Every once in a while, after you’ve taken your vehicle to the shop for a tune-up, the mechanic will come back and tell you that your car’s air filter needs to be replaced. He'll show you what the current one looks like and give you an estimate of what it would cost to change it. Does this situation sound familiar to you? An engine air filter replacement is something that must be done to ensure your engine can suck air into the combustion chambers.
But, how often should you change it and, can you do it yourself? In this article, we'll go over some car maintenance basics regarding your vehicle’s air filter.
What Is the Engine Air Filter?
The engine air filter prevents your engine from getting dust or debris. As the name implies, a clean one will work to filter dirt, dust, pollen, and other types of contaminants. When dirty, and if not replaced in a timely manner, debris could get into the engine affecting its performance.
Most engine air filters are easily accessible from the top of your engine compartment.
How Often Should You Replace Your Engine Air Filter?
That depends on how much you drive and whether you take good care of your vehicle. Normally speaking, an engine air filter replacement should take place every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. If you frequently drive on unpaved roads, you may need to change your car’s air filter more often.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Air Filter?
Air filters are not expensive. Many cost around $15 to $25. If you choose to install it yourself, you could save on the labor cost too. But, is it difficult to change your air filter? Not really. This is probably one of the simplest car maintenance jobs you could do, and usually doesn't require any special tools.
What Are the Benefits of Replacing Your Car’s Air Filter?
As mentioned earlier in this article, a clean air filter will protect your vehicle’s engine from getting any debris and ensures proper functioning.
Keeping your car’s air filter clean will also help increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. A clean air filter even helps reduce your car’s emissions.
As you can see, keeping your vehicle’s air filter clean will not only keep your car running smoothly but will also help the environment.
Keeping your vehicle’s maintenance up-to-date is important, so is checking your auto insurance policy. If you’re unsure about your coverage or if you’re interested in switching for a lower rate, call one of our friendly agents at 1-800-INFINITY and they will gladly help you with all the insurance options. You can also get a free quote online.