How to Replace Car Air Filters
October 11, 2024
Your engine needs clean air to work properly, and that’s where the engine air filter comes in. Over time, your car’s filter gets clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, which can choke off airflow and make your engine work harder than it needs to.
As you can guess, this isn’t sustainable long-term, and swapping out the old filter for a fresh one helps restore power, improves fuel economy, and keeps your engine running strong.
The good news? Changing your car’s filter is one of the easiest DIY tasks you can knock out in just a few minutes! In this article, we’ll cover everything from how to tell if your car’s air filter needs replacing to the handful of simple steps it takes to replace it.
How to Tell If a Car Air Filter Needs Replacing
Besides going by the recommended mileage, how do you tell if a car filter needs replacing? There’s no need to wait until your car gives up—there are a couple of things you can look out for:
- Sluggish acceleration: A dirty filter can restrict airflow, cutting into your engine’s power. Your fuel mileage will also go down due to the lack of air.
- Visual check: Hold the filter up to a light source—if you can’t see much light passing through, it’s time for a change.
Do’s & Don’ts When Changing a Car’s Air Filter
Like most projects, guidelines help ensure that everything goes according to plan (or as close to it as possible!). The process of changing the filter is pretty straightforward, but before you get started, keep these pointers in mind:
Do’s:
- Do check your manual for the correct filter size and type for your vehicle. You can’t do much with the wrong-sized filter.
- Do clean out the filter housing before putting in the new one—keep things tidy.
- Do replace the breather filter (if your car has one) while you’re at it.
Don’ts:
- Don’t ignore regular checks—make sure to inspect your air filter often, especially if you’re driving more frequently or live in areas with higher levels of air pollution.
- Don’t let dirt fall into the engine while swapping out the filter. Always keep your workspace clean.
- Don’t use a filter that doesn’t fit properly—no one likes having to return things, but if you try to cram the wrong filter in place, you’ll end up with unfiltered air in your engine.
Step-by-Step Process to Changing an Air Filter in a Car
Now that we’ve touched on the prerequisites of changing your car’s air filter, you can get started. But first, make sure you have everything you need!
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
You’ll need some essential tools to get started:
- Flathead, Phillips, Socket(s) or Torx screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench (for older cars)
- Needle-nose pliers
- New air filter (make sure it’s the right one for your car)
Step 2: Find the Air Filter Housing
Pop the hood and locate the air filter housing. If you’ve never swapped out a filter, you might be asking, “Where is the air filter in a car?” It’s typically near the top of the engine or connected to the intake hose.
On older, carbureted engines, it’s in a big round metal housing. For newer cars, it’s in a rectangular box attached to the air intake.
Step 3: Remove the Old Filter
Open the housing by removing screws or clips. Pull out the old air filter. Be careful not to drop dirt into the intake—use a clean rag to wipe out the inside of the housing if needed.
Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Housing
Check the air filter housing for dirt or debris. Clean it out with a rag to ensure no dirt ends up in your engine. If your car has a breather filter, this is also a good time to check and replace it.
Step 5: Install the New Filter
Drop the new filter into place, making sure it’s seated properly. If you’re replacing the breather filter, don’t forget to take care of that as well.
6. Close the Air Filter Box
Once the new filter is in, put the housing cover back on and tighten the screws or clips. Double-check to make sure everything is secure and that there are no loose parts.
That’s it. This is probably the easiest thing you’ll ever have to do to a vehicle, only second to topping off your wiper fluid.
FAQs About Car Filter Replacement
How often should I change the air filter on my car?
Unlike changing your car’s oil, most air filters only need to be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or about once a year. But if you drive in dusty conditions, you might need to do it sooner.
Are air filters hard to replace?
Nope! Replacing the air filter is one of the easiest things you can do. All it takes is a few basic tools, a new filter, and some time out of your day.
How long does it take to replace the air filter in a car?
Changing your car’s engine filter usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how easily you can access the filter housing.
What happens if you don’t change the air filter in a car?
Nothing good, really. If you ignore it for too long, a clogged air filter can lead to reduced engine performance, lower fuel efficiency, and, in the worst-case scenario, engine damage.
Get Even More Automotive Skills Under Your Belt With WyoTech
Learning how to change the air filter in a car isn’t the most exciting or challenging thing to do, but it is important nonetheless. Now that you know how to change an engine car filter, why not see what else you can do?
If you’re looking to learn more hands-on skills, check out the different programs we have available here at WyoTech. You’ll spend over half of your time in the shop, learning from experienced instructors and developing real-world skills that prepare you for the workforce from day one.