How to Change Your Air Filter

Last Updated: September 20, 2022

Your car needs air just as much as it needs fuel; air filters keep the inside of the engine free of dust and insects. Replace or clean your air filter at the recommended interval to keep air flowing freely and your car running its best. Air filters are inexpensive and quick to replace, so you can do this routine maintenance yourself.

Steps

1
Obtain the correct replacement filter. If you need assistance finding the correct filter, an auto parts store or its website can help you identify the correct filter that fits your vehicle's airbox. Try to get the stock filter that comes with your vehicle to get the most engine life and fuel efficiency out of your vehicle.^{[1]
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2
Secure the vehicle. Park the car on level ground and apply the parking brake. Shift into first gear (manual transmission) or Park (automatic transmission), and turn off the ignition.

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3
[Open the Hood of a Vehicle|Open the bonnet]] (hood). Release the bonnet with the lever inside the car. Move the exterior bonnet catch for final release. Lift the bonnet and secure it with the prop rod (if necessary).
4
Locate the air box. The air box housing is usually situated near the engine along a duct that travels from the front of the car.^{[2]
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- On older cars with carburetors the filter is usually under a bulky, round cover made of plastic or metal.
- Newer, fuel-injected cars tend to have a square or rectangular air filter housing can be found slightly off centre between the front grill and the engine.
5
Remove the air filter cover. Loosen the hose clamp that seals the air conduct. Undo all the screws holding the air filter cover. Some models have wing nuts; other air filters are just clamped on with a quick release system. Keep screws and other parts together and in a safe location so you can find them later. Pull the cover out of the air conduit and lift it up so it comes off the lower part of the housing.^{[3]
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6
Take out the air filter. Now you can see a round or rectangular filter made of cotton, paper or gauze. Filters have a rubber rim that seals off the unit's interior. Simply lift the filter out of the housing.^{[4]
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7
Clean the air filter housing.Connect the air hose to the compressor and use the compressed air to blow out the dust, or use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt.
- Seal the air conduit with removable adhesive tape. It only takes a minute and that way you won't get any dirt into the engine whilst cleaning.
8
Replace the filter. Replace the old filter with a new one. Simply insert it into the housing with the rubber rim facing up. Make sure the edges are sealed by the rubber rim.^{[5]
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9
Replace the cover. Carefully insert the cover back into the air conduit and then press the entire piece down onto the lower half of the air filter unit.
- Make sure it's on straight and securely; otherwise you could alter engine performance. Tighten all the screws or clamps and recheck that you have put everything firmly back together by rocking the unit gently with both hands. Shut the bonnet securely.
10
Check the filter regularly to keep your car breathing at maximum efficiency by keeping the dust out.
11
Change the filter every 50,000 km (30,000 miles), or about once a year. If you drive in a dusty area, it will need replacement more often. Your owner's manual or periodic maintenance guide should have recommendations for your car.

Community Q&A

Question

Where's the fuel filter on a 2010 Dodge charger?

Community Answer

Follow the lines from the gas tank. It shoudl be close to the gas tank. You can search the internet to see what it looks like.
Question

How do I take the Air Filter cover off the Seat Ibizer Chill 2002 14cc Hatchback car?

Community Answer

Cabin or Intake? If you are mechanically inclined all you need is a screw driver and pliers.
Question

How long does this usually take?

Community Answer

It doesn't take long at all -- one to five minutes, even if it's your first time. Unscrew or unclip the top cover, pull the old one out, drop the new one in, replace the top.

Warnings

Turn off the engine while working on it. Remember that certain parts of the engine may be hot if you have been running the car.

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Helpful 17 Not Helpful 2
Make sure that you properly secure the vehicle.

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Helpful 16 Not Helpful 7
If for some reason you must work underneath the vehicle, make sure it is securely and properly supported.

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