A CHEAP hack can reportedly upgrade your car’s engine for as little as £30 – and it helps cut fuel costs.
A cold air intake system works by sucking in the hot air in the engine bay, helping to reduce the temperature as well as increasing the volume of cold and dense air reaching the engine.
Function FactoryGetting a cold air filter system fitted could improve the performance of your vehicle, helping to cut fuel costs[/caption]
As more oxygen is made available for combustion, the car is able to produce more power.
Due to the colder and denser air, this reduces the amount of fuel required, meaning the car is more fuel efficient and its emissions are reduced.
For any petrolhead, a cold air intake system makes the engine bay look just that bit cooler and “improves the exhaust notes,” according to the Hot Cars website.
Amazon is currently selling a Pindex cold air filter kit for just £29.99.
While the online ad says: “Simple to install, convenient to match with air cleaners and cars” it also advises “professional installation is strongly recommended.”
Anyone thinking of getting one fitted might also want to look at a performance air filter to give their motor another little boost.
Any engine needs to take in clean air to perform properly and a good air filter mans the engine doesn’t have to work quite as hard to bring in clean air.
By having a high-performance air filter installed, you can increase horsepower and performance.
It will also reduce harmful emissions, making it better for the environment and help prolong the life of the engine.
However, the news comes after a car expert warned that making modifications to your motor could end up costing you hundreds of pounds.
Peter Waddell, boss of leading automotive company BigWantsYourCar.com, dished out the helpful tips.
He told drivers that while modifications look cool, some lesser-known changes could see your car insurance rocket.
No matter how minor the modification may be, it is essential that motorists inform their insurer if they don’t wish to invalidate their car insurance.
BASIC MODIFICATIONS COULD RAISE INSURANCE
Even basic changes like alloy wheels could see your insurance premiums rise.
Waddell also warned how exhaust modifications can lead to higher insurance costs and even legal issues.
He said: “Making your car’s exhaust louder can lead to higher insurance costs and legal issues with noise pollution.
“Many such modifications are illegal, especially if they involve removing silencers, which can lead to fines and make your vehicle non-compliant with road laws.”
It goes without saying that high-performance engine mods such as cold air intakes or engine remaps will seriously boost your car’s power.
But this in turn will lead to higher insurance premiums and a higher chance of claims, making insurers cautious.
He said: “In most cases (70-80 per cent), making your engine bigger or more powerful will make your insurance go up.
“This happens because faster cars with more power are seen as riskier.”
The motors expert said: “If you don’t share these changes, your insurer might not cover you in a claim, meaning you could be left to handle costs on your own.
“If they find out about undeclared mods, they could cancel your policy, making it as if you never had insurance.
“This can get you in trouble, especially if you’re in an accident. Plus, getting insurance later could become harder and more expensive.
“Always be upfront about any changes to your car to stay protected and avoid these issues.”
Super StreetA performance air filter should also give your engine a boost in performance and cut down on emissions[/caption]