what does a cold air intake do

A cold air intake is an aftermarket modification that replaces the stock air intake system in a vehicle. The purpose of a cold air intake is to improve the engines performance by increasing the amount of cold, dense air that enters the engine. The stock air intake system in most cars already contains a "cold air intake," since the factory airbox usually sucks air from an area remote from the hot components, like the fender or bumper. However, aftermarket cold air intake systems move the air filter outside of the engine compartment so that cooler air can be sucked into the engine for combustion. Cooler air is denser, so it brings more oxygen into the combustion chamber, which means more power. Cold air intake systems can also help an engine breathe better and increase airflow, thanks to the larger and wider diameter intake tubes. The benefits of adding an aftermarket cold air intake system may not be known until after you’ve spent the money to buy it and the time (or money) to install it. However, cold air intakes are an inexpensive modification (typically a few hundred dollars) and easier to install than most other engine modifications.