Your Air Filter Looks Dirty
If you know where your air filter is located , you can do a visual inspection. If your air filter is clean, it should be white or off-white. Over time, as dust and dirt accumulate on it, the air filter will get darker and the dirt will be noticeable. When it starts looking dark and grimy, you might be due for a replacement.
What Are Car Air Filters For
A car typically comes with two air filters one for the engine and one for the cabin. Both are equally important, and keeping a close eye on their condition is critical for the good function of your car.
The screens are made of breathable material, such as paper, cotton or foam . Their primary role is to trap sand, pollution, dust, pollen and even mold before they reach you or the engine.
What Is A Cabin Air Filter
A cabin air filter is part of your vehicles ventilation system that purifies and may remove odors from the air you and other passengers breathe in the vehicles main cabin. This filter is often found in the cowl area under the hood or behind the glove box inside your vehicle and helps prevent dirt, dust, fumes and pollen from being circulated through your ventilation system.
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How To Clean An Air Filter
- Remove the air filter from the vehicle and inspect it. Look for any holes or tears in the pleats. Holes and tears mean you must replace the filter
- If it is intact, tap the filter on the floor to drop grit off. Ensure you tap with the outside side facing down since it will have all the debris
- Use a soft brush to rub off any remnants. You can also use a vacuum to suck off any debris and dust from the filter
- Hold the filter to the light after here and see if some light filters through. If it seems opaque, then it is time to replace the filter.
While some guides talk of washing the air filter with water, we dont recommend it because it introduces the risk of putting water into your engine or pushing it through the MAF if you install the filter before it dries thoroughly.
Air filters replacements could be as cheap as $20. Vacuuming and dusting it is safe and straightforward enough to get slightly more lifespan from the filter. Adding water into the mix seems like more work and trouble for an otherwise easily replaceable unit.
Replacing A Dirty Air Filter
Most car owners get their air filters checked when they go to get an oil change or have other car maintenance done. You can easily schedule an appointment at any auto repair shop, such as Jiffy Lube or Firestone Complete Auto Care. Make sure you keep track of every time you get a new filter so that youre not accidentally replacing your air filters too often and spending money when you don’t have to.
Now that you know when to replace the air filters in your car, your next trip to the auto repair shop should be much easier!
Krista Doyle
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What Is An Engine Air Filter
Think of your vehicles engine as a simple air pump. An engine air filter keeps the air going into the engine clean and free of dirt as well as other contaminants that can get swept up into your vehicles intake system. Clean air is important for proper engine combustion to occur. Therefore, a clogged engine air filter can reduce the vehicles engine performance over time.
Are There Different Types Of Engine Air Filters
There are two main types of engine air filters – paper and cotton gauze. Paper is the most common but must be regularly replaced. Gauze air filters require the same amount of maintenance, but they can be cleaned and reinstalled, leading to lower costs over time. Check your vehicle owners manual to see which type is right for your vehicle.
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What Is A Fuel Filter
A fuel filter is a small cartridge located in the vehicles fuel system that filters out any debris from the fuel. There are different types of fuel filters depending on where the filter is located within the fuel system. Check your vehicle owners manual for the recommended type for your vehicle and how often it needs to be changed. It may be time for a new fuel filter if your vehicle is frequently misfiring, stalling or feeling sluggish when you drive.
How Long Will It Take
Getting your air filter replaced is usually a pretty simple and straightforward procedure and can be done in just a few minutes. Thats especially true in older vehicles. Some manufacturers of newer model cars have changed the design of the engine to make more efficient use of space, and sometimes that means putting air filters in places that are harder to reachwhich can slow down the process.
However, your mechanic can usually tell you about how long it will take, and can check it during an oil change.
Getting your air filter replaced can be part of an overall tune-up service that will help you get better mileage and performance from your vehicle. Its also a great way to catch any minor issues that can be resolved before they become bigger issues.
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Choosing A Replacement Air Filter
The key to getting the right air filter is finding one that is the right size. If it is too big, it won’t fit in your vehicle’s air filter box if it is too small, air will sneak around the filter allowing debris in, which can damage your engine. You can take your air filter out and measure it, but that’s the hard way. To make it easier, the air filter’s description will tell you which makes and models the air filter fits. Another, even easier option is to check your owner’s manual for recommendations.
