Air intakes are simple to understand, even if you’re not schooled in the automotive-ness of the automotive world.  Here’s the scenario: you’ve heard something about needing to install an aftermarket air intake to make your vehicle run better and you’re probably thinking it’s too expensive, too hard to install, and too hard to find for your specific vehicle.  On the other hand, you’ve also heard it will help you save money on gas, make your car work better, give it more power, and make it last longer.

You’ve already decided to read this guide, so you’re right on track to learning the ins and outs of an air intake system.  (Congratulations!)  And now you need to learn what it is, exactly.

Basically, an air intake system is a device you install in your engine that makes your vehicle run more efficiently because it pulls in, or, takes in, larger amounts of clean air compared to the factory setup already installed.

(See, that wasn’t so hard to understand, was it?)

An air intake system is just one tiny piece of a giant engine puzzle, but it’s one of the most important.  If your engine doesn’t get enough quality air, well, you’ll be taking the bus to work!  Digging a little deeper into the world of intakes, you’ll need to understand the structure and how it functions; there are two parts to an air intake system in addition to all the brackets and hardware that come with it: the air filter and the intake tube, which you’ll have to assemble yourself.  (Sorry, I think Bob Vila only works on old houses.)

The way an intake system works is that the air filter sucks in fresh air from under the vehicle’s hood, filters it by removing dirt and debris, and then pushes it through the intake tube to the motor.  With the filters used on these intakes, you can expect maximum airflow along with ultimate protection against dirt going into the motor.  Also, with the smooth design of the intake tube, the air coming in flows much better than the stock setup, which, in turn, allows you the benefits of increased horsepower, torque, and gas mileage.  Here’s an example of what a complete air intake system looks like pictured to the right:

This particular air intake system is made by K&N, one of the best, well-known, and trusted makers of intakes.  (K&N invented these products, so they’re the industry leaders.)  They offer several different kinds of intakes; it really just depends on the level of improvement you’ll be satisfied with and how much you want to spend.  Here are some examples of the different intakes available and what their major features are, in addition to all the benefits you automatically get with K&N products:

So now that you’ve determined which air intake you’d like to purchase (because you know you can no longer live without one), you need to find a store that will carry them at a low price.  You don’t have to look too far, though. TruckChamp.com has all sorts of K&N products to compliment and improve your vehicle in many different ways.  

One of the great things about this particular website, in addition to their really low prices, fast shipping, and friendly customer service is that finding the right product for your vehicle has never been easier.  

Say you have a 2005 Ford Ranger and you want to find an intake system for it.  Just go to the website and up in the left-hand corner there’s a place where you can enter your vehicle information.  (Notice the website automatically enters the information into the Smart Search bar.)  The search results will bring up a number of items specifically for your vehicle, in this case, a 2005 Ford Ranger.  If you look at the right side of the page, air intake kits are listed right there. Just click on the blue title in that box and it will take you to an air intakes page where you can learn more about intakes and pick one that best suits your needs.  (That was simple now, wasn’t it?)

From there, TruckChamp.com makes it incredibly easy to order your intake.  And if you spend $99 or more, the shipping is free! (Hey, we all like free stuff, don’t we?)  

You’re now able to join in the conversation and impress your friends and family when they start talking “car talk.”  And if they look at you confusingly, just refer them to this article and tell them they can learn just as much about air intake systems as you have.  Happy shopping—and happy improved vehicle performance!

About TruckChamp.com
TruckChamp.com, a subsidiary of LOF, Inc., is a leading online retailer of discount aftermarket automotive accessories.  TruckChamp.com has been providing friendly customer service since 1974 and is eager to serve automotive enthusiasts with great products at great, low prices.  For more information about the company, visit TruckChamp.com.

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