How to Replace the Camry Air Filter?
3 Answers
The air filter element of the Camry is located at the lower right side of the engine. Here are the specific replacement steps: 1. Unlock the two clips around the filter protective box to open the cover. 2. After removing the air filter, clean it by blowing off dust (only if it's not too dirty). However, maintenance technicians do not recommend frequent dust blowing to avoid affecting filtration efficiency - direct replacement is better. According to the 2018 Camry owner's manual, the air filter element should be replaced every 40,000 kilometers or 4 years. The replacement cycle is relatively long. If driving in dusty environments, early replacement is advisable as cabin air quality is important. The replacement process is simple and requires no tools.
I always feel a sense of accomplishment every time I change the air filter for my Camry myself, because this thing is crucial for the engine. Locate the black plastic box on the right side of the engine bay—it has a cover, usually secured with clips or screws. Use a screwdriver to gently loosen the screws or unclip the fasteners, being careful not to break them. Once open, take out the old filter and inspect the inside of the box. If there's dust buildup, clean it with a vacuum or a soft brush to prevent dirt from entering the engine. Then, place the new filter in, making sure the arrow direction aligns with the airflow—the Camry filter has an arrow printed on it. Close the cover tightly and ensure it's properly sealed. I make it a habit to change it every 15,000 kilometers, which saves money compared to going to a shop and also makes the car accelerate more smoothly. Last time, I forgot to change it for a bit too long, and the fuel consumption increased slightly. Since then, I’ve been changing it on time—maintenance is something you can’t afford to be careless about.
When replacing the Camry's air filter myself, I always bring a small screwdriver and flat-nose pliers. The filter housing is located near the air tube in the engine bay. After opening the cover, I check the contamination level of the old filter – excessive dirt indicates insufficient air filtration. Always purchase genuine replacement filters and verify the size matches before installation. The crucial step is ensuring the housing edges are clean with no debris, as dust bypass could affect engine combustion efficiency. After testing post-replacement, engine noise slightly decreases, and long-term fuel savings can be achieved. The entire process takes about ten minutes and isn't troublesome with proper tools prepared.
