How Often Should the Filters in a Gasoline Car Be Replaced?
3 Answers
Gasoline car filters should be replaced at the following intervals: 1. The oil filter is installed in the oil passage and is recommended to be replaced every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers. The exact interval should be determined based on the quality of the oil filter, driving habits, vehicle wear conditions, and oil quality; 2. The fuel filter, which filters gasoline before combustion, is recommended to be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers; 3. The air filter, which filters impurities from the air entering the engine, is recommended to be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers; 4. The cabin air filter should be replaced more frequently, ideally during seasonal transitions when the air conditioning is used, such as between autumn/winter and spring/summer.
I used to often overlook the replacement of the air filter in my gasoline car, and only realized the issue when the engine struggled to breathe and fuel consumption skyrocketed. Based on my experience, it's best to replace the filter every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers, or at least once a year. Especially if you frequently drive on dusty roads like gravel paths or near construction sites, consider checking it as early as every 8,000 kilometers. It's a simple DIY task—just spend a few minutes opening the hood, locating the filter box, and swapping it out, which can save you a lot on repair costs. More importantly, the filter cleans the air, preventing dust from entering the engine, maintaining combustion efficiency, and avoiding power loss and long-term damage. Regular checks can also help detect other potential issues early, such as unusual engine noise or sluggish acceleration. Developing good maintenance habits can significantly extend your car's lifespan.
Don't delay changing the air filter, as doing it late can affect your car's overall performance. The standard replacement interval is around every 12,000 kilometers driven or once a year for safety. However, if you frequently drive in dusty areas like muddy suburban roads, check it every six months. Replacing it is simple: just turn off the engine, locate the air filter housing, open it, remove the old filter, and install the new one—costing only a few dozen yuan. Proper maintenance ensures clean air intake, improves engine efficiency, enhances throttle response, and saves fuel. Keep this in mind during routine maintenance, and also check other components like the engine oil and cabin air filter to save money and hassle by planning everything together.
