A fresh air filter is the key to your vehicle’s performance. It provides your car with clean air that is introduced into your enginewithout any dirt, dust, or debris, and finally converts into better fuel economy, extended engine lifespan, and purer emissions. Changing your vehicle’s air filter is a simple maintenance process that can save you money and keep you out of the repair garage.
DIY or Professional Help?
Before picking up a wrench, decide whether a DIY air filter replacement is the right call. If you’re confident with basic car maintenance and have a little time to spare, replacing an air filter yourself is straightforward and requires minimal tools. Most modern car designs make it simple to access the filter housing without complicated disassembly.
Or, if you’re not capable of doing it or don’t have the slightest idea what your car should look like, then an Audi service center in Peoria, for example, would be the way to go. Pros will also check for other potential problems, such as damage to the housing or more serious engine problems.
If you’re going to do it yourself, below is all that you need to know about changing your car air filter in five simple steps.
Step 1: Find the Air Filter Housing
Your air filter is in a rectangle or square housing in the space under the hood. The owner’s manual in your vehicle can be used to locate it. The housing would be a black plastic assembly near the engine, typically with screws or clips sealing it up. There should be an intake hose connecting to the housing, bringing in clean air into the filter.
After finding the housing, clear the obstructions around the area to give yourself enough working space. This will make the process easier and prevent damage to other nearby components.
Step 2: Open the Housing and Remove the Old Filter
Gently release the clips or unscrew the screws to open the housing. Gently lift the cover and set it aside. You will now be able to view the old air filter inside the housing. Pay attention to the filter’s orientation, as the new filter will need to be installed the same way. Remove the old filter, examining it for excessive dirt and debris. If it’s caked with grime, you’ve just found the source of reduced performance and increased fuel costs.
Dispose of the old filter properly – most local car dealerships will take used filters to be recycled.
Step 3: Clean the Housing
Wait for a minute or two before emptying the housing interior before installing the new filter. Wipe clean the housing using a clean, damp cloth to remove any dirt, dust, and debris. This prevents any impurities from interfering with the operation of the new replacement filter. You don’t want to introduce debris to the intake hose, since this will create engine problems.
Removing the cover also gives a great chance to inspect for any cracks or signs of wear and tear that would require a professional touch.
Step 4: Install the New Filter
Obtain your new air filter and ensure it is the same size and shape as the old one. Ensure the direction and insert it smoothly into the housing. All filters come with an arrow or indicator in the direction of airflow, so ensure it faces your engine’s direction of airflow. With it installed, press on the housing cover and prepare to close it.
Step 5: Close the Housing
Close the housing cover by re-seating clips or re-tightening screws you loosened before to achieve mounting space. Provide some looseness so that everything receives a snug fit into place. The final procedure is to create a seal preventing dust and trash from entering but allowing clean air to reach your engine.
It’s always nice to rev the engine a bit and take your car for a spin after an air filter change to make sure everything is fine.
Keeping a Healthy Air Filter
Regular replacement of air filters is highly important in maintaining your car’s health and fitness. Replacing your air filter with a new one can give your engine an added boost of performance, save fuel, and even lower emissions. Replacing your vehicle’s filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (or according to your car manufacturer’s recommendations) is an affordable but practical way of keeping your car lasting longer.
Whether you do it yourself or have the professionals do it, having air filter replacement as part of your maintenance routine guarantees smoother rides down the road.
