Maintaining your car's air filter is essential for keeping it running efficiently and smoothly. But how often should you replace it? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of car you drive and the conditions in which you drive it. Generally speaking, it's recommended to replace your car's air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km). This interval should be reduced if you drive frequently in dusty conditions.
However, the average life expectancy of a car air filter is around 10,000 to 15,000 miles. This is the recommended interval for most drivers, but it may vary depending on your individual driving situation. Some manufacturers suggest changing it every 15,000 to 30,000 miles under normal operating conditions. Changing the air filter in your car is one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do.
To locate the engine's air filter housing, look for a large plastic box, usually black, placed above or to the side of the engine. With easy-to-follow instructions and a new air filter, you can easily change your vehicle's air filters on your own with very few or no tools. A clean air filter will help the engine work better; in newer cars, it can increase acceleration by up to 11%, and in older cars it can improve mileage by up to 14%. Over time, as dust and dirt accumulate in it, the air filter will darken and the dirt will be noticeable.
A dirty engine air filter usually looks dirty with dirt, dust, or spots visible on the inside of the creases. A good sign that the air filter needs to be replaced is the presence of black smoke that comes out of the exhaust pipes when the engine is started. The cabin air filter cleans the air that enters the passenger compartment to remove dust, dirt, exhaust gases and even particles that, if they enter the respiratory tract, cause an allergic reaction. Dust air filters are very similar in appearance and technical characteristics to those of the engine. The easiest way to know for sure how often the engine air filter should be changed is to consult the maintenance section of the owner's manual or simply search Google for the manufacturer's recommended service interval. Most average drivers should be able to pass a year or two before needing a new air filter.
