four different seasons? Do all filter kits perform the same in different climates and weather conditions?
The answer is different, but many people overlook the idea of making a four-season solution for their filters. Just as your hydraulic fluid needs to be adjusted for extreme temperatures, filter selection should also be optimized for the season. Winter and summer have a big difference in temperature and humidity, so as you can imagine, the filtering needs are different. So how should you choose? Don’t worry, I will answer you in detail in this tutorial.
Winter: A Cold-Resistant Filter is Required
Cold temperatures present many challenges to the operation of machinery, and if your machine needs to operate below freezing, the conditions are even more difficult. Therefore, you may not find a good one in a filter set for chilling winter. After all, oil and fuel thicken in cold conditions, so many operators will choose a more fluid oil that is more suitable for winter. This also brings a series of chain reactions, such as filters must adapt to these conditions to prevent clogging and flow restriction.
Diesel fuel tends to form wax crystals in freezing temperatures, which can clog standard filters and cause fuel starvation. Winter-specific grade fuel filters are designed with improved water separation capabilities. Doing so prevents fuel gelling and ensures a stable flow to the engine. Winter humidity increases and condensation. Although cold air carries less dust than summer air, the accumulation of moisture in the filter media can cause ice to form.
Now you understand, using filters with waterproof or synthetic media can prevent ice and airflow obstruction. In addition, in extremely cold environments, pre-filter wraps can help prevent snow and frost from accumulating on the intake system, further protecting engine performance.
Summer: High Dust Environments and Higher Filtration Needs
The winter requirements we just mentioned for filter kits are primarily to protect against moisture and freezing threats. Summer temperatures themselves do not pose as great a challenge to filtration conditions as winter does. Hot, dry conditions increase dust levels, so filtration efficiency is a top priority. Think of summer, muggy temperatures, and busy construction sites, and dust will fly into your mind. These particles will quickly clog filters. In addition, high temperatures will accelerate fuel evaporation, which will leave residue on the filter element, increasing the risk of clogging. Do you think that’s the end? Summer challenges don’t stop there. In warm weather, fuel tanks are more likely to breed microorganisms, so filters with strong antimicrobial properties and high dust design can help ensure clean fuel flow and engine life.
Do You Really Need Two Different Filters?
You may wonder if it is necessary to change filters between seasons. In areas with drastic temperature fluctuations, the change of seasons is more obvious (and the winter is cold and the summer is hot), then I strongly recommend using different filters for winter and summer conditions. However, for mild climates where the temperature changes are not so drastic, a high-quality filter can be used for all seasons. When choosing a filter, you can ask FridayParts for help. FridayParts offers high-quality filters and filter kits that can keep you from cold weather in the winter and dust in the summer, and it also provides very competitive prices. Visit FridayParts for more items and information.
