Changing your engine air filter is one of the easier car-maintenance jobs you can do yourself. On many vehicles, it requires only a few minutes, a replacement filter, and perhaps a screwdriver. Here’s how to replace an engine air filter in seven simple steps.
1. Get the Correct Replacement Filter
- Engine air filters are not one-size-fits-all. Before you start, make sure you have the correct filter for your vehicle.
- Check your owner’s manual or use the year, make, and model lookup at an auto parts store or retailer. Many stores can also help you find the correct filter.
2. Locate the Engine Air Filter
- Open the hood and find the air filter housing, often called the airbox. It’s typically a black plastic box located toward one side of the engine compartment and connected to a large air intake tube.
- If you’re unsure where it is, check your owner’s manual.
3. Open the Airbox
- The airbox lid may be secured with screws, bolts, clips, or a combination of fasteners. Some vehicles require no tools at all.
- Release the fasteners and carefully lift the lid. You may not need to remove it completely.
- Take note of how the lid fits into the housing. Some airboxes have tabs or notches that must line up when you put everything back together.
4. Remove the Old Air Filter
- Lift the old filter out of the housing. Most engine air filters are flat and rectangular, although the size and shape vary by vehicle.
- This is a good opportunity to inspect the old filter. Dirt trapped between the pleats is normal, but a filter that is heavily clogged with dirt and debris is ready for replacement.
5. Check the Airbox for Debris
- Before installing the new filter, look inside the airbox for leaves, dirt, or other loose debris.
- Remove anything you can easily reach, taking care not to push debris farther into the air-intake system.
6. Install the New Air Filter
- Place the new filter into the housing in the same position as the old one.
- Make sure it sits flat and fits securely around the edges. A filter that is crooked or improperly seated can prevent the airbox from closing correctly and may allow unfiltered air to enter the engine.
7. Close the Airbox
- Put the airbox lid back into position, making sure any tabs or notches are properly aligned. Reinstall any screws, bolts, or clips you removed earlier.
- Check that the housing is fully closed and secure.
- That’s it. No fluids to drain, no vehicle to lift, and on many cars, the entire job takes only a few minutes.
When Should You Replace an Engine Air Filter?
Replacement intervals vary by vehicle, so follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. However, driving conditions contribute to a filter’s usefulness so dusty or unpaved roads and other severe conditions can cause a filter to become dirty sooner.
It’s also worth inspecting the filter periodically, such as during an oil change. If it’s excessively dirty or clogged, replacing it can help ensure your engine gets the clean airflow it needs.
Can You Replace an Engine Air Filter Yourself?
For many vehicles, yes. Engine air filter replacement is one of the more approachable DIY maintenance jobs because the filter is usually easy to reach and requires few, if any, specialized tools.
However, airbox designs vary. If accessing the filter requires removing other components or you’re unsure about the procedure for your vehicle, consult the owner’s manual or have a technician replace it.
Visit Kelley Blue Book’s Car Maintenance Information Center for curated articles to help you make smart maintenance decisions with confidence.
