Skip advert
Advertisement

How to change your car air filter

A clean air filter keeps your engine breathing clearly, so take the time to check it for damage and replace if necessary.

The air filter is one of those important items that’s easy to forget, but it’s incredibly important to your car’s health, performance and fuel economy.

It traps the debris and dirt in the air that would otherwise be sucked into the engine so it needs to be checked and looked after. Here’s how to change it…

Advertisement - Article continues below

You should change your air filter approximately every year. The best rule of thumb is to replace it when you have an oil change. Check your handbook for the correct air filter and visit your local main dealer or car spares shop for a replacement.

Next, open the bonnet and locate the filter – but only do this when the car is engine is cold. The air filter is normally in a large, black ‘air box’ near the left or right hand side of the bonnet. If you’re not sure, check your car’s handbook.

Unclip the lid, make a note of which way round the filter is, take out the old one and take a look.

The filter should be clean and clear of debris. If it retains its original colour – the filter part is usually light beige – it should be OK for a bit longer.

If it’s covered in dirt, then you should change it. All you need to do here is drop in the new filter, making sure it’s the right way round. Replace the air box lid, fasten the clips and you’re done. It’s that simple.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes
Skoda Karoq SportLine
In-depth reviews
26 Mar 2024

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024