How Often to Change an Engine Air Filter

How often should you change the engine air filter in your car? The engine air filter is an essential component that’s all too easy to overlook. How often to change an engine air filter can vary between makes and models, but the general recommendation is to replace the engine air filter every 30,000 to 45,000 miles.

Your owner’s manual is where you’ll find the most reliable answer for how often you should change the engine air filter in your car, but Hendrick Kia of Cary has some quick tips to help you out in the meantime. Learn more about engine air filters with us in the guide below!

What is the Function of the Engine Air Filter?

The engine air filter prevents dirt, sand, dust, and other contaminants from entering your engine. Over time, the filter itself will become clogged with these contaminants. When this happens, dirt and dust can make their way to the engine, reducing its performance.

Warning Signs of a Clogged Engine Air Filter

If your engine air filter has become clogged and needs to be replaced, here are some of the warning signs to watch for as you drive through Raleigh and Durham:

• Difficulty accelerating
• Engine misfire
• Rough idling
• Hard starts
• Black smoke emitting from the exhaust
• Engine service warning light comes on

How Often Should You Change Your Engine Air Filter?

Again, you can find an exact recommendation straight from your car’s manufacturer listed in your owner’s manual. However, your answer for how often to change the engine air filter might be more frequent than the manufacturer recommends, based on your personal driving habits. For example, if you often drive on dirt or gravel roads or your car is always sitting in Apex traffic during the summer heat, you’ll need to change it more often.

Most vehicles make the engine air filter very easy to access, so it’s not difficult to visually inspect it from time-to-time. If needed, you can also replace it on your own pretty easily:

How to Replace the Engine Air Filter

1. Locate the air filter compartment – it’s usually a black plastic box
2. Remove the clips or screws to open the air filter compartment, being careful not to dislodge any hoses or wires when you lift the top
3. Remove the old filter, noting its orientation in the compartment as you do so
4. Take this chance to remove any dirt or dust that might be sitting in the air filter compartment
5. Insert the new filter, ensuring all seals are fitted properly
6. Close the filter compartment back up, replacing the clips or screws when you do so

Schedule Engine Air Filter Replacement at Hendrick Kia of Cary

Prefer to have your air filter replaced by a professional? Turn to the service center at Hendrick Kia of Cary! Contact us or schedule service online to get started today.