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May, 2019
How to Change Your Air Filter
The air filter is one of the easiest car service parts to change – you can do this in less than 15 minutes with almost no tools whatsoever.
Many people don’t service their own cars because it feels like a mammoth task that requires specialist equipment. But most car service parts can be checked and replaced easily with regular garage tools – saving huge costs.
With DIY Car Service Parts’ easy step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to change your air filter with confidence.
Which Tools do I Need to Replace my Air Filter?
Regularly replacing your air filter will keep your engine free of debris, allowing it to run at optimised capacity, saving fuel. To change your air filter, you will only need:
3 Steps to Change Your Air Filter
Disclaimer: Every vehicle is different. This is a general guide.
1. Locate the Air Filter
Locate your air filter under the bonnet. It will be secured on top of the engine in an air filter box, which is connected to a hose and secured by clips. If in doubt, you’ll find a diagram in your vehicle handbook. In older vehicles, the air filter is often located above the carburettor.
Once you’ve located the air filter, unclip the cover to remove the filter.
2. Clear the Air Filter
Knock the air filter gently against a hard surface. If lots of debris falls out, it’s time for a new air filter. Otherwise, a quick job with the vacuum cleaner will give it a new lease of life.
When vacuuming, don’t forget to clean the air filter casing too. Block the carburettor with foil to prevent any dust from entering the engine.
3. Fit the New Air Filter
Secure your replacement air filter (or your newly cleaned one) into position.
Refit the filter box, ensuring that the filter is entirely covered, and reseal the clips.
Quick Air Filter Change Tips
- The air filter is not to be confused with the filters in your car’s heating and ventilation systems.
- Replace your air filter every 12-18 months to keep your engine in optimal condition.
Purchasing Your Filter
Air filters come in an array of designs for all vehicle makes and models and for all driving styles, from off-road to high-performance. It is essential that you purchase the right filter for your car to keep your engine healthy.
The four main types of air filter are:
- Fiberglass air filters
- Polyester and pleated air filters
- High-efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filters
- Washable air filters
Unsure sure which filter is best for your car?
Use our instant number plate lookup tool to identify the right filters for you. Simply enter your registration plate, and we’ll tell you what you need.
All DIY car service parts are manufactured by trusted, high-quality brands. Here are just a few of the brands that we stock.
About DIY Car Service Parts
Whether you’re changing your own car parts or saving costs by providing them to your local garage, DIY Car Service Parts is the ultimate site for easily identifying the vehicle parts that you need.
DIY Car Service Parts isn’t just about accessing car parts from the best brands at the lowest prices. With over 35 years’ experience in the automotive industry, we are experts in the car parts field. Our specialist team is on hand to answer any of your queries and offer valuable advice so that you can understand more about the ways that your car works and get savvy under the bonnet.
