How Often Should You Replace the Car Air Filter?
2 Answers
Generally, the car air filter should be replaced every six months or every 10,000 kilometers, but the replacement interval should be adjusted according to the actual driving conditions. In summer, if the vehicle frequently drives through water, dust may accumulate on the surface of the condenser, leading to poor heat dissipation and reduced air conditioning cooling efficiency. Additionally, bacteria can grow on the condenser surface. When you press the AC button and select the air intake mode (regardless of whether it's in internal or external circulation), the air drawn into the car passes through the evaporator, blower, and water channels. If the evaporator or blower harbors bacteria, dust, or other debris, these contaminants can be blown into the cabin. This is why the air filter is crucial—it should be cleaned regularly to extend its lifespan.
I make it a habit to check my car's air filter every 10,000 kilometers because this component is absolutely crucial. Last month on the highway, I noticed the accelerator felt sluggish. When I took it to the repair shop, they found the filter was nearly choked with willow catkins and dust, and fuel consumption had increased significantly. A dirty air filter is like making your engine run while wearing a mask – if left unchanged for too long, it can even damage the throttle body. I usually follow the maintenance intervals recommended in the manual, but since I live in a dusty northern region, I've shortened the replacement interval to 8,000 kilometers. During routine maintenance, I always ask the mechanic to quickly inspect the air filter housing – it just takes a simple clip removal to check. Replacing a new filter only costs a few dozen yuan, which is far more economical than engine repairs.
