How To Replace an Air Filter

Most automobile manufacturers will recommend that you change your air filter every 15,000 miles or once per year. However, the environment that you drive in can speed that interval up considerably. For example if you live in the desert Southwest blowing sand or sand storms can clog a filter in no time. If you work at a place that has high emissions like a power plant or any other "smokestack" facility those particles can accelerate the clogging of your filter.

If you notice a reduction in mileage or engine performance, check the condition of your air filter before you convince yourself it's time for a tune up. Air filters are a lot less expensive than a set of spark plugs and you're not likely to skin your knuckles installing a filter.

• A replacement filter
• Clean shop towel

Inspect the filter before making a decision to replace it particularly if you drive in environments like those listed above. Sometimes filters can be cleaned sufficiently so you don't have to buy a new one after every sand storm.

The first step in an inspection is to locate the filter. On older carbureted cars it will be in a circular housing about the size of a medium pizza located on top of the engine. Typically these are secured with a wing nut. Unscrew the wing nut, remove the lid and then remove the filter. Newer vehicles will have the filter in a "box" set off to one side of the engine compartment. These boxes are usually secured with clips. Undo the clips, remove the box and then remove the filter.

Take a flashlight and shine it on the back of the filter. If you can see a fair amount of light shining through you might want to try cleaning it. To clean an air filter go to a gas station that has a compressed air station for tires and use it to blow out the crud from your filter. If you can't see any light from the flashlight it's time for a replacement. Check the old filter for the model number so you can get the correct replacement.

1. Purchase a replacement filter.
2. Locate and remove the air filter housing.
3. Remove the old air filter.
4. Use a shop rag to clean up the space in the filter housing. Odds are some of the dirt on the filter has found its way into the housing and the next stop is the engine. If there are stubborn spots of grime use a rag and cleaning solvent but make sure the housing is completely dry before installing the new filter.
5. Drop in the new filter.
6. Reinstall the filter housing.

Changing your air filter is perhaps one of the easiest, fastest and cheapest maintenance tasks that you can perform on your car. It's also one that can have a direct impact on performance and if done regularly can save you a chunk of change in fuel not to mention protecting your engine from abrasive grit.

If you don't remember the last time you changed your filter, why not take ten minutes today and inspect it?

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