Change Car Air Filter
The air filter protects the engine from the dust and impurities in the atmosphere. A clogged filter leads to higher fuel consumption, a loss of performance and, in time, premature engine wear. Every combustion-engined car has one.
What is the role of the air filter?
All the oxygen your engine needs passes through this filter, placed at the inlet of the intake system. On a road that looks clean, the air contains on average 0.001 g/m³ of dust, rising to 0.04 g/m³ in very dusty conditions. Without filtration, these abrasive particles wear the cylinders, pistons and rings. A clogged filter also reduces the airflow, upsetting the air/fuel mixture and so the performance.
When should you change the air filter?
The air filter is a wear part to be replaced according to your vehicle's service schedule, generally every other service, that is every 40,000 to 60,000 km or every 2 to 4 years. In severe use (short urban trips, very dusty areas), shorten this interval.
What you need to know for the replacement
Easy on most vehicles
- The air filter housing is usually clearly visible in the engine bay
- On some vehicles a plastic cover or an air duct reduces access
- Difficulty level: 1/5 : no special tools required
- Allow 10 to 20 minutes for the job
Key point on refitting
- Check the filter is seated correctly in its housing
- Make sure the housing lid seals completely
- A poorly seated filter lets unfiltered air through, causing noise and engine problems
- Clean the housing before fitting the new filter
Cost of the part
- Online or in the shops: £8 to £40 depending on brand
- Average garage price (part + labour): around £30
- Stick to known brands and UK-based sellers
- No special tools are needed: maximum DIY saving
Practical tips
Difficulty 1/5
One of the simplest jobs. No special tools required in most cases: the housing opens via clips or accessible screws.
Fitting direction
Observe the fitting direction. An arrow usually shows the direction of airflow. A filter fitted the wrong way round is less effective.
Cleaning the housing
Take the chance to vacuum or wipe out the inside of the air filter housing. Debris that has built up can damage the new filter.
Price
Allow between £8 and £25 for a quality air filter. A considerable saving against the workshop rate.
