Can I Change My Car Air Filter Myself?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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. Many quick lube shops charge

up to $25

or more to change an air filter.

How much does it cost to replace air filter in car?

The Average Engine Air Filter Replacement Cost Is

$20 to $85

, Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY. This is one of the easiest maintenance jobs you can do yourself. Engine air filters are easily accessible under the hood and usually require no tools at all to replace.

Will AutoZone change my air filter?


You can replace the engine air filter with a new one from AutoZone

. Thanks to maximized clean air in your engine, you can see an increase in power and fuel economy. If you want to upgrade your air quality, make AutoZone your one-stop shop.

Do I really need to change my car air filter?

Air filters should be changed

every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or so

, more often in dusty driving conditions. … A dirty air filter might appear clean but should still be replaced at the recommended intervals. A new air filter will increase gas mileage, reduce emissions, allow optimal air flow and improve engine performance.

How do I change the filter in my car?

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. Many quick lube shops charge up to $25 or more to change an air filter.

How often should you change air filter?

For basic 1′′–3′′ air filters, manufacturers typically tell you to replace them

every 30–60 days

. If you suffer from light to moderate allergies, you could install a better air filter or replace them even more regularly.

What happens if you don’t replace cabin filter?

If you don’t change your cabin air filter,

the filter will become more clogged with dirt and debris and the efficiency of the filter and your car’s HVAC system will be compromised

. The air volume into your passenger compartment will be continually reduced which will lead to the issue of foul odors inside your car.

How do you know if your car needs a new air filter?

  1. Air Filter Looks Dirty. A new air filter will be white or an off-white color. …
  2. Check Engine Light Turns On. …
  3. Lower Horsepower. …
  4. Black, Sooty Smoke Leaving the Exhaust Pipe. …
  5. Smell of Gas When the Engine Starts.

Does changing air filter make a difference?

Replacing a clogged air filter can

increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration

, depending on your car make and model. … How can an air filter make so much difference? A dirty or damaged air filter limits the amount of air flowing into your car’s engine, making it work harder and, therefore, using more fuel.

What are the symptoms of a bad air filter?

  • Strange engine noises. …
  • Decreased performance. …
  • Decreased fuel economy. …
  • Black smoke or flames in the exhaust. …
  • Smell of petrol in the exhaust. …
  • Air filter looks dirty. …
  • Check engine light comes on.

Is it hard to change air filter in car?

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. Many quick lube shops charge up to $25 or more to change an air filter.

Where is the air filter located in a car?

Cabin air filters are located in

the ductwork

that delivers outside air to the HVAC system. In some cars, the filter is in the engine compartment near the base of the windshield. In others, it is located under the dash or behind the glove box.

What filters need to be changed in a car?

Most modern cars have two air filters — the

cabin air filter

and the engine air filter, which filter the air coming into your vehicle’s cabin and engine, respectively. The cabin filter helps maintain the air quality inside your car by capturing pollutants like dust and allergens before they reach your nostrils!

Is no air filter better than a dirty one?

Running your air conditioner

without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one

. … Without a filter, your air conditioner is at risk for severe and expensive problems. Take our advice and never run your system without one.

Does a dirty filter affect AC?

If the filter is very dirty, you may even feel warm air coming out of the back of the unit. A clogged filter

forces the air conditioner to work harder to keep the house cool

. This will lead to more frequent AC repairs and, ultimately, shorten the lifespan of the unit.

How often should you change your car AC filter?

The time period for replacing your cabin air filter is dependent on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, so you’ll want to check your owner’s manual for verification. In general, though, most cabin air filters should be replaced somewhere

between every 15,000 and 30,000 miles

.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.