How to Replace the Engine Air Filter?
3 Answers
Engine air filter replacement method is: 1. Open the engine hood and locate the air filter; 2. Gently lift the metal clip upwards to open the entire air filter cover; 3. Unscrew the screws on the air filter box and remove the air filter element; 4. Use compressed air to clean dust from the filter element from inside out; 5. Thoroughly clean the air filter box; 6. Insert the plastic tab into the slot of the filter base to install the new air filter. The function of the air filter is: to provide clean air for mechanical equipment, preventing the machinery from inhaling air containing impurity particles during operation, which could increase wear and damage probability.
Changing the air filter yourself is really quite simple! Last time I did it, I found that just preparing a Phillips screwdriver or a socket wrench was enough. Open the engine hood and locate the black plastic square box—usually, it's connected to the intake pipe. Observe the fastening method: some have clips that can be pried open directly, while others require a screwdriver to remove screws. Here's the key point: after taking out the old filter, be sure to wipe the bottom of the filter box clean with a damp cloth to remove dust particles, otherwise, the new filter will get covered in debris. Pay attention to the arrow indicators on the new filter for the correct orientation—installing it backward affects filtration efficiency. Finally, when closing the box, press all edges firmly to prevent air leaks, which could allow the engine to suck in dirt. I recommend following the maintenance manual's suggestion to replace it every 10,000 kilometers, but in northern areas with heavy wind and sand, replacing it at 8,000 kilometers is more prudent.
Laying out the toolkit under the hood, I truly enjoy these DIY moments. The real challenge in replacing an air filter is locating it: in most mainstream cars, it's housed in a square plastic box on the left or right side of the engine bay. Patience is key when removing the casing: for clip-on types, pressing the center post with your fingernail will open it, while screw-types require extra care not to lose the screws. The amount of dust accumulated in the folds of the old filter reveals the vehicle's operating environment. Here's a tip I swear by when buying new filters—snap a photo of the old part number and search online; it's often half the price of dealerships. Many modern filters come with foam gaskets that need firm pressing during installation. Last week, while helping a neighbor replace his filter, I spotted cracks in the housing—a situation demanding full shell replacement for safety.