As far as which brand of air filter to purchase, it comes down to personal preference. Some vehicle owners prefer a trusted company like FRAM, which has been manufacturing different types of filters for more than 85 years, while others are fine with purchasing a bargain-brand air filter. K& N, on the other hand, has a top-rated, high-performance washable air filter that is designed to last as long as your vehicle, which can help reduce your carbon footprint.
How Much Does An Air Cabin Filter Replacement Cost
The average cost of a cabin air filter is between $15 and $50, depending on the size of the unit. Labor fees vary per mechanic and garage.
As is the case with more vehicle parts, the cost to replace items is often dependent on the type of vehicle you have. Some luxury brands will charge more for their parts and require that you only buy their branded cabin air filters, while others suggest you can purchase a generic cabin air filter from your local automotive shop.
Some mechanics will recommend you change your cabin air filter during your routine visit to the garage for regular maintenance. Thatâs fine, but make sure you ask to see the filter first. Visually inspect it, and if it looks like it needs replacement, do so. If not, you can always wait for a later date.
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You Should Change The Cabin Air Filter Every 15000
But what if you dont notice any symptoms yethow do you know how often to change the cabin air filter? It will vary based on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, but generally you should replace the cabin air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles. You can find the recommended interval for your specific vehicle in your vehicles owner manual. Or just ask the trained technicians at Jiffy Lube®, as they have this information at their fingertips.
Rough Idle And Sometimes Fluctuating Idle
After you turn on your engine and just leave it idle, the number of revolutions it makes should be in the 900 to 1100 range. These numbers are considered normal. If your car idles a lot higher or a lot lower and even randomly fluctuates without you doing anything you should check the air filter. Maybe you are lucky, and you can fix this problem on the cheap just by replacing the air filter.
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Why Should I Replace My Engine Air Filter
Replacing the air filter isnt a service auto repair shops invented to get a few extra bucks during your visit. Its actually a vital part of engine performance and maintenance.
Engines need a lot of clean air to operate. The engine air filter prevents debris, dirt, bugs and other contaminants from entering the engine and causing damage. When the filter is dirty and/or clogged, it results in decreased gas mileage, slow acceleration, decreased engine life, higher emissions and poor engine performance.
When To Replace Car Air Filter
How often to change engine air filter? Does the smoke that emanates from your tailpipe look black and dense? Does the engine slow down and skip unevenly? Do you notice a lack of consistency or lack of power when you accelerate? Does your vehicles fuel level seem to be dropping right before your eyes?
Knowing how often to change air filter is important. It goes miles to saving you more severe damages to your ride.
In addition to the above-mentioned indicators, the following are the four major signs that it is time to change your cars engine air filter:
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Maintenance schedules of air filters for different makes or models of cars vary. For instance, on most Chevrolet engines, the recommended change interval is after every 45,000 miles. When it comes to Ford, the company insists it should be after every 30,000 miles, which is also the same for Hyundai. Of course, if you drive in certain conditions, checking and changing the air filter should be more often.
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How Often Should You Replace The Air Filter
Replacement frequency varies by automaker and driving conditions. Some manufacturers say the filter should be replaced every 15,000 miles. Others say every two years, while still others say every 30,000 miles or longer. The recommended interval for your vehicle will be detailed in the maintenance schedule section of your owners manual.
Whatever your maintenance interval, it probably carries a caveat that the filter should be changed more frequently if you do most of your driving in dusty or dirty environments. That obviously includes frequent driving on unpaved roads or in desert areas, but it can also apply to large urban areas, where theres heavy traffic, a lot of diesel trucks, and industrial pollution.
A good rule of thumb is to inspect the air filter at least once a year. If the filter is covered with dirt or full of insects, leaves, or other debris, its time for a new one. If theres only a little dirt on the surface or only in one area, its probably good to go longer. Try brushing off the surface dirt and turning the filter 180 degrees to expose the clean area to the main air flow.
If fanning the pleats of your air filter with your hand sends dirt flying and leaves your hand grimy, the filter should be replaced. Hold the filter up to a light and look at it from different angles to see how dirty it is below the surface.
