Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Air is as important to your car as gasoline. An air filter protects the engine from dust and insects. Replace or clean filters at the recommended intervals to maintain free air circulation and improve the performance of your machine. Air filters are inexpensive and quick to replace, so you can do this routine yourself.

Steps

1. 1 Get the right filter. The filter should be the same as the one you are replacing. If you need help finding the right filter, check your user manual or auto parts store.
2. 2 Park your car. Park your vehicle on a level, horizontal surface and apply the parking brake. To do this, you need to switch to first gear if you have a manual gearbox or move the lever to position P (parking) if you have an automatic transmission and turn off the ignition.
3. 3 Raise the hood of the vehicle. First open the hood by operating the lever inside the car. Then, rotate the outer hood latch to open it fully. Raise the hood and support it with a stand.
4. 4 Locate the air filter unit. It is usually located on top of the engine.
   • In older cars without carburetors, the filter is usually located under a bulky, round metal or plastic cover.
   • In newer vehicles with fuel injection, the filter housing is usually square or rectangular, offset slightly to the side, and sits between the front grille and the engine.
5. 5 Remove the top cover of the air filter. Loosen the air leakage hose clamp. Remove all screws while holding the air filter cover. Some filter models are attached with wing nuts, and some are simply attached using a quick release mechanism. Stack screws and other parts in a safe place so you can find them later. Pull the air duct cover towards you and lift it up until it comes off the bottom of the air filter housing. Seek help from a mechanic if you are unsure how to remove the cover.
6. 6 Remove the air filter. You will now see a round or rectangular filter made of cotton, paper, or gauze. The filter has a rubber rim that seals the space inside the air filter unit. Now just remove the filter from the case.
7. 7 Clean the filter housing. Connect the air hose to the compressor and blow off the dust with compressed air; or clean it with a vacuum cleaner.
   • Cover the ventilation duct with tape. It only takes a minute, but this way you keep dust out of the engine while you clean the filter housing.
8. 8 Replace the filter. Replace the old filter with a new one. Simply install the new filter into the housing by lifting up the rubber bezel. Check that the edges are covered with a rubber rim.
9. 9 Replace the cover. Gently attach the cover to the air duct and press it against the bottom of the air filter unit.
   • Check that the cover is firmly and securely fastened, otherwise it may affect the operation of the engine.Replace all screws and clamps and check again if the cover is securely attached by gently shaking the air filter unit with both hands. Close the hood.
10. 10 Check the filter regularly and clean it for dust to ensure maximum air circulation.
11. 11 Replace the filter every 50,000 km (30,000 miles) or about once a year. If you are driving on a dusty road, you will need to replace the filter more often. In the user manual or in the periodic maintenance manual, you will find recommendations for your vehicle.

Tips

• Some 4WD and sports cars have an oiled air filter in addition to or instead of a dry air filter. If you suspect it is installed on your vehicle, check it in your vehicle's instruction manual. If the oiled filter on your vehicle is recyclable, it can be cleaned and refilled with clean oil. Contact your auto parts store to purchase a filter cleaning kit with the correct cleaner and replacement oil.
• Removing dust from the filter is a temporary measure. You can clean old filters before the material is torn, cracked, or oiled. By attaching the filter to a light source, you can check if it is smeared with oil from the inside. Continue cleaning if light shines through the filter. Blow off the dust with a stream of compressed air, if possible, or clean it with a vacuum cleaner. Turn the filter over and clean both sides. If you decide to clean the filter, do so, but buy a new one soon and replace the filter at the next check.
• Maintenance and repair manual. Still not sure what the air filter looks like, where is it located, which filter to replace yours, or how to remove the cover? If this information is not in the owner's manual, look in the service and repair manual for your vehicle. These are different guides. Some manuals can be found on the Internet, and some maintenance and repair manuals for your model vehicle can be purchased or found in the public library.

Warnings

• Make sure you park your vehicle securely.
• If for any reason you have to work under the machine, make sure it is properly and securely fixed.
• Turn off the engine when you are working with it. Remember that some parts of the engine may be hot if you have driven a car before.

What do you need

• new air filter / filter recommendations from the manufacturer
• flat screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• pneumatically operated valve with hose
• protective glasses