
Golf's air filter is located on the engine. First, twist and pull out the small tube, then use needle-nose pliers to loosen the clamp and pull out the large intake tube to remove it. There are three rubber sleeves under the air filter box. Lift the air filter box upwards to detach it. Remove the cross screws, then release the four plastic clips on top. Open the air filter box cover, take out the old air filter, and replace it with a new one. Here is some additional information: Air Filter: An air filter, also known as an air cartridge, air cleaner, or air element, is a type of filter. It is mainly used for air filtration in engineering vehicles, automobiles, agricultural vehicles, laboratories, sterile operating rooms, and various precision operating rooms. During operation, the engine inhales a large amount of air. If the air is not filtered, the suspended dust in the air entering the cylinders can accelerate the wear of the piston group and cylinders.

Changing a car's air filter isn't that difficult, I often do it myself. Taking the Volkswagen Golf as an example, first I pop open the hood and locate a plastic box in the engine bay - that's where the air filter lives. Usually secured by four clips, I gently pry them open with a flathead screwdriver to remove the old filter. After cleaning accumulated dust from the housing, I insert the new filter, paying attention to the arrow indicator on the filter to ensure it points toward the air intake direction. Then I press the clips firmly to lock the cover, ensuring a tight seal. Finally, I start the engine to check if the sound is normal. The whole process takes about ten minutes using just a screwdriver. Replacing it every 15,000 kilometers saves fuel costs, extends engine life, and avoids trips to the repair shop.

I was a bit nervous the first time I changed the air filter, since I knew nothing about it. But after checking the manual and online videos, I decided to do it myself to save money. In my Golf, after pressing the front hood release button, the air filter box was easy to locate near the battery. The top of the box has plastic clips that can be pressed open by hand or with a small tool—no need for excessive force to avoid damage. When I took out the old filter, I was shocked by the amount of dust. After cleaning thoroughly, I placed the new filter in the correct direction and snapped the cover back on. After the replacement, I noticed smoother acceleration while driving—turns out regular maintenance is this important and simple. A basic screwdriver is all you need, and one replacement can last over a year without worry.

Changing the air filter is really not difficult. I opened the engine hood, located the plastic air filter box. Released the clips, took out the old filter, cleaned the dust inside, then placed the new filter in the correct direction and pressed it back in. Checked that the cover was tight, started the car, and everything was normal. Regularly changing the filter improves performance, saves fuel, and is hassle-free. The tools needed are basically not complicated.

Changing the air filter for your car is like giving it a breathing purifier. I popped the hood on my Golf, located that little box, easily unclipped it to remove the old filter, cleaned the housing thoroughly, and installed the new filter making sure it was properly seated. After the replacement, the engine responded quicker and ran smoother—such a rewarding feeling. Doing it yourself as part of routine maintenance saves time and money while adding fun to car care.


