If you're looking to maintain your car's performance and fuel efficiency, it's important to know when and how to change your car's air filter. An air filter can protect the engine from dirt, dust, and other materials that could clog the system or damage car parts. In this article, we'll discuss the cost of a car filter, when to replace it, and how to do it yourself. The user manual should show the location of yours and how to open its housing to remove the filter.
An independent test of a Subaru Crosstrek, for example, found that a high-performance filter added 4 horsepower (just over 2%) compared to an original equipment filter and improved its acceleration from 20 to 60 mph in 0.2 seconds, gains that probably wouldn't be noticed when driving every day. If you've started to notice a reduction in gasoline consumption or if your engine is idling sharply and the engine light has come on, it's time to change your air filter. If the filter is covered with dirt or full of insects, leaves, or other debris, it's time to use a new one. The test simulated an obstruction by covering air filters with shop towels, severely restricting air flow, and the DOE concluded that the reduction in flow “had no significant effect on fuel economy”, using federal fuel economy testing procedures.
Even though it takes very little time and money to replace air filters, many people still don't. Vehicles also have a filter for the air that enters their heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, but it has nothing to do with the engine's air filter. If you think your air filter is causing problems with fuel efficiency or power, you should replace them immediately. Air filters usually live in a rectangular housing on the front of the engine that will be easy to find and reach.
While paying someone else to replace the cabin filter is certainly practical, when you consider the wait time and the cost associated with labor, you should see a solid reason to replace the cabin filter yourself. This variation may be due to the fact that your car is foreign (making it difficult to access the cabin air filter) or because the mechanic is also raising the price of a minor repair. Hold the filter close to a light and look at it from different angles to see how dirty it is below the surface. The DOE tested three vehicles, a Buick Lucerne, a Dodge Charger and a Toyota Camry, and compared their fuel economy and acceleration to a new, clean engine filter with the same characteristics, with a clogged filter.
In addition, changing the air filter will extend the life of the engine, saving you money on repairs.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Car Filter?
The cost of replacing an air filter varies depending on your car model and type of filter used. Generally speaking, most car filters cost between $10-$50 depending on where you buy them from. If you're looking for an OEM replacement part for your car model then expect to pay more than if you buy an aftermarket part.When Should You Replace Your Car Filter?
It's recommended that you replace your car's air filter every 12 months or 12000 miles (whichever comes first). This will ensure that your car is running at its optimal performance level and will help prevent any damage caused by dirt or debris entering your engine.How To Replace A Car Filter
Replacing your car's air filter is relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps:- Locate your car's air filter housing.
- Remove the old air filter.
- Install the new air filter.
- Close up the housing.
Conclusion
Replacing your car's air filter is an important part of maintaining its performance and fuel efficiency.It's relatively inexpensive and easy to do yourself so there's no excuse not to keep up with regular maintenance! Just remember to use an OEM replacement part for your car model so that it fits correctly.
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