Unlock better fuel efficiency and engine performance by replacing your car air filter.
Time 10 - 20 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$20 to $50
Introduction
Protect your engine and improve its performance by learning how to change the air filter in your car with this step-by-step project.
It is easy to overlook the engine air filter located beneath the hood, but it is critical to the life and performance of your engine. Changing the air filter in your vehicle is a simple and straightforward automotive maintenance task that typically requires no tools other than maybe a screwdriver. Follow along as we walk through the process.
What Does a Car Air Filter Do?
An air filter is constructed from treated pulp paper folded into pleats to trap harmful airborne contaminants from reaching your engine. According to automotive expert Bob Lacivita, a clean engine air filter provides better fuel economy by maintaining the optimum air-to-fuel ratio. It Improves the acceleration and performance by allowing the maximum amount of air to enter the combustion chamber. It also increases mass airflow (MAF) sensor accuracy, reduces vehicle emissions, and prolongs engine life by keeping the smallest grit out of the engine.
How Often Should You Change Your Car Air Filter
You should replace your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but it might need to be replaced more often depending on your driving environment. If you drive in a dusty environment often, you will want to change your air filter sooner than 12,000 miles. I live in the suburbs of the Midwest, so I like to change my air filter once a year.
Tools Required
- Screwdriver
Materials Required
- New engine air filter
Project step-by-step (7)
Step 1
Purchase a replacement engine air filter
Not all cars require the same size air filter. You can find the size your car needs in the owner’s manual or online. Most auto parts stores allow you to input your vehicle’s year, make, and model on their website or on a kiosk at the store to determine which air filter is compatible with your car.
Step 2
Where does the air filter go?
To replace your engine air filter, start by turning off the car, ensuring the engine is cooled off, and opening the hood. Then, refer to your car manual or search online to locate the air filter housing.
Step 3
Unlock the housing
Unclip the housing that holds the engine air filter in place. A few clips or screws usually secure housings. If it is secured by screws, use a screwdriver to loosen them.
Step 4
Remove the old engine filter
Remove the engine filter from the housing by pulling it out of the housing and discarding it.
Step 5
Install the new filter
Visually inspect the empty housing and clean out any visible debris. Wipe down the edges around the housing to ensure the new filter has a snug, sealed fit. Install the new air filter in the same configuration as the one just removed, usually with the folded pleats facing downward.
Step 6
Close the housing
Press down on the edges to ensure the air filter sits flat in the housing. Line up and latch the air filter housing back into place. This can be finicky when realigning all the housing clips. When the housing is closed, close the car’s hood.
Step 7
FAQ
What happens if you don’t change your air filter?
If you don’t change your air filter, the engine could stop starting if the air filter becomes clogged. On top of that, gas mileage decreases, airflow to the combustion chamber decreases, tailpipe emissions increase and engine life decreases.
How do I know when it’s time to change my air filter?
To know when it’s time to change your air filter, watch for the engine light to illuminate, decreased fuel economy, difficulty accelerating, unusual engine noise, or dark smoke from the tailpipe.
