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.
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.
Find the right oil and oil filter for your car
Please consult your vehicle manufacturer's manual for information specific to your vehicle.
What Size Cabin Air Filter Should I Buy? Cabin air filters are available in many shapes and sizes. The easiest way to know which size is right for your vehicle is to check your owner's manual, which will often include a specific part number.
You need to make sure you pick the proper one for your vehicle. You can look up the correct filter for your vehicle using the Premium Guard Filter Look-Up tool.
When it comes to choosing the air filter you need, check your vehicle owner's manual for information on the exact type of air filter your engine requires, or you can use a parts search on the filter manufacturer's website.
No Air Filter
The air filter is like the lungs of your car, providing clean air to the engine for combustion. This air mixes with fuel to power up your ride. Without it, or when it's clogged, your engine struggles to breathe, leading to all sorts of problems.
It's recommended that you replace your car's air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you drive in dusty conditions or on dirt roads frequently, it's best to check more often as this will increase the amount of debris entering into the engine.
A cabin air filter left too long will make your vehicle's HVAC system work harder, which could eventually cause the motor to burn out. Dirty or clogged cabin air filters will also reduce the amount of air flowing from the vents.
Cabin Air Filter: Your cabin air filter is used for keeping the air inside your cabin clean. This filter cleans the air that passes through your heating and cooling systems. Engine Air Filter: The engine air filter cleans the air inside the engine to keep it free from dirt and debris.
The easiest way, though, is to simply look at the filter already in there and buy the same size. Often, home air filters will have a nominal size, which is a rounded figure and the one found printed on the filter, and an actual size, which is what you would get with a tape measure.
To find the best air filter for your home's needs, check the filter's efficiency. The industry standard for air filter efficiency is indicated by the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The Filtrete standard for air filter efficiency is indicated by the Microparticle Performance Rating value (MPR).
Usually, you can find the diameter by looking for the geometric symbol on the body of the lens - “ø”. The number next to that is the one you need. If you can't find it on your lens though, just take a look at your user manual or the manufacturer's site, and it should be pretty easy to find.
Check your furnace and AC for individual filter slots to ensure you buy the correct size for each (if applicable). Using the wrong size filter reduces efficiency, air quality, and can even damage your HVAC system.
If an air filter is too big for the slot in your HVAC system, it won't fit properly and may allow unfiltered air to bypass the filter. This can let in dust, allergens, and other particles, reducing indoor air quality. You may also damage an oversized filter when installing it.
No, you should never run your AC without a filter!
Although there are specific situations when this may be acceptable for a very short time, in most situations running your AC without a filter could be disastrous. Generally, anytime you run your air conditioning system without an air filter you are taking a major risk.
Just like how a low fan speed on a hot day will never make you feel cold enough, a clogged cabin air filter restricts airflow, which can make your AC seem less effective. So, while a new cabin air filter might not make your AC 'colder,' it certainly contributes to a cooler and more comfortable cabin experience.
If none of the previous issues are forcing you to replace your spark plugs, you can typically change them every 30,000 to 90,000 miles depending on the make and model of your car. Your owner's manual reveals the schedule of your vehicle.
Most engine air filters will cost between $20 to $85, depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, and whether you do it yourself or take your vehicle to the dealer or a mechanic.
Simply replacing your engine air filter can increase horsepower and, in some cases, even improve mileage.
Reduced Air Quality
The most immediate impact of not using a filter in your AC is a decline in air quality. Without a filter, contaminants like dust, dander, pollen, and other particles that would normally be trapped are now free to circulate in your home.