How often should you replace your car air filter

Q: What’s an easy way to help keep your engine running smooth? 


A: Take care of the engine air filter! Here’s a quick Q&A to help you stay on top of air filter maintenance.

Q: What does the engine air filter do?


A: Your engine requires a large amount of air for proper combustion. The filter helps keep that air free of dirt, bugs, and debris that can get swept up into your car's intake system. A clogged filter can result in sluggish acceleration and may cause the engine warning light to come on. (Don’t you hate it when that light comes on?)

Q: Do you know how often to change the car air filter?


A: Typically, it should be inspected once a year or every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but this can vary based on the car and driving environment. If you often drive through dusty terrain or on unpaved roads, you may need to change it more frequently. Consult your owner’s manual for the specifics for your vehicle. No owner’s manual? No problem! A Jiffy Lube® technician will be happy to access the manufacturer’s recommendations for your car.

Q: How will you know it’s time to replace the engine air filter?


A: Sometimes you can tell simply by looking. Pop the hood and find the air filter housing. It’s usually a black plastic box located next to the engine. (Check your owner’s manual for the exact location.) Open this housing, remove the old filter, and visually inspect it. If you see contaminants between the pleats, it’s time to replace the engine air filter.

Q: Are there different types of engine air filters?


A: Yes. Paper filters are the most common, but they are designed to be disposable. Gauze filters can be cleaned and reused, leading to lower costs over time. Check your owner’s manual to help you choose the right engine air filter replacement or ask a Jiffy Lube technician. 
 

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Let the team at your local Jiffy Lube provide routine, preventive maintenance to help keep your car, SUV, minivan or truck operating as engineered. This way, a small problem can be corrected before it turns into a costly repair.

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Now you know how often to change the car air filter, but what about the cabin filter? Here’s an article that tells you what it does, and how to maintain it.

In addition to blog posts, Tips in a Jiffy has videos featuring car care tips.

Please note: Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific services offered.

The benefits and importance of air filters are often underestimated. A dirty filter allows polluting and allergen particles, as well as dust, sand and other debris, into the engine and cabin. Over time, they can result in engine damage and health complications.

Cabin and engine screens are simple to inspect and replace when needed. Some are even multi-use and can be washed. How often to change air filters in your vehicle depends on multiple factors.

The distance travelled, your vehicle’s specifications and the environmental conditions in which you drive all play a role in your filters’ durability. Apart from mileage, we’ll share several tips indicating when it’s time to replace the filter.

What are vehicle’s air filters for?

A vehicle typically comes with two air filters — one for the engine and one for the cabin. Both are equally important, and keeping a close eye on their condition is critical for the good function of your vehicle.

The screens are made of breathable materials such as paper, cotton or foam. Their primary role is to trap sand, pollution, dust, pollen and even mold before they reach you or the engine.

Engine filters

The air quality entering the engine plays a key role in your engine’s performance. Without screens, these particles would find their way in, damaging the engine’s cylinder walls and pistons.

Cabin filters

Whether inside your home or driving your vehicle, air pollution kills millions of people yearly. Over time, it leads to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

High-efficiency cabin air filters — such as HEPA filters — are useful in this area. They’re able to capture 90 per cent or more of all particles 0.3-microns or larger, significantly protecting drivers’ health.

How often to change engine air filter

Although there is no set and universal schedule to follow, below are some useful guidelines.

Driving frequency

How often to change the air filter in your vehicle depends on how frequently you drive. Generally speaking, it should be replaced every 30,000 miles.

The brittle material can tear over time and let debris in. Regardless of use, however, the screen should be changed every three years.

Your vehicle’s model

Every manufacturer may have a different recommendation when it comes to filter maintenance. They’re usually found inside your vehicle’s manual. For instance, Chevrolet recommends filter maintenance every 45,000 miles. Ford, on the other hand, advises changing one every 30,000 miles.

Driving conditions

Certain factors will increase the frequency of filter changes. Hyundai suggests changing it every 15,000 miles when driving on unpaved roads, in hot weather or high traffic conditions. Driving in a highly polluted environment also falls into this category.

Clues to look out for.

If you haven’t kept track of distance driven, below are some other helpful tips.

Lack of power

A clogged filter can cause ignition issues, and your vehicle may take some time to start. But unlike many might think, a dirty filter doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be burning more gas. It does, however, decrease acceleration power by 6 to 8 per cent. So if you feel that your car is slow to gain momentum, this could be a sign your screen needs changing.

Keep in mind, though, that it generally happens gradually; you may not notice it right away.

Visual inspection

A quick look at the filter can give you some clues it’s time for a new one. If you notice any other colour but white or grey on the screen, it’s a clear sign it needs to be replaced.

Most vehicle owners change the engine oil’s every 3,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on the vehicle’s make.

