How to Change Your Cars Air Filter

You may not be ready to tackle car maintenance jobs like changing the oil or replacing spark plugs, but changing your vehicle’s engine air filter is an easy job that you can do. Doing this job yourself can result in big savings.

Step One

Open your car’s hood and find the engine air filter housing. It’s a black plastic box that sits on top of or to the side of the engine. You will see a large hose sticking out of its side.

Step Two

Open the air filter housing and take out the old air filter (use caution when removing the housing cover as it may have wiring harness and electrical components attached to it). The air filter housing can be fastened together with screws, clips, clamps or wing nuts. Take note of what kind of fasteners are used and select the appropriate tool to remove them. To open the air filter housing, you simply remove the fasteners, remove the top of the air filter housing and take out the air filter. Remove any dirt or debris that is in the housing by wiping it out with a rag.

Step Three

Inspect the old engine air filter to make sure that it is dirty and needs changing. Look inside the pleats, if you see a lot of dirt, it is time to change the air filter. You can also tap the filter and if dirt falls out, your air filter is past its prime and needs replacing.

Step Four

Place the new engine air filter in the filter box. Insert it with the rubber rim facing up. Ensure that it is seated correctly.

Step Five

Put the top of the housing back on and put the fasteners back on. That’s it! You have replaced your air filter and saved a bunch money by doing the job yourself.