1978 GMC C/K Pickup 3500 Performance Air Filters for Trucks

Performance Air Filters for Trucks

Are you looking to increase your engine's intake of fresh, clean, and thoroughly filtered air? Then, consider investing in a premium air filter from RealTruck. Air filters are an integral component of your vehicle's air intake system. Air filters are positioned at your engine's air inlet, forcing air through a super-fine media to filter dirt, dust, and debris to prevent oil contamination and internal damage. 

Additionally, high-performance air filters flow a higher volume of air than your vehicle's factory airbox and restrictive paper filter, ensuring maximum airflow into your engine's intake, efficient combustion, better mileage, and increased power.

Aside from conventional intake air filters, your vehicle also utilizes a cabin air filter, which filters debris and particulate matter from the HVAC system to ensure only fresh, clean air blows into the cabin.

Air Filter Types

Truck air filters come in various configurations, from material construction to alternate designs. Let's examine them closely to determine which is suitable for your application.

Oiled Vs. Dry

Depending on the brand and model number, air filters may feature different types of filter media. Though several constructions exist, the most common are oiled cotton and dry synthetics—but what are the key differences?

Oiled Air Filters

Oiled-cotton air filters feature tightly wound, high-flow cotton filter media saturated in a filter-specific oil. The cotton filter media is highly efficient at filtering sizable particulate matter. However, it's less efficient at filtering ultra-fine particles—that's where filter oil comes into play. Smaller particles that would otherwise be able to pass through the cotton media become trapped in the oil, thus increasing the filtration rate. These filters are typically washable and serviceable, featuring an indefinite service life.

RealTruck Expert Pick: S&B Air Intake Replacement Filter

Why we love it: 

• Cleanable S&B filters are washable and reusable

• S&B filters are tested to ISO 5011 filtration standards

• Designed to filter 99 percent of contaminants

• Flows better than the OE paper filter or comparable competitor products

• Made in the USA

• Backed by a million-mile warranty

Dry synthetic filters feature synthetic media that doesn't require oiling. They are ideal for dirty, dusty environments, as they feature similar filtration and efficiency without using tacky filter oil that can attract excessive dirt, clogging the filter and hindering performance. Like oiled cotton filters, dry synthetic filters are typically washable and reusable. 

RealTruck Expert Pick: K&N Air Intake Replacement Filter

Why we love it: 

• Constructed with ultra-strong molded pliable rubber flanges

• Dry black filters are reusable and serviceable

• Vibration-resistant design

• It can be stretched up to 1/16 in. to fit various intake pipe diameters

• Available in round, tapered, and oval designs

• Backed by a 10-year limited warranty

Other less common constructions include oiled synthetic and dry paper filters. For additional information, check out our air filter comparison on RealSource.

Universal Vs. Direct Fitment

Other variables include the type of fitment, including universal and direct.

Universal

Universal air filters are typically conical in shape and come in various dimensions, including flange size, height, length, and width. These aftermarket air filters are engineered for custom air intake systems or to replace the filters included in aftermarket air intakes. Typically, modifications of your vehicle's factory intake system are required.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Injen Air Intake Replacement Filter

Why we love it: 

• Surgical gauze filter

• High-flow design promotes exceptional performance

• Compatible with Injen air intakes or universal systems

• Made in the USA

• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

Direct Fitment

On the other hand, direct-fitment air filters are engineered for your particular application. These filters replicate the form factor of your vehicle's factory paper air filter, ensuring a simple drop-in installation—zero modifications or alterations are required. 

RealTruck Expert Pick: K&N OE Direct Fit Stock Replacement Air Filter

Why we love it: 

• High air flow with excellent filtration

• Offers dyno-proven power increases

• Washable and reusable

• Direct replacement of factory air filter

• Will NOT void vehicle warranty

• Lasts up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is required, depending on driving conditions

• Emissions legal in all 50 US States

• Safe with OEM electronics

• Easy high-performance add-on

• Backed by K&N Million Mile limited warranty

Air Filter Maintenance and Accessories

In addition to our air filters, we offer a range of accessories to enhance the performance and lifespan of your air filter system.

Air Filter Cleaning Kits

While cleaning and maintaining your reusable air filter is quick and easy, you'll need a filter-specific oil and cleaning solution to keep the filter operating like new. Luckily, we carry all the top reusable air filter cleaning kits, making services a breeze.

RealTruck Expert Pick: S&B Air Filter Cleaning Kit

Why we love it: 

• Increases filter performance

• Compatible with all S&B filters and most high-performance gauze air filters

• Includes air filter cleaner and air filter oil

• Available with red or blue oil

• Easy to use

• Made in the USA

Air Filter Wraps

Air filter wraps, also called pre-filters, are thin sleeves that fit over your vehicle's air filter for an extra layer of filtering protection. They:

• Filter smaller particles

• Are semi-water resistant, preventing damage to filter and engine

• Allow you to go longer between cleaning and servicing

• They are ideal for dusty and dirty environments

RealTruck Expert Pick: S&B Air Filter Wrap

Why we love it: 

• Easy slip-on installation

• Serves as an additional layer of filtering protection

• Helps filter fine dust particles and is water-resistant

• Extra filtering capacity extends the life of your primary air filter, allowing you to go longer between cleanings

• Ideal for dusty conditions that will quickly plug standard filters

• Installs easily in seconds

• Elastic seam provides a tight seal and keeps the pre-filter in place

• Does not restrict airflow

How Often Should You Clean or Replace Your Air Filter?

Engine air filters should typically be replaced or serviced every 15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. However, there are some exceptions. If you notice that your air filter is filthy or has collapsed, it's likely in need of a replacement/cleaning. Additionally, some driveability symptoms to look out for include: 

• Loss of power

• Difficulty starting

• Poor idle

• Excessive black smoke from the exhaust pipe (running rich)

Cabin air filters last a similar duration, typically requiring a replacement after 15,000 miles. Symptoms that your vehicle may require a cabin air filter replacement include: 

• Poor airflow from the vents

• A damp, musty odor with the air conditioner or heater running

• A noisy blower/fan

• Audible whistling from the air vents