How to Replace the Air Filter Element?
2 Answers
Replacing the air filter element involves the following steps: 1. Open the car's engine hood and locate the air filter box. Some boxes are secured with screws, while others use clips. For those with screws, use a screwdriver to open them. 2. For boxes secured with clips, simply open the clips and remove the old filter element from the box. To prevent dust and debris from falling in, block the intake pipe with a clean towel. 3. Install the new air filter element, then fasten the clips or use a screwdriver to tighten the air filter box cover. The air filter element is used to filter the air entering the engine, acting as the engine's mask. It ensures that the air drawn into the engine is clean, which is beneficial for the engine's health. The air filter element is a wear-and-tear part that needs to be replaced regularly.
Changing the air filter yourself is really not difficult, and the whole process takes only about ten minutes. First, let the engine cool down after turning it off to avoid burning yourself on hot components. In the engine bay, there's a rectangular black box—that's the home of the air filter. Once located, check whether it's secured with clips or screws—mine uses clips, which open with a gentle pry. When removing the old filter, don’t apply too much force to avoid breaking it and letting debris fall into the engine. Sweep out any dust inside the box, and when inserting the new filter, make sure the arrow points toward the engine—installing it backward affects airflow. Seal the cover properly, and you're done. It's recommended to replace it every 15,000 km, though in less dusty urban areas, you can stretch it to 20,000 km. Buying the filter yourself costs just 30-50 yuan, saving you the 100-200 yuan you'd spend at a 4S shop, plus you get some hands-on practice—a win-win.