Smoke Or Flames Shoot Out Of Your Exhaust When You Start The Car
One good indication that the air filter needs replaced is the presence of black smoke coming from your exhaust pipe when you fire up the engine. You also might hear a popping sound or see a flame at the end of the exhaust pipe. This can happen when theres not an adequate supply of air in the engine. Not all of the fuel will burn properly in the combustion cycle and it will leave the car through the exhaust. The flame occurs when the heat of the exhaust ignites the fuel in the tailpipe. If youre noticing this happening in your vehicle, you should take it to your mechanic immediately, as it can create an unsafe situation.
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Changing The Air Filter
As mentioned, the filter is almost always toward the front of the engine, and the housing might have clear markings. The housing lid is usually held on with plastic clips or a bail but might be secured with screws or wingnuts that are easy to remove.
Just remove the old filter by hand. If the inside of the housing is dirty with dead bugs, dust, fragments of dead leaves or other debris, you might need to clean it with a Shop-Vac.
Some filter designs are reusable, with a cotton, gauze or foam medium that can be washed and replaced. Other performance-oriented filters might use a special oil that enhances their filtration abilitiesâcheck with the instructions on the filter. In any case, replace the filter with the new one, being mindful of correct fit. If youâre in doubt, use your phone to take a picture of the old filter and how itâs mounted and oriented in the filter housing before you replace it.
Replace the filter, securely put the housing lid back on and youll be on your way in no time.
How Often To Change The Cabin Air Filter
Dust. Pollen. Pollution. Highways and roads can be highly contaminated places, but the inside of your car shouldnt be. Although 76% of vehicles on the road today are equipped with a cabin air filter, most vehicle owners are not aware of their cabin air filter which is specifically designed to clean the air that blows into the interior of their vehicle. These filters are designed to trap debris, pollution, and dust from entering your car. Believe it or not, it’s quite easy to replace your cabin air filter on most vehicles, and yet the majority of drivers either don’t do it regularly or they drastically overpay their mechanic to replace it for them
So, you may be wondering how often should I replace my cabin air filter? The answer really depends on several factors:
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How Often Should You Change Your Cars Air Filter
The service interval for changing the cabin air filter is generally much longer than that of other filters in different subsystems because the airflow volume through the cabin is less compared with engine intake flow volume. However, if there are noticeable changes to vehicle performance after a replacement has been carried out then this could indicate either a blockage by dirt particles in one or more components downstream from it , excessive restriction caused by damage to its housing which restricts the free passage of incoming air past the media surface, or improper reassembly when replacing at home following
Can You Change An Air Filter Yourself
Yes, you absolutely can. This will depend on what car you have, but usually, itâs pretty simple to do it yourself. Of course, if youâre not comfortable with that idea, you can have a professional do it for you.
Itâs not difficult to change it yourself. Itâs just time-consuming. Thatâs because there are several clips to remove. But it will all depend on what type of car you own.
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Your Car Starts Making Strange Sounds
Without enough air, your cars engine isnt going to sound like it should. If its coughing and sputtering, or if it vibrates excessively when you turn over the engine, theres a good chance its begging for a new air filter. If you notice strange sounds specifically when your car is idling, you may have what’s known as “rough idle.” Read our topic on this to learn what causes rough idle and possible fixes.
Feeling Adventurous You Can Try Changing The Cabin Air Filter Yourself
Most people dont even know that they have a cabin air filter. Even fewer know that it needs to be replaced. But now that you know how often to change the cabin air filter and you can easily answer the question, What does a cabin air filter do?, you can try replacing it on your own.
First, refer to your owner manual to find out where your cabin air filter is located. If its behind the glove box or under the hood, like it is in most vehicles, it should be easily accessible for you. Since the dirty air filter tends to be messy and dusty, protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves and a mask. Then remove the old filter and replace it with a new filter that meets your manufacturers specifications.
Many vehicle owners prefer to leave this task to the professionals. The technicians at Jiffy Lube® are always ready to help.
If you bring your vehicle to Jiffy Lube, the team will not only inspect your cabin air filter, but also your vehicles other filters like the engine air filter to ensure that everythings working properly. They can give you personalized advice based on your vehicle, including how often to change the cabin air filter in your unique vehicle. Best of all, you can breathe easypun intendedknowing that every service at Jiffy Lube is performed based on your manufacturers recommendations.
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