An air filter cover is marketed as a valuable addition to an air filter. But what do they do? Is it a filter for a filter? Let’s dig in.
As for what does an air filter do? An air filter cover protects the air filter from rain, water droplets, debris, bugs, dirt, dust, and other contaminants. The primary function of the air filter cover is to protect the filter from rain and water.
Despite their usefulness, it is debatable whether to purchase an air filter cover or not. So, let’s dig in and debate more.
What do air filter covers do?
An air filter cover encloses the air filter to provide a layer of protection from rain and other contaminants. Mainly rain and water droplets. But along with that an air filter cover also protects from many contaminants and debris.
The primary reason an air filter cover is used for is to protect the air filter from rain and water.
If the rain gets into the air filter, there will be problems. The motorcycle might not even start because of rain.
The same goes for washing. The motorcycle might not start after a wash. The water has entered the air filter and other components.
You can think of an air filter cover as a mesh. A fine mesh though. The cover blocks even rain and water droplets from entering the air filter. Along with protecting the filter from water particles, this mesh also blocks oil particles, dust, dirt, and many other contaminants.
Of course, it does not filter all dust particles though. Specifically fine dust and dirt particles. That’s why we have the air filter. If the cover did all the job, we won’t need the air filter, do we? :p
To sum up what an air filter cover does – the air filter cover protects the air filter from rain, water droplets, and other contaminants.
Air Filter Cover – Functions and Advantages
Continuing on the previous section, let’s discuss the functions of an air filter cover a bit more. So far, we know an air filter cover protects the air filter from rain and water droplets. And some other components.
Summing it up in one place, the functions of an air filter cover include:
- Protects from rain: the air filter cover come in handy when the air filter is exposed and is vulnerable to rain and water. The cover blocks the rain from entering the filter effectively.
- Prevents oil stains: the air filter material is susceptible to oil stains and can get clogged easily. The air filter cover prevents such staining and clogging of the filter material.
- Prevents inhalation of dust: the air filter cover filters out most of the dust present in the air, leaving only the fine dust particles for the air filter.
- Keeps intake air free from debris, bugs, and large particles: any large particles and debris in the air that might get stuck on the filter material is filtered out.
These functionalities indeed translate into certain advantages of having an air filter cover in your motorcycle.
First, an air filter cover increases the air filter life span. The cover itself filters lots of debris, dirt, and other contaminants. When the intake air reaches the air filter, it will only have some fine dust particles that the cover could not filter out.
As a result, the air filter material will last longer since it does not have to filter all the contaminants in the air.
Second, the air filter won’t get soaked and get clogged. Since the air filter cover won’t let water particles to enter the air filter easily, the air filter won’t get soaked.
This is extremely useful whenever you are riding in the rain. The air filter is susceptible to getting wet and forming a dirt layer and then getting clogged. This is especially true if the air filter is exposed and is encased inside.
To sum up, an air filter cover can be an excellent addition to your vehicle to improve the air filter lifespan.
Can you drive without the air filter cover?
Of course. You can drive your vehicle without an air filter cover. The cover is not a necessary component to have.
Rather, an air filter cover is a good to have component.
Driving your motorcycle without an air filter will not have any negative impact on your motorcycle. Sure, the air filter might not last long. But the lifespan shortage will not be that big a hindrance.
So, you don’t need to worry about not having air filter cover in your motorcycle. It is absolutely fine to not have it.
When to use air filter covers
Now comes the dilemma. Should you have air filter covers at any case? How do you decide whether to have an air filter cover or not? Does your air filter need a cover?
First, let’s discuss when an air filter cover is not necessary. I would say if the air filter is enclosed, then an air filter cover is not required. This is because an enclosed air filter is already protected from rain, debris, and other large contaminants.
Sure, the air filter has to deal with a lot of dust that it would have if there was a cover over it. Still, the utility of the air filter cover decreases vastly if the air filter is enclosed in your motorcycle.
As for when to use an air filter cover – if the air filter is not enclosed and is exposed to the outer environment, then an air filter cover is a great component to have in your motorcycle.
The cover will of course protect the filter from rain, water droplets, debris, bugs, dirt, and dust. The air filter has to deal only with the finer dust particles in the intake air. Needles to say, an air filter cover will be a useful addition if the air filter is exposed to the atmosphere.
Are air filter wraps or covers worth it?
Air filter covers have their advantages. If your motorcycle has the air filter exposed to the outer atmosphere, then air filter covers are definitely worth it.
On the other hand, if the air filter is enclosed and is not exposed to the environment directly, air filter covers are not such a necessary accessory. It still can be useful of course. Helping whenever you are washing the motorcycle. The cover will prevent water particles to enter the air filter material.
Largely, they are not that necessary unless the air filter is exposed.
