Squeezing more power out of your engine is not as difficult or as expensive a task as you might think. Performance chips, performance exhausts, and sport air filters are all easy to install parts that can help your car achieve greater horsepower and torque without sacrificing fuel economy. In addition, a cold air intake can go a long way toward helping your engine perform better without costing you a mint to install. Let’s examine why a cold air intake just might be the enhancement your car could use to achieve a greater level of performance.

So, just how does a cold air intake work? I am glad that you asked! A cold air intake is designed to decrease the temperature of the air entering your car to take full advantage of your engine’s power. Colder, denser air acts like “food” for your engine, giving it the extra amount of power that it needs to perform optimally.

Are there other benefits of a cold air intake? Yes, namely two: a cold air intake enhances the look of your vehicle's engine bay and it produces an awesome sounding “throaty” intake noise. The intake noise is what tells everyone that your car is not some ordinary stock car, instead you are making a statement that the noise coming from underneath your car’s hood matches the power and performance that they will see on the street.

Depending on the manufacturer you select, your new cold air intake is available in an assortment of colors including red, blue, silver, and chrome. Let’s just say that the colors developed are meant to draw maximum attention to your engine bay when you pop the hood for everyone to see!

When shopping for a cold air intake for your car, there are several things for you top keep in mind as you narrow down your selection. The following list can help you determine the cold air intake that is right for you:

Manufacturer – There are many companies producing cold air intakes, some are better than others. Injen and K&N are two that are preferred by the aftermarket crowd. Look for those intakes that come with a reusable air filter for the best value.

Performance – Claims for outlandish increases in horsepower should serve as a red flag to you. Modest increases of 10, 15 or 20 horses are certainly reasonable depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Guarantee – Higher quality intakes carry a warranty that will likely outlast the life of your car. Some even give one million mile guarantees!

Retailers – Prices are literally all over the place. The best prices can usually be found right online with a wholesaler such as The Parts Bin. Shop only those companies who can provide to you online support, free shipping, a toll free number, and a clearly stated price list. Watch out for off shore operators who promise low prices on parts that might not be genuine.

In all, a cold air intake should provide the performance edge your car, truck, van, or SUV needs without taking away from fuel economy. In fact, a cold air intake can actually increase your fuel economy as your engine “learns” to work more efficiently, thus needing less fuel to run.