Whether done professionally or on your own, it’s usually a good idea to check all filters at the same time.

Black smoke

A motor needs about 2,641 gallons of air to fuel one 0.3 gallons of gas to work smoothly. The fuel will then create a dark residue, leading your exhaust to deliver a thick and black smoke. This is a sign that your engine is receiving the proper amount of air and oxygen, and the air filter should be checked.

How often to change cabin air filter

Typically, cabin air filters should be replaced on a yearly basis or every 12,000 to 30,000 miles. This filter also depends on the uses and conditions we’ve previously described. Below are some indications you might need to change your cabin filter:

    Bad smells in the cabin.

    Reduced airflow through the cooling or ventilation system.

    Noisy air circulation.

    Suffering from allergies or other respiratory conditions while driving.

How to change an air filter

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An average repair shop will be able to replace the filters. Regardless, however, both the engine and cabin filters are easy to check and replace when needed.

Engine air filter

This filter is generally found under the hood, inside a filter box. While some of them can be accessed by simply unlocking the box, other models will require a screwdriver. When purchasing a new screen, ensure that it’ll fit the box’s measurements.

Cabin air filter

In most vehicles, the cabin air filter is often placed either behind the glove box or under the dashboard. It may take a bit longer to change the first time, but overall, it is an easy process, accessible to most.

Filtering down

Both the engine and cabin air filters are essential to keep your vehicle and lungs performing well. How often to change the air filter in your car is dependent on the distance driven. Some visual indicators can, however, give you hints on whether the screen needs to be changed. Note that not all filters have to be replaced; some models can be washable, and therefore more eco-friendly. If you’re going for a one-time-use filter, don’t throw it away — many dealers can recycle them. Whichever screen you select, make sure it’ll fit its dedicated emplacement.

If you don’t feel comfortable changing filters, or lack time, take your vehicle to your mechanic. They will be able to change them for you.

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Generic Codes

P1206: Code fuel system failure caused No. 6 cylinder misfire

Meaning?

Fuel system failure caused No. 6 cylinder misfire is the generic description for the P1206 code. But the manufacturer may have a different descrip tion for your model and year vehicle.

Possible causes

  • Ignition spark-check primary and secondary ignition
  • Check fuel system-fuel pressure and injector
  • Check for vacuum leaks
  • Check engine mechanical condition

 P1207: Code fuel injector circuit cylinder 7 electrical malfunction

Meaning

Fuel Injector circuit cylinder 7 electrical malfunction is the generic description for the P1207 code. But the manufacturer may have a different description for your model and year vehicle.

Possible causes

  • Faulty Fuel Injector #7
  • Fuel Injector #7 harness is open or shorted
  • Fuel Injector #7 circuit poor electrical connection

P1208: Code fuel injector circuit cylinder 8 electrical malfunction

Meaning

Fuel injector circuit cylinder 8 electrical malfunction is the generic description for the P1208 code. But the manufacturer may have a different description for your model and year vehicle.

Possible causes

  • Faulty fuel injector #8
  • Fuel Injector #8 harness is open or shorted
  • Fuel Injector #8 circuit poor electrical connection

P1209: Code injection control system pressure peak fault

Meaning

The powertrain control module monitors the injection control system pressure. The diagnostic trouble code indicates that injection control pressure was not to specification during normal driving conditions.

Tech notes

Verify correct oil quality, viscosity, and fuel grade are being used for temperature conditions. Replace oil/fuel as necessary.

Possible causes

  • Low reservoir oil level

    Poor oil quality

  • Injector “O” ring leak
  • Faulty injection pressure regulator valve
  • Faulty oil pressure pump
  • Faulty powertrain control module

P1210: Code injector control pressure above expected level

Meaning

The powertrain control module monitors the injector control pressure. This diagnostic trouble code indicates the injector control signal is greater than expected.

Possible causes

  • Faulty injection control pressure sensor
  • Injection control pressure sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Injection control pressure sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty powertrain control module

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How do you know when your car air filter needs changing?

6 Signs You Need a New Car Air Filter.
It Looks Dirty. ... .
Your Car Doesn't Have as Much Power. ... .
You're Paying More at the Pump. ... .
You Smell Gas When You Start Your Car. ... .
Flames or Black Smoke Come From the Tailpipe. ... .
The Check Engine Light Comes On..

How often should air filters be changed in vehicle?

You should change the air filters at least once a year or every 12,000-15,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you drive in dusty/dirty conditions, you may be required to change your filter more often. Some filters are marked with a service life indicator that changes color when it's time to be replaced.

What happens if you don't change air filter in car?

When the air filter gets too dirty, it will get clogged and the engine won't be able to suck up enough air to the combustion chamber. When this happens, the engine will use more gas and less air, which will result in poorer performance and a drop in fuel efficiency.