Air Filters
About Air Filters
An air filter is the only thing between the dirt a UTV or ATV kicks up and the inside of its engine, so it is the part most worth checking in dust, mud and sand. Riders shop here to replace a dirty or damaged filter, to switch to a reusable type, or to add a pre-filter for harsher conditions.
The main choice is the filter material. Foam filters, such as the Honda and Yamaha foam filters listed here, are reusable: you wash them, dry them, and re-oil them. Pre-oiled filters come ready to fit. High-flow filters are made to pass more air, and replacement filters are listed by model for a direct swap. A pre-filter, like the K&N and Pro Design pre-filters here, is a sleeve that fits over the main filter and catches larger particles. Whatever you pick, it has to fit the airbox and seal against it, so match your make, model and years, and keep the filter oiled and clean to the maker's instructions.
Brands in this category include Cobra, K & N, Outerwears, Arlen Ness and All Balls. Parts nearby are Air Filter Housings, Carburetors and Fuel Filters. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page, and read why a part did not fit for help with fit.
FAQs on UTV and ATV air filters
What is the difference between foam and paper air filters?
A foam filter is reusable: it is cleaned, dried and re-oiled. A paper filter is usually replaced when dirty. Foam is common on quads and in dusty or muddy riding, and paper is common on many side-by-sides. Use the type that fits your airbox, and follow the maker's service intervals.
How often should I check or clean my air filter?
There is no single interval, because it depends on where you ride. In dust, sand or mud, look at it before each ride and clean it as soon as it is dirty. In cleaner conditions, follow the interval in your owner's manual.
How do I clean and oil a foam air filter?
Wash it in a cleaner made for foam filters, rinse, squeeze out the water without twisting, and let it dry completely. Then work filter oil in evenly and squeeze out the excess. Over-oiling can enrich the mixture, so follow the oil maker's instructions.
What does a pre-filter do?
A pre-filter is a sleeve that fits over the main air filter and catches larger dirt before it reaches the filter. It helps in very dusty or muddy conditions and is cleaned or replaced more often than the main filter. Check that it is listed for your filter and machine.
Will a high-flow air filter make my quad faster?
Not by itself. A high-flow filter lets more air through, but any gain depends on the engine and on whether the fuel supply is matched to it. A carbureted machine may need jetting changes. Read the listing and follow the maker's guidance.
