You may not be prepared to perform car maintenance work, such as changing oil or replacing spark plugs, but changing your vehicle's engine air filter is an easy task you can do. Doing this work yourself can result in big savings. Place the new filter in the housing, making sure it is aligned on both sides. Replace the cover and replace the latches.
It is recommended that you change your air filter once every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you live in a particularly dusty place, do so more often. It's always a good idea to check at least the air filter every time the oil is changed. If you put your car in a quick lubricant and the mechanic says you need a new one, tell him you're going to wait for it and then change it yourself. Refer to the owner's manual for specific information on when to change the air filter for your make and model.
On many popular vehicles, the cabin air filter is easy to change without the need for tools. Watch this video or read below for the step-by-step guide to installing your new cabin air filter. Replacing the cabin air filter will also help minimize the load on your car's air conditioning system. A reduced amount of air means that the engine needs to use more fuel to get the same power and run the engine. Replace or clean the air filters at the recommended interval to maintain free airflow and keep your car running at its best.
Of course, if you drive your vehicle frequently in dusty conditions or in highly polluting areas, you'll probably want to replace your cabin air filter more often. Whether it's a pollen cabin air filter or an activated carbon cabin air filter will keep your vehicle free of harmful pollution. Most drivers probably don't think about their cabin air filter until the interior of their car starts to smell bad or the oil change shop employee adds one to the upsell list. When an old filter becomes clogged with dust and pollen, the air conditioner has to work harder to pump air from the outside into the cabin through the restricted filter. In addition to removing pollen from the air, the cabin air filter also reduces exhaust gas pollution from vehicles around you. The reality is that changing your car's air filter is possibly the simplest maintenance job you can perform.
If you're asking “can I change my car's cabin air filter myself?”, the answer is undoubtedly “yes”. Even with the windows closed, pollution and pollen can enter your car through the ventilation grilles if the cabin air filter is not in good condition. However, like the engine air filter, the cabin filter can become clogged and affect the performance of your car's air conditioning system, as well as the quality of the air inside the vehicle. There is usually an arrow to indicate the intended air flow of the filter, but other than that, you just want to make sure that the filter is installed correctly without damage.
Perform a quick inspection of this area to make sure there are no leaves or other debris that could affect airflow to the cab. A clogged or dirty air filter will accelerate engine wear, cause poor performance, and increase fuel consumption by up to 10%. Air filters should never be cleaned with compressed air or knocked on a table; this will only leave a false impression that the filter is clean.
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