5 Easy Steps for Replacing an Air Filter

Most people have experienced going in for an oil change, and the technician comes to you recommending replacing the air filter. They usually come to you with your dirty air filter and point out its condition, and remind you it needs to be replaced periodically. The problem is that having it replaced at the shop is expensive (usually between 30-50 dollars). The good news is that most air filters are relatively easy to replace yourself. With most cars it only takes a few simple steps to replace this important component, and the air intake system on modern cars is almost always comprised of the same basic parts. Here’s the process for replacing the air filter on most late-model cars.

1. Locate the Air Box – The air box is what houses your car’s air filtration system. This is usually a large black plastic box located in one of the front corners under your hood. It should be pretty easy to find, and about the size of a toaster.
2. Identify the Fasteners – Some vehicle manufacturers use a few screws to hold the air box closed, and others use clips or wire clamps. On systems that use clips or clamps, the process is easy. All you have to do is release them and your air box will pop open. On a system that uses screws, you should first identify what kind of screwdriver you will need (Phillips head looks like a cross, and flat head looks like a slot). Now carefully loosen each screw (there should only be a few) taking care not to lose any. Once all your screws are out, you’re ready for the next step.
3. Open the Air Box – Once you remove the fasteners on some systems, they will easily pop open; sometimes on their own. Other systems take a little more to open up. If your air box doesn’t open on its own, firmly grasp the top portion of the air box and give it a tug. It should pull off easily, exposing the filter element underneath. This will make installing the new filter much easier.
4. Replacing the Filter - Then remove the old filter and discard it. It should pull out easily, but if it doesn’t you can use a screwdriver or even a butter knife to loosen it around the edges. After the old filter is removed, take the new filter and insert it in the air box exactly as the old filter was positioned. Make sure the filter seals well around the edges.
5. Close the Air Box – Once the new filter is in, take the top of the air box that you’ve just removed and replace it on top of the filter. Make sure to check the seal all the way around the edges of the box. You want to make sure that it is fitting straight and that there is a good seal all the way around. Once you have the top of the air box in place, simply replace the screws or clips.

It’s as simple as that. Once you get acquainted with the process you should be able to do it pretty easily. As an extra benefit, you’ve learned a little something about your car as well as saving the money you would have spent having someone else do this simple piece of car maintenance.