How to Change Your Car Air Filter

By | March 2, 2022

How to Change Your Car Air Filter
Replacing the air filter on a car is usually a simple procedure and can be done by almost any home do-it-yourself type of person.

What is a Car Air Filter?
All combustible engines need to air fed into the intake for combustion to happen.

If the air fed into the intake is dirty, it can scar the sidewall of the combustion chamber.

If the wall is damaged too much, the seal usually held by the piston rings is bypassed, and an engine will begin to have compression problems.

Air filters clean out any debris that otherwise may go into an engine and damage the combustion chamber.

How Often Should a Car Air Filter Be Replaced?
Filter replacement depends on the car manufacturer’s recommendation but is generally done every 15,000 – 30,000 miles.

The region can also make a difference. For example a desert location will need the filter replaced more often compared to a mountainous region.
 
How to Change Your Car Air Filter

  1. The first thing is to locate the air filter box, which will have a large intake for air to flow in. The air-box location will vary from car to car, but the same principle will apply.
  2. How to Change Your Car Air Filter

  3. Once the air-box is identified, clips or screws will hold it in place and need to be removed.
  4. How to Change Your Car Air Filter 2017

  5. After the clips or screws are removed, the cover should come off.
  6. How to Change and Replace Your Car Air Filter

  7. After the air box is open, the filter can be removed.
  8. Remove the air filter

  9. Inserting a new filter is simply the reverse of the steps above.

Summary
Replacing an air filter in a vehicle is routine maintenance almost anyone can do.

Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take the car to a professional.

There are some cars that will make removal more difficult by having lines in the way, but the procedure is basically the same.

If you are unsure where your air filter box is located, use the Google image search, which should guide you to the right spot.

Alternatively, vehicle manuals can be bought which will show a step-by-step procedure for your particular car or truck.

Buying a new filter is also easily done from any auto part store or even online with Amazon or eBay.

Sometimes the old filter will not be that dirty and can be reused, although it is best to replace it.

Air compressors can sometimes be used to blow small amounts of debris from a filter that is mostly clean.

If you live in a desert area where a lot of dust is blown around replacing, a filter will need to be done more often.

Doing your own basic car maintenance, such as replacing the air filter, is a routine job that almost anyone can do and a great way to save on cost.

As always, go to a professional if you have any doubts.

Category: General Automotive Repair

About Bob Thomas

Bob Thomas is an automotive mechanic with 30 plus years experience. He is a contributor to several publications and has written many articles on automotive maintenance and repairs. He also has created many auto repair videos on YouTube.

2 thoughts on “How to Change Your Car Air Filter

  1. Elanie Driss

    To keep your vehicle’s engine free from getting any damaged of clogged it is necessary to do its maintenance by a car expert. One of the most effective way to keeping engine free from any damage you need to replace old air filter with a new one. Filter replacement depends on the car but is generally done every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. If you have basic idea about taking care of your car’s air filter and it’s maintenance do it yourself to get better result otherwise take help of a car mechanic.

    Reply
  2. Ronald linville

    I seen your video on YouTube, I’m changing the air filter on a 2004 Mitsubishi endeavor. I can’t get the two halves of the box to line up after I put the new filter in.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.