How to Replace the Air Filter in a Golf 6?
4 Answers
Steps to replace the air filter in a Golf 6: 1. Open the engine compartment of the car and disconnect the tube on the right side of the air filter box; 2. After removing the tube, use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws on the air filter box and then remove it; 3. Once the filter box is removed, press the plastic buckle on the air filter and take out the old air filter; 4. Replace it with a new air filter, then reassemble the filter box by reversing the disassembly steps. The air filter is a type of filter, also known as an air cleaner, and together with the cabin air filter and oil filter, they are referred to as the three filters. Based on the filtration principle, air cleaners can be categorized into filtration-type air cleaners, centrifugal-type air cleaners, oil-bath-type air cleaners, and composite-type air cleaners. The air filter should be cleaned and replaced after the car has traveled a certain distance. It is important to note that some car air filters can only be replaced and not cleaned. When replacing, always use the original manufacturer's air filter to avoid unnecessary issues due to incompatibility.
Last time I replaced the air filter for my Golf 6 myself, it was quite easy. First, open the hood, park the car on level ground, and engage the handbrake for safety. Locate the black plastic box on the left side of the engine. Its cover is secured with several spring clips, which can be easily opened with a gentle push. Pay attention to the installation direction of the old filter—the new one usually has an arrow mark, so just place it in the same direction. I recommend cleaning the dust inside the filter box while you're at it, using a vacuum or a damp cloth. The whole process takes about ten minutes, but be careful not to force the clips as the plastic parts can break easily. The filter isn't expensive; you can buy genuine parts online for just a few dozen yuan. Replacing it once a year helps the engine breathe more smoothly.
Changing the air filter for my Golf 6 is a regular money-saving trick I do. All you need is a socket wrench—no professional tools required. The key step is removing the filter box cover, which has six clips that can be gently pried open with a fingernail or flathead screwdriver. When taking out the old filter, be careful not to let dust fall into the intake pipe; it's best to wipe the inside of the box clean with a wet wipe. Make sure the new filter isn't installed backward, and press the edges fully into the grooves. I've tried different brands, and the OEM filter offers better sealing. A tip: it's best to do this on a sunny day in a low-dust area. This job is much simpler than changing the oil, and even beginners can easily learn it. While you're at it, you can also check the engine bay for any other issues.
My Golf 6 has been running for eight years, and I've saved quite a bit by changing the air filter myself. The steps are simple: turn off the engine, open the hood, and locate the filter housing near the windshield. Just push the clips to open the cover, and remember to take a photo of the old filter's orientation before removing it. When installing the new filter, press down on all four corners until you hear a click to ensure it's properly seated. Once, I didn't secure the cover properly, leaving a gap, and the engine warning light came on. When buying filters, check the specifications—Golf 6 has different models for the 1.4T and 1.6L engines. The whole process takes about ten minutes, saving over a hundred bucks in labor costs.
