How to Replace Your Car's Air Filter

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Use Code: DEAL4WINTER](/lp/autozone-savings?intcmp=GLO:PEN:1:20260111:20260117:GEN:DEAL4WINTER) [Sign In](/signin) Sign In [Cart](/cart) 43931 farmwell hunt plazaCLOSED Until 7:30 AM Today Most Popular Categories Trending Topics # How to Replace Your Car's Air Filter Basic maintenance keeps your vehicle running efficiently and problem-free, and the engine air filter is one of the parts that should be replaced most often. It’s intended to keep the air entering your car’s engine clean, but that means the filter itself gets dirtier the more it’s in use. An engine air filter replacement takes only a few minutes, and the air filter itself is usually in the range of $10 to $60, although some performance filters could be more. Learn more about why and how to replace it. In this article ## Suggested AutoZone Products [Engine Air Filter](https://www.autozone.com/filters-and-pcv/air-filter?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20241007:00000000:GEN:DIY) [Buy Now](https://www.autozone.com/filters-and-pcv/air-filter?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20241007:00000000:GEN:DIY "Buy Now") ## Why Replacing Your Air Filter is Important In the air cleaner housing, the air filter element has gallons of air passing through it every minute, feeding into the engine for clean, powerful combustion. To increase the filter’s surface area and optimize the amount of airflow through it over time, the filter is pleated. The media captures tiny particles that could harm the engine internally. It needs to be replaced to keep the proper amount of air entering your engine. When you have a good [air filter](https://www.autozone.com/filters-and-pcv/air-filter?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20241007:00000000:GEN:DIY), your air-fuel mixture is accurate, letting your engine produce as much power as it can. It also keeps the emissions in check, promotes proper running temperatures, and saves on fuel. If your engine air filter needs to be replaced, you’ll notice symptoms like: * A whistling sound from the engine bay, especially at idle * Higher than normal fuel consumption * Decreased power * Stumbling or rough running * Misfires that can cause the Check Engine light to come on * A smell of fuel or black smoke from the exhaust On an inspection, a dirty air filter is easy to detect – dirt, leaves, bugs, and other debris will accumulate in the pleats. And when you put the filter up to a light, you won’t be able to see through it well. It’s time to replace it. ## Tools and Materials You’ll Need As one of the simplest maintenance items, you’ll need very few tools and supplies to get the job done. In case they’re required, have on hand: * A few common flat and Phillips screwdrivers * A pair of [pliers](https://www.autozone.com/wrenches-pliers-and-cutters/pliers?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20241007:00000000:GEN:DIY) * A ratchet and socket set * Gloves * A shop rag or cloth * Your new engine air filter The correct part to replace the air filter you have should be the same size and shape as the original. Some are a flat, rectangular element between one and three inches thick, while others are a cone. Make sure you know which style and size you need before completing your purchase. Criteria to consider include your year, make, and model, the engine size, and whether you want an OEM replacement economy filter, a premium replacement, or a [high-performance filter](https://www.autozone.com/intake-system/performance-air-filter?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20241007:00000000:GEN:DIY). There are often different levels available for every model. The easiest way to verify fitment is by shopping AutoZone’s listings with your vehicle information. ## Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Air Filter Set aside between 10 and 20 minutes to replace your air filter, depending on the vehicle’s design. Wait until your engine has cooled off before you begin to prevent the possibility of burns, and wear gloves to prevent nicks and scratches from unexpectedly sharp plastic edges. ### Step 1: Set Up Your Vehicle Park your car with the keys out of the ignition and set the parking brake. Open the hood and use the prop rod to keep it up while you work. ### Step 2: Open the Air Filter Housing Air filter changes are different depending on what model you drive. From your intake, follow the duct to a larger plastic housing near the front of the engine compartment. That’s where the air filter will be. For some cars, it’s a simple as releasing a few spring clips on the edge to access the filter. On others, a few screws hold the housing closed, and the air duct may need to be loosened or removed first. Identify any fasteners that need to be removed, then use your screwdrivers, pliers, or socket set to do it. Remember how clamps and screws are oriented so you can reassemble easily afterwards. ### Step 3: Remove the Old Air Filter Once the air filter housing has been opened, the air filter will come out easily with just a slight tug. Carefully remove it from the housing, preventing dirt from falling off of it. Once the filter is out, wipe out the housing with a clean shop rag – you don’t want the particles to get into the engine. ### Step 4: Install the New Air Filter Orienting the new filter in the same way the old one was installed, place it into the housing. There should be a snug fit with no openings around the filter that could let raw, unfiltered air past. ### Step 5: Button It Up Reassemble the air cleaner housing and ducting. Start the engine and check that it’s running well and sounds good with no whistling. ## Common Mistakes to Avoid It’s a simple job, but there’s still ways it can go wrong. One of the most common mistakes that can occur is installing the air filter in a dirty housing, allowing dirt to get into the intake. It might not seem like a big deal, but tiny particles can scratch metal parts or contribute to deposits inside. Also, using the wrong type of filter can happen. Whether it’s a slightly incorrect size or the filter is too restrictive for your engine, it can allow those particles into the engine. Tempted to blow the air filter out with compressed air? That can sometimes be effective in the short term, but when an air filter is already that dirty, a replacement is the best option. Plus, it can push some of the dirt to the side that’s supposed to remain clean. When you need a new air filter, [AutoZone](https://www.autozone.com/locations/?intcmp=BLG:BDY:1:20240826:00000000:GEN:DIY) has it for you no matter what make and model you drive. Find premium and economy options from the top brands names in stock both in-store and online. ## FAQ/People Also Ask Typically, you’ll need to replace your engine air filter once every 12 months or 12,000 miles. If you’re in a dusty environment, it might be necessary more frequently. Signs can range from poor fuel economy and running issues, to a Check Engine light on, a fuel smell in the exhaust, or black tailpipe smoke. Some performance air filters are intended to be cleaned, oiled, and reused. However, most filters are disposable and should be replaced rather than cleaned. The easiest way is to shop according to your vehicle build information including the engine size. A bad air filter can eventually cause extreme running issues and stalling. A worst-case scenario is that the air filter collapses and allows dirty air into the engine, causing wear and tear that shortens its life.