Replacing the air filter in the car, or how to save on a visit to the mechanic?

The air filter is one of the easiest items to install in your car. In the same way that many people compare time to the human heart, you can compare an air filter to lungs. It is responsible for capturing dust, sand particles or other pollutants present in the air. This prevents them from entering the engine. This is why air filter replacement is essential.. How to do it yourself? Check!

Air filter - why is it so important for the engine?

It is worth knowing how this element works to fully understand why air filter replacement is so important. Its task is to filter the air and prevent damage to the drive unit. Changing the air filter regularly can lead to clogging of the engine. The consequence of this will be wear of the rubbing parts of the drive unit. Just think about the fact that small pebbles along with oil get into the connecting rod bearings or cylinder walls. At first glance, they are harmless, but in such systems they would wreak havoc!

Also, we must not forget that a separate air filter is responsible for the quality of the air entering the cabin. It is this element that makes it so that you do not have to inhale both solid and gaseous particles. For this reason, it's worth remembering how to change your air filter to take care of your car and yourself.

What are the dangers of not replacing the air filter?

Replacing the air filter is a very important undertaking. Its absence is manifested by a decrease in engine power, as well as increased fuel consumption. This element is mounted at the very beginning of the air intake system and thus directly affects the mass flow. Therefore, when the drive unit becomes clogged, less air will flow to the engine. As a result, the combustion process will be disrupted.

What is the effect? The higher fuel consumption and power reduction mentioned above are not the only problems. In some cases, the engine will go into emergency mode and components such as pistons or cylinders will be damaged. For this reason, replacing the air filter is critical and should be done on time.

How often do you need to change the air filter in your car?

First of all, it must be done systematically. Each manufacturer recommends a different mileage after which the air filter must be replaced. Usually we are talking about a run from 20 to 40 thousand km. kilometers. However, the truth is that this activity is worth doing a little more often. Changing the air filter once a year or every 15 kilometers seems optimal. 

Equally important are the operating conditions of the vehicle. Many people travel on sandy or dirt roads where there is no shortage of pollution. In such cases, the life of the air filter is significantly reduced and it should be replaced more frequently. 

How to replace the air filter yourself?

Contrary to appearances, this operation is not too difficult, so you do not need to order its mechanics. How to replace the air filter yourself? First, choose the right product. When buying, pay special attention to the throughput of this part. It must comply with the manufacturer's recommendations, otherwise the element will not work properly.

See how to change the air filter step by step.

1. Replacing the air filter should begin with finding a plastic can. In most cases, the filter housing is located on the side of the engine. 
2. Remove the cover so as not to damage it. Remember that after re-closing it must remain fully tightened. 
3. In the jar you will find a dirty cylindrical or rectangular air filter. Take it out and clean the inside of the jar from any remaining dirt. Use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth for this - in the latter case, dry the interior thoroughly.
4. Place the new filter into the housing so that it does not deform. Pay attention to seals that cannot be pinched when closing the jar.
5. When you check the intake pipe and new element housing for leaks, the air filter replacement is complete.

Replacing the air filter in the workshop - how much does it cost?

Despite the fact that the described operation is really simple, many decide to have the air filter replaced by a mechanic. If you live in an apartment building or do not understand the mechanics, bet on just such a solution. In this case, you will be sure that the process will be carried out completely correctly. Replacing the air filter in the workshop, together with the cost of the element itself, is an expense of 10 euros For less reputable mechanics, the price can be significantly lower. 

While changing the air filter doesn't seem like a big deal, it's a very important element of every car. So don't forget to replace it. The cost of a filter in a car is not high, and the damage from not replacing it can be really huge.