How to Change Your Air Filter

[John Weiner]

1. Secure the vehicle. Park the car on level ground and apply the parking brake. Shift into first gear (manual transmission) or Park (automatic transmission), and turn off the ignition.


2. Open the bonnet (hood). Release the bonnet with the lever inside the car. Move the exterior bonnet catch for final release. Lift the bonnet and secure it with the prop rod.


3. Locate the air filter unit. The air filter unit is usually situated on top of the engine.


4. Locate the air filter unit.


5. Remove the air filter cover.


6. Take out the air filter. Now you can see a round or rectangular filter made of cotton, paper or gauze. Filters have a rubber rim that seals off the unit's interior. Simply lift the filter out of the housing.


7. Clean the air filter housing.Connect the air hose to the compressor and use the compressed air to blow out the dust, or use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt.


8. Replace the filter. Replace the old filter with a new one. Simply insert it into the housing with the rubber rim facing up. Make sure the edges are sealed by the rubber rim.


9. Replace the cover. Carefully insert the cover back into the air conduit and then press the entire piece down onto the lower half of the air filter unit.


10. Check the filter regularly to keep your car breathing at maximum efficiency by keeping the dust out.


11. Change the filter every 15,000 km (9,320 miles), or about once a year. If you live in a dusty area, check up after 10,000 km (6,213 miles). Your owner's manual or periodic maintenance guide should have recommendations for your car.