How To Change Your Air Filter
Overview
Like us humans, every engine needs a good supply of clean air to perform. Your engine air filter does this by capturing all the dust, bugs, sand and soot. Over ten to twenty thousand kilometres though, all this gunk builds up which means reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and more internal wear and tear. Thankfully, in just 15 minutes you can change an air filter and have all that back again.
How to choose the right air filter
Locating the correct replacement air filter is super easy. Just hop onto the Supercheap Auto website and enter your rego to see every filter suitable for your vehicle. You can choose a paper filter and replace it every twenty thousand kilometres, or a washable filter. It will cost more initially, but save you money in the long run.
Steps
Step 1: Open The Airbox
Your engine air filter is easy to locate. Open the bonnet and it’s usually in a housing at the front near the grill, but you can always check your owner’s manual.
Many air boxes can be opened easily by hand by popping a few clips free. However, some air boxes may require some basic tools. Take note of how the old air filter is positioned as you remove it.
Step 2: Clean The Airbox
You may find the empty housing is home to a few dead bugs, grass seeds, and a bit of dust. That’s good! It means the filter has been doing its job. Use your brush to free up the muck, then suck it out with the vacuum.
When to perform a throttle body clean
Performing a throttle body clean will help clear carbon, gum and other deposits to help your engine run smoother. It’s an optional step in the process, but it is best done every time you change an air filter.
There are different types of throttle body and intake cleaners for petrol and diesel engines, and the methods of use vary between products, so always follow the instructions supplied with your product carefully.
Cleaning a MAF sensor
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor should also be cleaned each time you change an air filter. This part is very sensitive and should never be touched, or cleaned with anything but a specific MAF sensor clean product.
Step 3: New Air Filter
Both the paper and washable filter are ready to drop straight into place. Ensure that your filter is sitting properly and sealing well as you replace the airbox lid.
How to clean a reusable air filter
If you’re using a reusable K&N air filter; your future engine air filter services will require a service kit to clean the filter. The steps are as follows:- Soak the air filter in the cleaning product
- Rinse the air cleaner out from the cleanest side
- Allow the air filter to fully air dry
- Apply the filter oil supplied in your cleaning kit. Be careful not to over or under do it
Tips
Changing your engine air filter is one of the easiest things you can do for fuel economy and engine longevity. It might even make your experience behind the wheel a little more super!
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