How to Change Your Car's Air Filter Yourself

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You can do it. And you probably already have the tools.

Air filters provide a vital service for your car engine. They keep dust, dirt, sand, debris and the odd insect from entering the engine. Replacing them at regular intervals improves fuel economy and engine performance. And it can help minimize the number of weird noises and pesky check engine lights you receive. It’s also a simple bit of car maintenance you can do yourself.

Once you pop the hood and secure the latch, you’ll find the air filter, usually encased in a black plastic housing on top of or at the side of the engine; consult your owner’s manual if you can’t find it.

Typically, the air filter will have some sort of screws or other mechanisms holding it in place. These should be able to be removed by hand or with a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver. Pay attention to how it was secured, as this will be how you re-secure the new filter.

The rule of thumb for air filters is to replace them every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. If it looks dirty or gives off a load of dust, replace it. If you’re in doubt, replace it.

Replace the filter. Secure it the same way the filter was initially secured. Wash your hands. Pat yourself on the back and crack open a beer.

Ensure your new filter is compatible with your vehicle. Amazon can filter products by type for your specific vehicle. The two broad types are paper and gauze. Paper filters are simpler and cheaper but need to be replaced more frequently. Gauze filters last longer and can be washed.

The calculation here will be similar to changing your oil. Changing your air filter is definitely something you can do yourself, and it requires dramatically less effort and hassle than an oil change. But the process requiring so little labor means the financial benefits of doing it yourself will be minimal. The major cost component of the service is the part itself.