Owning a car is not easy. When you buy a car, lots of maintenance responsibilities come along, but one task that’s often overlooked is replacing the air filter. You might not think about it often, but a clean air filter is like a breath of fresh air for your car’s engine. Have you ever noticed how we perform better in a clean and fresh environment? It’s the same! A car air filter is essential for your car’s engine to run smoothly and efficiently. So, understanding how often to replace air filters in a car is crucial to keep your car in good condition.
What Does Air Filter Do?
The air filter in your car plays a crucial role in preventing dust, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the engine and maintaining your car’s overall performance. An air filter in any car ensures that the air that mixes with the fuel is clean and optimal for combustion. There are two primary air filters: engine air filter and cabin air filter.
The cabin filter is essential for maintaining air quality inside the car and ensuring the optimal performance of the air conditioning system.
While the engine air filter ensures your engine breathes clean air and protects from damage, the cabin air filter keeps the air inside your car’s cabin fresh and free from pollutants.
How to Know When Your Air Filter Needs Replacement
Knowing the early signs of replacement can save you from potential engine problems and even big accidents. Thankfully, it’s easy to determine the problem in this case. Some of the signs that your air filter might need replacing are:
Cabin Air Filter
Reduced Airflow from Vents: If you notice weaker airflow from your air conditioning or heating system, a clogged cabin air filter might be the issue.
Unpleasant Odors: A musty or bad smell in the cabin often points to a dirty or clogged cabin air filter.
Increased Allergies or Dust Accumulation: More allergens, dust, or particles in the air can indicate the filter is no longer effectively trapping contaminants.
Noise from the Vent System: A clogged filter can create extra pressure on the fan, causing unusual sounds when using the air conditioning or heating.
Engine Air Filter
Looks Dirty: A dirty air filter is one of the most obvious indications to replace your air filter.
A clean air filter is off-white but a dirt-trapped air filter is gray or brown.
Lower Fuel Efficiency: If your car is using more fuel than usual, a dirty air filter might be to blame. It can block airflow, making the engine work harder and use more gas. A clogged filter forces the engine to work harder, leading to decreased fuel economy.
Engine Misfires: If your engine is misfiring or you notice a rough idle, it could be due to a clogged air filter. A clogged filter can restrict airflow, causing engine misfires and reduced performance.
Increased Emissions: A clean air filter helps your engine run efficiently, reducing emissions.
Weird Noises: Unusual noises from under the hood can be a sign of air filter issues. If you hear hissing sounds when your car is idle, it’s high time to change the engine air filter of your car.
Check Engine Light: Check engine light can indicate several problems in the car, but a clogged air filter can also be one of the reasons to trigger the check engine light.
Slow Acceleration: If your car feels sluggish when you press the accelerator, it might be time to check your car’s air filter.
When Should You Replace Your Air Filter?
There are different recommendations from different manufacturers to replace your car’s air filter. Timely air filter replacement is crucial for maintaining engine performance and efficiency.
Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter ensures clean air circulation inside your car by filtering dust, allergens, and pollutants. A clean cabin filter is essential for a comfortable and healthy interior environment.
Replacement Interval:
- Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year.
- If you drive in areas with heavy pollution or dusty conditions, inspect and replace it more frequently.
Engine Air Filter
The engine air filter is responsible for keeping the air entering the engine clean, enabling optimal combustion and preventing dirt and debris from causing damage.
Replacement Interval:
- Parham K., a car detailing expert, recommends changing the engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 kilometers) in a normal driving condition.
- If you drive in dusty or polluted areas or more harsh conditions, consider shorter replacement intervals.
While you don’t have to change the air filter at every oil change, it is recommended to inspect the filter at every oil change and replace it as needed. Knowing when to replace a new air filter and following proper inspection procedures is essential to avoid contaminating the clean side of the filter.
How to Change Your Car’s Air Filter
Replacing your car air filter is a simple task you can do with minimal tools.
There are different types of filters available depending on the make and model. Start with selecting the right filter for your car and follow the given steps:
Cabin Air Filter
- The cabin filter is usually located behind the glove compartment or under the hood. Check your car’s manual for specific instructions.
- For glove compartment filters, remove any screws or clips holding the compartment in place. Open the housing by unsnapping or unscrewing its lid.
- Carefully slide out the old filter. Take note of its orientation to ensure correct installation of the new one.
- Place the new filter in the housing with the airflow arrows aligned properly. Ensure it fits snugly without bending or forcing it.
- Close the housing lid and secure it with clips or screws. Reattach the glove compartment if necessary.
Engine Air Filter
- The engine air filter is usually housed in a rectangular box in the engine bay. Consult your car’s manual to identify the exact location.
- Unclip or unscrew the housing lid. Be cautious to avoid damaging any parts.
- Remove the old filter carefully to prevent dirt from falling into the housing.
- Check for debris or dirt inside the housing and clean it with a dry cloth if necessary.
- Place the new air filter into the housing with the correct orientation (refer to the arrows or instructions on the filter).
- Close the lid and ensure it’s securely fastened with clips or screws.
- Ensure everything is in place and there are no loose parts before closing the hood.
Tips for Maintaining Your Car’s Air Filter
To extend the life of the air filter and keep your car running efficiently, it’s important to check on your air filter from time to time. Consider the following things to maintain your car’s air filter:
Regular Inspection: Check your air filter regularly, especially if you frequently drive in dusty conditions.
Use High-Quality Filters: Invest in a high-quality air filter. It can improve your car’s performance and longevity.
Panda Tip: If any mechanic recommends you to change the engine air filter every 2000 - 5000 miles or at every oil change, RUN, that’s a red flag!
Conclusion
Replacing your car’s air filter is a simple yet important task for your vehicle to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
Whether you choose to do it by yourself or choose a professional to handle it, maintaining a clean air filter will save you money by preventing potential engine problems.
Remember, a well-maintained car not only performs better but also provides a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. So, give your car’s air filter the attention it deserves!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my car's air filter myself?
Changing air filters is quite an easy task for you to do at home saving you money.
You can get a new air filter according to your car’s model and replace your old air filter with the new one by unscrewing and fitting it properly in the housing. Be careful while handling the parts to prevent any damage.
How much does it cost to change the air filter in a car?
Changing or replacing your car’s air filter can cost between $20 - $50. It depends on the type of car and the quality of the air filter.
What happens if you don’t replace the engine air filter of your car?
An air filter catches unwanted dirt and other contaminants. If you don’t replace your air filter on time, it can reduce engine performance, increase fuel consumption, and lead to potential damage due to contaminants.
What are the symptoms of a clogged air filter in a car?
One of the most common ways to spot a clogged air filter is to look at it. A dirty air filter is the major symptom of a clogged air filter. A bad air filter can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, making your car use more gas than usual. It can also cause engine misfires, weird noises, or slow acceleration, indicating the engine is not getting enough air.
What type of air filter should I use?
To choose the best air filter for your car, we recommend you consult your car’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications.
You can also consider high-quality aftermarket filters that meet or exceed OEM standards and fit well for your car.
How to extend the life of air filters?
The best way to extend the life of your car’s air filters is to regularly clean it. It helps to maintain the air quality of your car and improves its performance.
