The car needs air as much as it needs fuel; the air filter protects the engine from dust and insects. The replacement or cleaning of this component must be done at regular intervals to allow the normal circulation of oxygen and keep the vehicle's performance at its best. This is an inexpensive and easy to replace replacement part, so you can do it yourself during your regular checkups.
Steps
Step 1. Buy the right replacement
It should be the same filter you replace. Read the user manual or contact an auto parts shop if you need help choosing.
Step 2. Park the car safely
Place it on level ground and apply the parking brake. Put the first gear (if you have a manual transmission) or move the selector lever to Park (if the car is automatic). Turn off the engine.
Step 3. Open the hood
Unlock it by pulling the lever inside the passenger compartment. Move to the front of the car to find the hook and open the hood completely, lift it and keep it open with the special rod.
Step 4. Locate the air filter
It is usually located at the top of the engine compartment.
- On old cars with carburetors, the air filter is under a bulky round casing made of plastic or metal.
- On modern fuel-injected vehicles there are square or rectangular housings, slightly off-centered between the engine and the front grille.
Step 5. Remove the protective cover
Loosen the clamp that closes and seals the air duct. Unscrew all screws / bolts securing the crankcase. Some models have wing nuts, others have a quick release system. Put the screws and all other parts in a safe place so that you can find them later. Remove the cover from the air duct and lift it from the lower part of the housing. Consult a mechanic if you don't know how.
Step 6. Remove the air filter
You are now able to see a square or rectangular filter made of cotton, paper or gauze. There is usually a rubber gasket that seals the inside of the unit. Simply lift the filter.
Step 7. Clean the housing
Connect the air hose to a compressor to blow away the dirt, or use a vacuum cleaner.
Seal the air duct with removable adhesive tape. It only takes a minute, but this will prevent debris from penetrating all the way to the engine
Step 8. Replace the filter
Put a new filter in place of the old one. Simply, insert it into the housing with the rubber gasket facing upwards. Make sure the edges are well sealed by the gasket.
Step 9. Put the cover back on
Carefully reposition the casing in the air duct and press everything down to close the unit.
Make sure it is well fixed; otherwise the engine performance would be affected. Close all screws or clamps and check that everything is firm and secure by tapping with your hands. Close the hood
Step 10. Check the air filter regularly to allow the engine to "breathe" and operate at maximum efficiency
Step 11. Change the filter every 50,000 km or once a year
If you drive on dusty roads, you should expect to be replaced more often. The user manual or the coupon calendar should suggest the right frequency.
Advice
- Some four-wheel drive or sports cars may have, in addition or as a replacement, another air filter immersed in oil. Consult the machine maintenance manual if you think this is your case. The filters in an oil bath, if designed to be reused, can be cleaned and immersed in a new oil. Go to an auto parts store to purchase the cleaning kit and replacement oil.
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Image Blowing away the dust is a temporary solution. You can clean the old filter until the material it is made of is torn, cracked, or stained with oil. Use a flashlight to check for oil. Keep it behind the filter to see, in transparency, if there are greasy spots blocking the passage of light. Proceed with cleaning if you can see the light. Blow away the dust with a compressor, if you have one, or use a vacuum cleaner. Make sure you clean all sides of the filter. At the end you can reassemble the clean filter but it is advisable to buy a new one so that you can replace it at the next check.
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Image Maintenance manuals. Still not sure what an air filter looks like, where it is, which spare parts to use or how to remove the casing? If you do not find the instructions in the vehicle user manual, look for a copy of the maintenance manual (this is different). Some are available online, some are available from auto parts stores, and still others are available in well-stocked libraries.
Warnings
- Make sure the vehicle is well parked and stationary.
- If for some reason you have to work under the vehicle, make sure it is well secured and supported.
- Turn off the engine when working on the car. Remember that some components can get hot when the engine is running.
