How to Change Your Car Air Filters Like a Boss

Before anything else, what is an air filter anyway? A little overview of what happens inside the hood of your vehicle when you start your engine. Your engine needs air for it to run, the air mixes with the gas, and then the spark plug gives a spark. BAM! You now have internal combustion, ladies and gentleman.

So, where does the air filter fit in this whole process? You see, the air that the engine needs has to be as clean as possible. Why? Because if you give your engine some dirty air, then it will not run as efficiently! Hey, humans have been trying to function while breathing polluted air-- where is that getting us?

So, if you-- a human being can endure the polluted air, why can't your state-of-the-art car need its air to be clean? Since our air is full of junk, it does not burn evenly. On top of that, you simply don't want all those stuff in your engine.

Like we said, your engine likes clean air, but our air is pretty dirty. Your car air filter can only handle so much before it becomes a problem itself.

Increased fuel efficiency - After a while, your filter can get really dirty and clogged. A clogged filter will not allow air to get to your engine. And AGAIN, your engine needs clean air to run efficiently. If your engine does not have enough air, it uses more fuel to get your car started. If you want to save yourself some fuel money, then change your air filter regularly.

Prolonged engine life - Happy engine equals a happy life, but if you're a husband, don't forget your wife. Engines are big and powerful. You would not believe how sensitive they are! Even the smallest grain of sand can turn your engine's world upside down.

Anyways, over time -- dirt and other foreign particles will eventually get in your engine. Once that happens, severe damage to your engine's internal parts ensues. It only costs a few dollars to change your air filters, don't wait till you have to spend thousand.

Reduced Emissions - Our air is already messed up as it is, so don't be a part of the problem. If your airflow is reduced due to clogged air filters, it will mess with your car's emission control systems. What does this mean? It means that your vehicle will be spewing bad stuff into the atmosphere.

Note: If you are planning to buy a secondhand vehicle or resell your car in the future, the ai filter is one of the car safety features that you need to check.

1. Buy your air filter.

Okay, the first step to changing your air filter is buying a new one. Air filters are generally cheap unless you request for one that is made of unicorn hair and gold. In that case, they may ask for your firstborn in return. If you are not sure what kind of filter you need, you can check your car manual.

In the case that you have already lost your car manual, or if you had forgotten to check before you went to the store-- there are auto parts stores that have a book that tells you what parts your vehicle may need. If that option is not available, you can ask one of the guys in the store.

2. Open the hood of your car and locate your air filter box.

It should look like a black plastic box. Usually, it would be located sitting on top of or to the side of your engine. The filter box usually has a giant hose sticking out of its side.

3. The next step is to open the filter box and remove the dirty air filter.

A typical air filter box is locked by a cinch. You just need to unclasp the big metal clips that hold the top down. You can now open the box and remove the dirty filter.

4. Now, check your old car air filter.

If it looks worn out and dirty, then it is time to replace it.

5. Put in your newly bought air filter.

Replace the old filter with a new one. Make sure that the filter is not loose. Close the top of the box and snap the cinches.

And voila! You have successfully changed your air filter.

It won't cost you much to change your air filters. Let your engine breathe. Developing a habit of regularly checking your car parts will pay off. It may seem troublesome at first, but it is necessary to keep your car from having major breakdowns. Spotting small problems like clogged filters helps you save thousands of dollars.