There are many car maintenance tasks that you can do yourself without much difficulty. One important task is cleaning and maintaining your car’s air filter. This filter is important because it allows air to combine with fuel to cause combustion and provide power to the engine. If the filter is dirty and not taken care of, it can greatly affect the performance of your car. Instead of paying a professional to clean or replace it completely, you can clean and reinstall it yourself if the filter is still in good condition. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean an engine air filter.
Tools you will need
Instructions on how to clean the engine air filter
Step 1: Make sure the engine is off and has time to cool.
Turn off the car and let it sit for about 15 minutes. You want the engine to cool before you start working under the hood.
Step 2: Remove the old air filter
Start by pulling the hood release latch and prop the hood open. Pull the latch that attaches to the air filter housing and lift the mechanism up and set it in a safe place. Then, remove the air filter and inspect its condition.
Step 3: Spray and clean the air filter
Use an all-purpose cleaner and spray the filter thoroughly. Soak the filter for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse the filter with water
Spray water into the filter to rinse out the cleaning solution. A garden hose is best, but if you don’t have one, a bucket of water will work instead.
Step 5: Let dry
Take the filter out and shake it vigorously to remove excess water. Then leave the filter there and let it dry.
Step 6: Lubricate and replace
If you have an oil filter, lubricate the filter with oil and then reinstall it into the filter housing. If you have a dry filter, no lubrication is required and you can simply reinstall it into the housing.
Step 7: Reinstall the remaining part of the engine air filter assembly
Once you have reinstalled the air filter, put the rest of the assembly back into place. Make sure it is seated properly and then close the hood. Now you have a clean filter and are ready to go.
How to clean engine air filter FAQ
What is an engine air filter?
The engine air filter is a part of your vehicle that ensures air can reach the engine to create the combustion process that powers the engine. The filter does this by capturing harmful particles such as dirt, dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. Making sure your air filter is clean and well-maintained will greatly help your engine’s performance and prolong its life.
How do I know when my engine air filter needs to be replaced?
There are a number of signs from your vehicle that your air filter may need to be cleaned or replaced completely. Signs include lack of acceleration, black smoke coming from the exhaust, a sharp drop in fuel economy, rough idling, strange smells, or a check engine light are common. If you follow the instructions from the guide above and still have problems, then you may need to replace the filter.
Oil-filled air filters vs. dry air filters
Oil-filled air filters provide better filtration but are much more expensive and more difficult to clean than dry air filters. Oil-filled filters are best suited for high-performance and off-road vehicles while dry air filters are best suited for everyday driving.
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