The air filter is one of the absolutely integral parts that is needed in our cars. It is precisely through the given filter that air is drawn in, so it is necessary that the air as such be freed of all possible impurities as best as possible. And the air filter, which is an option that we can replace ourselves, will logically help us with that. And this not only improves the air intake itself through a cleaner and therefore much more permeable filter, but is also a way to improve the capture of dust particles, but also esku, as well as other impurities.
When is an air filter replacement necessary?
We must say that there are many drivers who significantly underestimate its replacement itself. If we want to be specific, we have to say about them that the air filter basically does not change at all. And that is definitely a big mistake. Especially in connection with the fact that neither its purchase price nor the replacement procedure itself is certainly not significantly demanding. The opposite is true.
The right service, i.e. exchange interval, can really be different. Remember that the air filter can be clogged even after driving 10,000-20,000 kilometers. It mainly depends on the specific environment in which we drive. This is also why in some cases it is recommended to always change the filter together with the oil change. Thanks to this, there is no need to think about any other terms. But it is also a fact that the filter can last us even 80,000 kilometers, which means that we don't have to worry about changing it for the entire time that we have our car. If you want to know the exact recommended replacement interval, there is nothing easier than looking in the manual for your car. You should also find information about when it was replaced in the service book.
What will we need?
The basic and most important thing is, of course, the filter itself, which we cannot do without. It is not a significant or expensive investment. In general, it can be bought for several hundred crowns, which is a minimal investment. When choosing, do not forget that it should primarily be a type that is intended for both your specific type of car and the type of engine. Once you have your selection, it's a good idea to find out whether or not tools will also be needed. If so, usually only the basics, in the form of screwdrivers or keys, will suffice. In many cars, you can do without it. Here, changing the air filter is even easier.
First you need to find the filter cover
If you decide to replace the air filter yourself, you must first find the filter cover itself. It can be located in different places in different cars. The fact remains that you will find it under the hood, which must be opened. Subsequently, it is good to know what to look for in the motorization area. The cover itself is most often made of plastic, it is square and a relatively strong air hose is connected to it. This should help you quite well in finding the cover itself. If it does, you win.
The cover also needs to be opened
It is inside the cover that you will find the most important thing, which is the air filter itself. In order to get to it, of course, the upper part needs to be released. Here we come to the aforementioned description of whether or not you will need specific tools. If so, you simply loosen the individual connections, whether they are in the form of screws or nuts. If tools are not needed, it is often sufficient to remove only the special clips that hold the upper part of the cover in place. In this case, you release the clips with a simple hand movement, and then remove the upper part of the cap.
Remove the existing filter
Once we have access to the existing filter, we can simply remove it. Before we get down to it, it's a good idea to remember or take a picture of how it is placed here – that is, in what position. If this activity is nothing new to you, it is not necessary. If this is your first time replacing the air filter, we definitely recommend that you remember its location. This is the only way to save yourself the trouble of having to place a brand new filter in the desired location.
Be sure to use extreme caution when removing the existing filter. Remember that it will be full of dust and other debris. That's why you need to think about slow movements, as well as to not really get in the way with the filter as such. Otherwise, you run the risk of dirt spilling into your engine compartment. If the existing filter is removed, you can already throw it away. In this case, disposing of it in normal waste is not a problem.
Place a new filter
As soon as the space for the air filter is free, it is possible to place a new filter here. Here you should know how to place it correctly here. If you succeed and you can see that the filter actually fits correctly, you can call yourself a winner. This completes the replacement and your last duty is, of course, to close the aforementioned cover. As soon as this is definitely done, we can say that it is possible to close the hood and use the car again without problems, with the certainty that the air intake will be without problems.
