Can I replace the air filter myself?
4 Answers
You can replace the air filter yourself. The operation method is: 1. Open the car door and pull the engine hood switch; 2. Pull the engine hood switch and support it up; 3. Unscrew the screws of the air filter housing, remove the old air filter and install the new one. The air filter is a type of filter, also known as an air cartridge, air cleaner, or air element. It is mainly used for air filtration in engineering vehicles, cars, agricultural vehicles, laboratories, sterile operating rooms, and various precision operating rooms. During operation, the engine needs to inhale a large amount of air. If the air is not filtered, the suspended dust in the air will be sucked into the cylinders, accelerating the wear of the piston group and cylinders.
Changing the air filter yourself is completely fine. The first time I did it, I thought it was too easy. The air filter is located under the hood. After opening it, find a small box, usually secured with a few clips that can be removed without tools. Prepare a new filter, just make sure to buy the correct model online or at an auto parts store—they're very cheap. Remove the old one and replace it with the new one, ensuring the edges are aligned before putting it back. It takes about ten minutes. Doing it yourself saves time and effort. Professional shops charge around 50 yuan for labor, while buying the filter yourself costs only 20-30 yuan. Regular replacement protects the engine by ensuring it breathes clean air, improving combustion efficiency, and benefiting fuel economy. However, be mindful not to discard dirty filters carelessly—dispose of them in an eco-friendly way. In short, check the manual for the recommended replacement interval, such as once a year, and make it a habit—it's not difficult at all.
Replacing the air filter yourself is definitely cost-effective. I think the key benefits are saving time and money. A trip to the 4S shop takes at least half a day, plus waiting in line, with costs adding up to over a hundred yuan. Doing it yourself, you can order an original filter online for just tens of yuan, and all you need are basic tools like a screwdriver or flashlight. The steps are simple: lift the hood, locate the filter housing, unscrew it, remove the old filter to check the model, insert the new one, and secure it. Just be careful not to let debris fall into the intake during the process, and test the engine after installation to ensure smooth operation. Doing it yourself more often helps you get familiar with your car's structure, making it easier to handle issues if they arise during trips. The only reminder is for beginners to avoid doing it on rainy days to prevent moisture from seeping in—otherwise, there's hardly any risk.
Last month I just changed the air filter by myself, and even as a newbie driver I found it stress-free. Open the car hood, locate that black box (usually marked with an icon), and you'll see the old filter clogged with dust. Check the car manual for the correct specifications, order online and it arrives the next day. Just use a handy keychain tool from home, installation takes five minutes. The benefit of DIY is independence from others—saving money while honing practical skills, plus the engine runs quieter in traffic. Remember to clean up afterwards; leaving no trash is a good habit.
