A car engine air filter or car air filter is designed to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine. Over time, the air filter becomes clogged and blocks the optimal supply of air. This results in issues such as reduced performance, overconsumption, excessive emission and engine malfunction. In this guide, we will discuss a car engine air filter, how it works and how to replace it.
What Does an Air Filter Do in a Car?
Before changing your car’s air filter, you need to understand how it works. Air filters clean the air that draws in by the car’s engine and mixes with the fuel to form the correct compression ratio. Since it is essential to prevent impurities from entering the engine’s combustion chamber, there is always an intake air filter located just before the intake manifold. Most cars use special paper filters with an accordion structure which greatly increases the filtering area.
How Often Do You Need to Change A Car’s Air Filter?
Debris and dirt deposit on the filter, reducing the amount of air that passes over time. A lot of factors impact how soon you will need to replace the filter. Generally, filter manufacturers suggest replacing your car’s engine air filter at least once a year. Automakers suggest replacing them after 20,000 km to 25,000 km. Also, there are several symptoms that can tell you when to change the car air filter such as sooty spark plug, darken exhaust and reduced fuel economy.
How To Change a Car Engine Air Filter
Here is your step by step guide on how to change a car air filter.
Step 1: Locate the Air Filter
It is fairly easy to locate a car engine air filter. Lift your vehicle’s bonnet and try to look for the engine air filter housing. It is usually a black plastic box located on the side or to the top of the engine.
Step 2: Clean the Outside of the Air Filter
Once you have located the box containing the filter, it is advisable to clean the outside of the box with a brush or compressed air, to prevent engine dirt from being transferred inside when you are changing your car’s air filter.
Step 3: Access and Remove Air Filter
Open the car air filter housing to replace the old car engine filter with the new one. The filter housing can be attached with wing nuts, clips, screws and clamps. Check what type of fasteners are being used and remove them with an appropriate tool.
Lift the cover to which the air inlet pipe is connected and uncover the filter. Carefully lift the filter and remove it. Sometimes the filter gasket is stuck along the edge making it difficult to remove: use a screwdriver to work along the edge until it comes off completely
Step 4: Clean the Air Filter Housing
Before replacing your car’s air filter with a new one, the inside of the filter housing should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any residue. This can be done using a vacuum cleaner or a compressed air gun.
Step 5: Replace the Filter
The new filter can now be placed in the box. Filters are usually marked with an arrow indicating the direction of the airflow. The edge of the filter is surrounded by a gasket which must be secured carefully to the edge of the box. Its correct positioning is essential so that no air other than the one which passes through the filter enters the box.
Step 6: Close the Box
After inserting the filter, put the cover back on the box and secure it in place with the screws or hooks.
Car Engine Air Filter Replacment Cost
The cost of an air filter varies from one car to another; however, the average price of an engine air filter in the UAE is between 150 AED to 250 AED. Whereas, you can save the labour cost by replacing it at home. In case you find difficulty while changing it at home you can take the vehicle to your nearest garage or book them up online. You can easily find a range of auto parts for sale in the UAE at reasonable rates.
Now you know how air filter works in cars and how to replace it by following the aforementioned instruction. If you are buying a used car in the UAE, don’t forget to take a test drive and check its engine air filter appears dirty to you. In case you find any issue with the car air filter, replace it with a new one.
This concludes our guide on how to replace car engine air filters. Stay tuned to the UAE leading auto blog to find more car repair and replacement tips.
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