How to Replace Your Air Filter

Difficulty rating:
How often:	Every 12 months or 15,000 miles
Time to allow:	10min
Tools/ materials needed:	Phillips screwdriver

As a filter gets dirty, the amount of air that can flow through it is reduced. This is not a problem until less air than the engine needs gets through the filter. Without the proper amount of air, the engine will not be able to produce the power it should, nor will it be as fuel efficient as it should be.

Included in the preventative maintenance plan for all vehicles is the periodic replacement of the air filter. This mileage or time interval is based on normal vehicle operation. If the vehicle is used or has been used in heavy dust, the life of the filter is shorter

1. Pop the hood and find the air-filter housing. It will be either square (on fuel-injected engines) or round (on older carbureted engines) and about 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
   
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws or clamps that hold on the top of the housing.
   
3. Take out the old air filter (see illustration) and clean any dirt and debris from the housing with a clean rag.
4. Put the new air filter in.
   
5. Screw or clamp the lid of the air-filter housing back on.