Figuring out what type of oil filter you need isn't nearly as complicated as figuring out what type of oil you need. There are hundreds of different filters, but only one type your car will need. The manufacturer will tell you in your owner's manual what type of filter you need, so all you need to do is match it up.
The easiest way to know which size you need is to open the engine air-filter housing, remove the filter, and bring it with you to the auto parts counter. You can also check in your owner's manual for the air filter part number or look it up online.
Check your car's owner manual
Using the wrong filter can lead to inadequate filtration, reduced oil flow, and engine damage. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the best results.
Every car has four main filters: the cabin filter, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter. The function of all these filters is to enable flows and catch impurities: the dust and contaminants in the air, the impurities in the fuel or the dirt in the motor oil.
To determine your air filter size, you need to measure its length, width, and depth. These measurements are usually printed on the side of the filter. If not, you can use a tape measure to get the dimensions.
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.
Vehicle and filter type: Most vehicles have different air filter sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, which may lead to different replacement schedules. Additionally, the brand or type of filter you get could also impact your replacement needs.
Checking the Air Filter
In most modern vehicles, the air intake box will be a rectangular box located towards the front of the engine bay. If you have an older vehicle, the air filter may be directly on top of the engine inside of a metal, circular container just above the carburetor.
Most cabin air filters can be replaced in less than 15 minutes without tools, although some take a little longer and may require removing fasteners that hold the glove box or interior trim panels in place. If you need help replacing your filter, check with your local auto repair shop.
The lower the MERV number, the less effective the filter is at capturing particles (measured in microns) from the air. As the value increases, the filter captures smaller and smaller particles at a higher rate but also restricts airflow.
While technically you don't have to get the oil filter changed with every oil replacement, it is still a good idea. The oil filter keeps the oil in your engine clear of larger contaminants and replacing it at the same time that you get an oil change makes sure that everything can run smoothly.
Find the oil filter by looking for a metal cylinder attached to the engine block. Look on the top, bottom, and sides of the engine to locate the filter attached to an outlet coming from the engine block. The filter is often black, white, blue, or orange and labeled as a filter.
An average air filter will cost around $10 to $25, although select filters can range in price to well over $100.
Not all air filters will have the size printed on the side. If yours doesn't have a size printed, you can measure it on your own and do a little math to determine the length, width, and depth of the replacement. Remember to pay attention to the orientation to ensure you're getting the right size.
Mold can build up on the filter if you don't change it, which can cause bad odors and smells. Mold is also extremely unhealthy to breathe in, as it can make a person very sick. But by replacing the cabin air filter regularly, you can avoid breathing in that unhealthy mold and keep your cabin smelling fresh.
If you take your vehicle to your dealer for service, they will likely replace the air cabin filter with a manufacturer-approved version that can run from around $40 to upwards of $100. If you replace the filter yourself, it can be as affordable as $18 to $28.
No, running your AC without a filter is not recommended and is generally dangerous to the health of your air conditioner. Any amount of time that an air conditioner is run without a filter could cause damage to the system and shorten its life span. It is best to get a replacement filter as fast as possible.
A dirty engine air filter will block the amount of oxygen coming into your vehicle's engine. That will reduce engine efficiency and rob you of the max power that you can get from your vehicle.
Every car has four main filters: the cabin filter, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter.
A dirty engine air filter can cause your engine to run poorly, and contaminants that pass by it can cause wear inside your engine. A bad cabin air filter usually won't cause damage, but it can prevent you from operating your car safely.
Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration, depending on your car make and model.
As mentioned above, most engine air filters will need to be replaced around every 30,000-45,000 miles, but you'll want to consult your owner's manual for a more exact number as different vehicles have different engine air filters.