Cold air intakes are designed to deliver the right amount of air into your vehicle's engine. Any cold air that's sucked in through the cold air intake is mixed with fuel, burnt, then exhausted. Since the density of cold air is higher than hot air, installing a cold air intake can increase your engine's power. If you're on the fence about installing this useful part, check out the benefits of installing a cold air intake on a diesel truck.
The amount of air that's used during the combustion cycle is part of what determines your engine's output. Since cold air is more conductive, it allows your vehicle to burn fuel more efficiently. Wondering how much horsepower a cold air intake will add to your engine? Depending on your vehicle's configuration, installing a cold air intake can add anywhere from 5 to 12 HP.
You might notice the benefits of a cold air intake when you're pushing down on the gas pedal. Installing a cold air intake can increase your vehicle's responsiveness. When large amounts of cold air are delivered to the engine, your truck is able to reach the desired speed faster, which means you get to enjoy a smooth, speedy acceleration.
Another benefit of installing a cold air intake on a diesel truck is improved gas mileage. The internal combustion engine produces power by burning fuel. For this process to be successful, your engine needs the right amount of oxygen. If there's too little oxygen, it could result in increased fuel consumption. Cold air intakes are designed to provide the optimal air to fuel ratio, which can lead to horsepower gains and improved gas mileage. Since you're getting more out of your fuel, you’re also likely to see a decrease in fuel expenses.
Installing a cold air intake comes with plenty of benefits, but like any part of your vehicle, it requires routine maintenance. Otherwise, you might start to experience signs of cold air intake failure. You'll need to change the filters of your cold intake at set intervals, and be sure to clean it by oiling, drying, and bending pleats to remove debris from the filter. As with all parts, you should have your cold air intake inspected whenever you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance.