Car air filters from the K&N brand are expensive because they are very robust and last a long time. Unlike normal paper ones, they can be cleaned and reused for tens of thousands of kilometers, which saves you from having to change them regularly. Best of all, cleaning is child's play. Using the refill kit included in the box, simply spray the filter with the cleaning solution, rinse it and apply a new coat of anti-dust oil. Keeping it clean and in good condition ensures lower fuel consumption and better engine performance.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Clean the Filter
Step 1. Take it apart
Lift the hood of the vehicle to gain access to the engine compartment. Locate the air filter - this element is almost always found inside a large plastic box which makes it easily recognizable. If there are circular clamps or latches holding this element in place, unhook them and lift the filter upwards.
- Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, this piece could be flat, circular or conical; cleaning methods do not vary regardless of the type of filter.
- You can put a rag or other object in the empty compartment to prevent dust and other debris from entering the engine after removing the filter.
Step 2. Determine if you need to clean it
The K&N company recommends cleaning its air filters only when the creases are covered with a thick layer of dust or dirt to make them invisible. If you can still see them clearly, you don't have to proceed even if the filter looks dirty.
If it's clogged, full of lint, or has lost all traces of a red oil coating, it likely needs to be washed
Step 3. Shake it to loosen dust and dirt
Shake it gently to loosen any residue on the surface. Wear eye protection and a face mask, if you have them, to avoid inhaling the particles; do not proceed too vigorously and do not touch the folds directly as you could damage them.
- You can also use a soft bristle brush to remove dirt without damaging the filter.
- To avoid dirtying the whole environment, it is advisable to proceed outdoors.
Step 4. Spray the cleaning solution
Take the can of spray product included in the filter package and apply a large dose to both sides. It is important to clean both the external and internal surfaces and not only the dirty external folds; make sure every part is well coated with cleaner.
- Use whatever solution you think is necessary to do a thorough job on both sides.
- You can buy K&N cleaner online or at auto parts stores that stock this brand.
Step 5. Let the product act on the filter for 10 minutes
In this way, it penetrates the encrusted dirt facilitating rinsing operations; meanwhile, put the filter in the sink or on a towel. This way, you prevent the dissolved grime from dripping onto your work surface and soiling it.
Be careful that the cleaner does not dry on the filter
Part 2 of 3: Rinse and Dry the Filter
Step 1. Rinse it from the inside to the outside using cold water
Open the faucet or garden hose valve to let a gentle flow out. Hold the filter directly under running water, so that it can pass through the inner portion and exit on the other side; in doing so, it brings with it the dust and dirt stirred up by the detergent.
- By rinsing the filter from the outside to the inside, you only allow the dirt to penetrate deeper.
- If it is in really bad condition, you have to repeat the procedure more than once to make it functional again.
Step 2. Shake off excess water
Alternatively, you can rest the filter on another object by tilting it so that it can drip. Try to get rid of as much moisture as possible, but even then you don't have to be too vigorous.
- Lay it on a clean, dry towel to absorb water faster.
- To speed up the process, leave the filter in a well-ventilated room with a mild temperature.
Step 3. Let it dry overnight
Typically, it takes 6-8 hours for the filter to dry completely indoors; for this reason, organize the procedure when you know you should not use the vehicle.
- Do not apply oil to the still wet piece.
- If necessary, you can install a temporary filter in the engine to be able to use the car while the K&N part dries.
Part 3 of 3: Grease the Filter
Step 1. Apply a thin layer of oil to each crease
The cleaning kit should also include a spray can or a bottle with a spout. The oil must be spread directly on each fold of the filter; if you are using the bottle, slide the spout over the top of the filter while squeezing it; if you have a can, hold the filter a few centimeters from the nozzle and spread an even layer of lubricant.
- K&N filter oil contains a slight red tint to highlight the treated areas; at the end of the work the whole piece should be reddish.
- Use kitchen paper to wipe off excess lubricant along the edges and spread the lubricant over the creases more evenly.
- Remember to work outdoors or in another well-ventilated area and spray the oil away from your face.
Step 2. Let the lubricant work for 20 minutes
In this way, it penetrates the fabric creating an even more effective barrier.
- The oil allows the filter to capture larger amounts of dust, dirt and other debris entering the air intake.
- It is also used to protect the filter from wear and prolong its life.
Step 3. Mount the filter
Slide it into its housing inside the engine compartment. Remember to re-connect each clip and fastening mechanism to lock it; at this point, the vehicle's engine is protected and optimized again, ready to drive another 80,000 km on the roads!
- Although K&N filters are designed to last a long time, you should still get used to checking yours every 40,000km.
- If you put something to clog the filter compartment while cleaning, remember to take it out before installing the piece.
Advice
- Carefully note the kilometers traveled to know exactly when you need to clean or change the air filter.
- It is worth wearing gloves to prevent the cleaning solution and oil from dirtying your hands.
- You can significantly reduce drying times by leaving the filter outside on a hot and sunny day.
- If you often drive on dusty unpaved roads, you need to clean the air filter more frequently.
- When you notice structural damage to the fabric portion of the filter, it's time to buy a new one.
Warnings
- Do not use other tools, such as a hair dryer, oven or microwave, to speed up drying times as you will definitely ruin the filter.
- Be careful not to over-oil it; Excess lubricant could be sucked into the air intake, causing the engine warning light to come on and limiting the car's performance.
