Engine Air Filter – How Often to Change?

The question of how often to change your engine air filter is thankfully one of the easiest maintenance decisions for your car.

The answer: It depends entirely on where you live & drive and how much you drive. Take it out every 3 to 6 months, knock the dust and debris out, and replace it if visibly dirty. Replace every 12 months regardless of how it looks. The manufacturer will also have a recommended interval for your make and model, though the above guidelines will suffice in most cases.

What Does an Engine Air Filter Do?

An engine air filter plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle’s engine running smoothly. Its main job is to clean the air that flows into the engine before it mixes with fuel for combustion. Here’s a breakdown of what it does:

1. Traps Contaminants: The air filter removes dirt, dust, pollen, insects, and other particles from the air. Without it, these contaminants could get into the engine, causing wear and tear on internal components like pistons, cylinders, and valves.
2. Protects Engine Performance: By ensuring only clean air enters the combustion chamber, the filter helps maintain the proper air-to-fuel ratio. This keeps the engine running efficiently and prevents power loss or rough idling.
3. Improves Fuel Efficiency: A clean air filter allows for optimal airflow, which can enhance fuel economy. If it’s clogged, the engine has to work harder, burning more fuel to compensate for restricted air intake.
4. Extends Engine Life: By keeping abrasive particles out, the air filter reduces the risk of long-term damage, helping your engine last longer.

Typically made of pleated paper, cloth, or foam, the filter sits in a housing connected to the engine’s intake system. Over time, it gets dirty and needs to be replaced—usually every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on driving conditions (more often in dusty areas). A clogged filter can lead to reduced performance, so it’s a simple but vital part of car maintenance.

How to Change an Engine Air Filter

You can easily change you air filter from the convenience of your garage or parking spot in a few steps:

1. Open the hood of your vehicle.
2. Open the air filter compartment. (There will be clasps or hooks to undo)
3. Remove the old filter.
4. Drop in the new filter.
5. Refasten the clasps, close the hood.

A typical engine air filter location. This picture shots the interior of a 2018 Honda Accord.