Air Filter Maintenance

How do I know when I need a new air filter for the engine?

Air filter maintenance is a routine check that is all too often overlooked. You can check your owner’s manual for recommended intervals, but the easiest way to tell is simply looking at the filter. However, a good rule of thumb is to replace the engine's air filter every other oil change.

Why change the engine air filter?

Simply put, the engine air filter captures dirt and dust before they can enter the engine. Keeping engine components clean allows your engine to run more efficiently. Uncontaminated air flowing freely into the combustion chamber of your engine makes your engine run better, cleaner, and use less gas.

What about the cabin air filter?

Just like the engine has a filter, so does the cabin you and your passengers sit in. The air that passes through your climate control system is filtered for dust, pollen, mold spores, and assorted contaminants in the air you breathe. A dirty filter puts stress on the climate components and does not effectively filter the air.

Anthony Belcher, Sensible Driver's Service & Parts Reporter, contributed to this writeup.