Be Green, Keep it Clean
By Tom Inglesby
One of the first things you notice about a job site is that it's dirty. Dusty in the summer and in the winter... well, no need to discuss that condition. Trucks, like other equipment, need a little extra TLC ? truck life consideration ? in the three areas most in need of protection: air, oil and fuel. Dirt in the oil can damage bearings; dirt in the fuel clogs the injectors or carburetor and can stop the engine. Perhaps the biggest problem comes from the fact the air intake acts like a big vacuum, sucking in dirt through a paper filter. This is one area that keeps advancing, so let's see what is new to stop that dirty air.
Green Filter USA, Mt. Braddock, Penn., produces a cotton-based air filter system that never needs replacement, just regular cleaning. They recently introduced a high performance air filter for the redesigned 2004 Ford F-150. This unit joins filters for the other full-sized pickups from Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet.
The Green High Performance Air Filter is claimed to increase overall engine output by 5-8%. "A Green Filter significantly increases air flow to your engine, resulting in improved throttle response, better fuel mileage and greater torque throughout the engine's RPM range," says Jason Early, sales and marketing director, Green Filter USA.
He also says that a Green Filter is a smart investment since paper filters typically retail from $10 to $15 and are recommended to be changed every 3,000 miles or with every oil change. After one year of driving and replacing a paper filter, a Green Filter ? which never needs to be replaced and requires only occasional cleaning ? is generally paid for. All Green Filters also carry a limited lifetime warranty.
Green Filters feature elements that result in filtration down to five microns. A two-layer, woven cotton design and rigid pleat system combine to create a durable filter that provides consistent airflow over time and allows for repeated cleanings. Green Filter also employs a precise four-stage, handcrafted molded design to ensure that its filter moldings are almost exact around the edges, eliminating wasted surface area and improving overall airflow.
About the Author
Tom Inglesby is a San Diego-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous online and print publications. He is the winner of the Construction Writers Association's 2002 Boger Award for Special Reports.
