Normally, air filters need to be replaced after 15,000 miles, but cleaning them in between can improve your car’s performance. So, How to Clean a Car Air Filter?
You are supposed to Locate the Air Filter, Remove the Air Filter, Use a Vacuum Cleaner, and Use Water.
Keep reading.
How to Clean a Car Air Filter?
If you are familiar with the layout of your car’s undercarriage, cleaning the air filter will be simple. We provide step-by-step instructions below that will show you how to use a few different techniques to complete the task.
Locate the Air Filter
The air filter for your car is located conveniently close to the engine on top. Look in your car’s manual, which should list all the various engine parts, if you can’t find it.
No manual to be found? Go online because a digital copy or YouTube video that explains its location is probably available. If that doesn’t work, ask the next time your car is serviced for a mechanic to point it out.
Remove the Air Filter
The housing for air filters is typically made of plastic or metal, and you must open the housing in order to remove the filter. In newer cars, they’re typically just clipped down, making them simple to remove, but if your car is older, you might need to unscrew or unbolt a section of the housing.
It should be as simple as pulling the air filter out once the air filter housing has been opened.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Using a vacuum is the simplest method for cleaning a car air filter. The hose attachment makes the ideal tool for accessing the filter’s ridges when connected to a regular household vacuum.
Make sure you remove all of the visible dirt and debris by vacuuming the filter’s two sides for about two minutes. When you’re finished, hold the filter up to a bright light to reveal any details you might have missed. You can now replace the filter after giving it one last look.
Use Water
If you have some extra time and your car’s air filter is very dirty, you can clean it with water. Even with the added drying time, cleaning an air filter with water takes much longer but produces superior results.
Start by adding a small amount of laundry detergent to a clean bucket of water. To force dirt and dust out of the filter material, submerge the filter in water and swirl it around with your hands. After shaking off any excess water, remove it from the water and rinse it under running water.
Place the filter on a fresh towel to dry once it has been cleaned. Make sure you allow enough time before you intend to use your car again because, depending on where you dry it, the filter may take up to 24 hours to dry completely.
Remember – the filter must be totally dry before you replace it. Dust and other particles will stick to it and obstruct airflow if it’s even a little bit damp, which could lead to serious engine issues. Before replacing it, make certain it is completely dry.
The Importance of Cleaning the Car Air Filter
One of those maintenance tasks that can be placed on a DIY list is the cleaning of the car air filter. Although the car air filter may seem unimportant, the component is vital to ensure that debris, dirt and other types of contaminants never make their way into the car’s engine. Other contaminants, such as debris, may result in more costly issues.
As a result of having to work even harder when the filter is clogged, the motor is less effective. As a result, there may be more wear and tear, poorer gas mileage, and even a loss of power and acceleration. These secondary issues can result in the owner spending hundreds, possibly even thousands of dollars on engine repairs in addition to having a car that is underperforming.
With all of that said, it is easy to understand why having a clean car air filter is so important and why it can be easily achieved with a few simple steps.
How Often Should Air Filters Be Cleaned/Replaced?
The majority of automakers advise changing the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. The filter needs to be changed at least once a year. To find out specifics about the vehicle, it’s crucial to consult the owner’s manual.
Other elements, such as how much dirt is passing through the filter and the driving environment, also influence how frequently air filters need to be changed and cleaned.
Changing the car air filter may need to be done if the owner begins to notice changes in the car’s performance such as:
– Losing acceleration
– Idling is rough
– Huge decrease in gas mileage
– Problems with the ignition
– The check engine light starts coming on
– The engine sounds different
FAQs
What to Do If the Filter is Difficult to Reach?
For most makes and models, the car air filter is accessible. If this isn’t the case, it’s best to have a licensed mechanic examine the filter and give advice on whether it needs to be cleaned or replaced.
What Time of the Year Should the Air Filter Be Changed/Cleaned?
Spring is one of the best seasons of the year to give a car some TLC by changing or cleaning the air filters because the days are getting warmer and longer. It is advisable to replace all the filters, especially the engine filter.
Conclusion: How to Clean a Car Air Filter?
The information on how to clean a car air filter has now been covered in full. You shouldn’t have any issues managing dirty car air filters as long as you pay attention to what you’ve read.
You are supposed to Locate the Air Filter, Remove the Air Filter, Use a Vacuum Cleaner, and Use Water.
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