Simply because your car doesn't happen to be a Maseratti Bora or Bugatti Veyron doesn't mean it can't feel like one. Cold air intakes can be your ticket to both a better sonic performance, as well as engine performance. Standard intake systems that you find in your car are usually not enough, not if you want your car to approach its optimal performance. The key is to tweak your car to allow more cool air to enter it. Cooler air means more air entering the combustion chamber, resulting in a bigger explosion and more performance. So how is it done?

Essentially, cold air intakes help your car in the combustion process, which produces the explosive energy that runs your car. Cold air is denser, which means it holds more air per volume, so when in it enters the engine, there is more air to combust and propel your car. If you ever see a heavily modified racecar, pay attention: they're specifically redesigned to aid in air intake, enhancing performance.

When people modify their intake, the short-rim intake is usually the most common modification. You simply replace the original air box on the car with a tube attached to a cone filter. It's a quick easy solution, and with low coverage, you'll get a nice growl from your engine.

A more dramatic approach is to replace the respiration system in your car all together with dedicated cold air intakes systems. This uses gaps in the car front bumper, and under the wheel wells to suck in cold air. Obviously you don't have to stop here. A turbocharger could give you the extra kick you need; it will suck even more cool air, while getting rid of the hot air.

The key to keep your car running smoothly is maintaining it, especially the intake system which needs to be kept clean and clear. Even the tiniest dust particles cannot only damage performance but also cause severe damage to specific mechanics. A lot of this can be solved by not being cheap parts, that break off the second you hit the throttle. A quality long-run air filter might be your best investment that you can replace and clean regularly.

All in all, if you want more out of your car then you bought, cold air intakes might be the choice for you. It provides greater performance, sound, fuel economy, and more, while also being cost-effective and simple. Seems like a win-win situation.