Changing your cars air filter on most models is a fairly easy task with great rewards in improved fuel millage and engine performance and at today's fuel prices we need all the help we can get! One of our most used excuses for not changing the filter is: " I do not have one handy." I suggest keeping a new filter in the trunk for quick access.You can pick one up at any parts store.The counter person will be more than happy to help you pick one out.
How often do I need to change my filter?
Most filter intervals depend on the kind of driving you do. You can find the manufacturers suggestions for changing the filter in the owners manual but this is a determined interval based on average roads. If you live on a gravel road for instance, you will want to change it more often than if you lived on a clean black top road or in the city Usually a visual inspection will determine what kind of shape the filter is in.
How can I tell when the filter needs changing?
To determine this you must remove the filter from the filter box. If you do not know where the filter is located, look it up in the owners manual. Once you have found the filter box, remove the cover and filter. This may require a Torx or Phillips screwdriver or possibly a set of nut drivers, sockets, or the cover may just have a wing nut holding it closed. Be sure to clean out the box where the filter is located, as it tends to trap dirt, sand, leaves and such.
Once you have the filter out look for any discoloration or foreign material plugging the filters air flow. One good way to determine how much dirt is caught in the filter is to look at the paper fins. If they are no longer straight and are all wrinkled up, this means the filter is ready to be changed.
Get your new filter out and install it in the filter box. Replace the cover, making sure the filter is properly in place, as it is very easy to strip out the bolts holding down the cover when the filter is dislodged.
Points to remember.
All filters are not the same
There may also be a cabin filter for the passenger cabin
A dirty filter is hard on millage and performance
Make sure you keep up on your vehicle maintenance as a well maintained car will be more efficient and you will have peace of mind.
Happy driving!
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