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im trying to get someone insight into how long before i should clean my cold air intake filter, i put it on my 2001 Honda Civic Ex Sept or Oct. of 2003. I live in Upstate New York, and its been through a couple of winter months. ive put about 15,000 or more on the intake. also, do u think its really necessary to have a bypass filter, becaus ei have heard mixed opinions about them, that if u go through a puddle of water, that the chance of it gettin all the way up the intake pipe is slim to none. other say that it will ruin my engine if im open throttle all the way, then we got problems. need help!!! thanks

 
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Everyone I have talked to has said the valve is pretty much useless unless you like fording rivers with your car. It does work but you have to get the filter submerged, so if you are very protective it might not be a bad investment.

As far as cleaning the filter, i really have no idea, i would just take a look at it and assess the condition of it, but i am sure someone else can give you a better idea.

 
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^^If you've done that well, then no you do not need a bypass. its only good during hurricane season in the south east caosts, where you get floods and sh*ts

 
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oh yeah and you dont have to clean the filter yet. if you must and theres no way of stopping you clean it at around 50k-75k miles, otherwise dont bother.

 
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Look at the filter.. If its black CLEAN IT.. If it's still reddish, orange don't worry about it. I myself try to clean mine every other oil change.. No need for it to get black, you will lose your gas milage.

As for the Bypass valve, you will only need it if you planning on using your car as a submarine. Don't waste your money, if you want piece of mind, then go ahead and get it.

 
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does any one else's CAI make a ton of noise in heavy rains? I have the AEM and I get nervous everytime we have a heavy rainfall.

 
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doesnt matter how hard it rains if your intake is not sumbmerged in water youll be okay.