How often should a car air filter be replaced?

Author: Samir Grant  |  Last update: Sunday, February 22, 2026

Tips for Maintaining Your Car's Air Filter It's recommended that you change your car's air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on how often you drive and the type of environment you live in. During normal driving conditions, changing the air filter every 20,000 miles will usually suffice.

How long does a car air filter last?

Generally speaking, you should replace your car air filters every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you have a cheaper, thinner engine air filter, you may need a new air filter more frequently.

How do I know when my car air filter needs replacing?

7 Signs You Might Need to Replace Your Car Air Filter
  1. Reduced Fuel Efficiency. The most common sign is a decrease in gas mileage. ...
  2. The Engine Light Is On. ...
  3. The Air Filter Is Dirty. ...
  4. Jerking Movements When You Accelerate. ...
  5. Misfiring and Starting Issues. ...
  6. Strange Engine Sounds. ...
  7. Black Smoke or Flames From the Exhaust Pipe.

What will happen if I don't change my car air filter?

Performance Issues: Lack of a proper air filter can cause the engine to run poorly, resulting in rough idling, reduced power, and potential stalling. Emissions: A compromised air intake can lead to increased emissions, which may cause your vehicle to fail emissions tests and contribute to environmental pollution.

How often do I really need to change my air filter?

Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.

How often should you replace your Engine Air Filter?

How much does it cost to replace the air filter in a car?

Replacing your car's air filter can cost anywhere from $20-$50, depending on the type of vehicle you have and the quality of filter. A high-quality filter will ensure better airflow, engine performance, and fuel economy — so it's worth investing in a reliable one!

What would happen if you never changed your air filter?

This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure. If you haven't been swapping your air filters as frequently as you should, there's no time like the present to start practicing this crucial maintenance step.

Can I clean my car air filter instead of replacing it?

Cleaning the air filter only improves its appearance. When should an air filter be replaced? The air filter should be replaced after the period indicated by the vehicle manufacturer.

How often should you change your car?

Most cars are designed to last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles.

Does a new air filter improve car performance?

Yes, high-performance air filters make a significant difference in your vehicle's performance by increasing torque and horsepower. One test concluded a high-performance air filter increased horsepower by 2.6% and torque by 3.7%.

Will I notice a difference with a new air filter?

Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration, depending on your car make and model. When you realise that, it makes sense to regularly replace your air filters.

How often should I replace the oil filter in my car?

In general, most newer vehicles are designed to run on 6,000 or 7,500-mile cycles for oil changes (the old 3,000-mile cycle is a myth in terms of newer vehicles). Most mechanics agree that it's just a smart idea to have the filter swapped out every time you take your car in for an oil change.

What are the signs of a dirty air filter?

How Can You Tell if Your Air Filter Is Dirty?
  • Reduced Gas Mileage. ...
  • Strange Engine Noises. ...
  • Decreased Performance. ...
  • Check Engine Light Comes On. ...
  • Black Smoke or Flames in the Exhaust. ...
  • The Smell of Petrol in the Exhaust. ...
  • Your Engine Misses or Misfires. ...
  • Loss of Acceleration.

How can I tell if my car needs a new air filter?

6 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Car Air Filter
  1. A Dirty or Discolored Filter. One of the easiest ways to spot a filter that needs changing is to actually take a look at it. ...
  2. Odd Engine Noises. ...
  3. Check Engine Light. ...
  4. Poor Performance. ...
  5. Weak Fuel Economy. ...
  6. Black Smoke from the Exhaust.

Does Jiffy Lube change engine air filter?

With a trained eye, our Jiffy Lube® Technicians can replace your engine air filter, ensuring you and your vehicle get the cleanest air possible.

How much does it cost to replace a cabin air filter?

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.

At what mileage should a car be replaced?

A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total. The average passenger car age is currently around 12 years in the United States. Choosing a well-built make and model can help extend your car's longevity.

How often should you change your synthetic oil in months?

“While synthetic generally holds up better and can serve for more miles, it is equally important to not extend oil changes beyond the time interval recommended by the manufacturer, typically six months or a year if it is a motor that is not driven many miles or on many short trips.”

How long to keep a car for the best value?

According to Edmunds, there's a significant drop in the first 2-3 years, and another at the four-year mark. Selling in between those drops will generally net you the best value. After that, the next big drop usually happens at around eight years.

What happens if I don't change the air filter in my car?

Neglecting your air filter can lead to several issues. Over time, it can cause reduced fuel efficiency, diminished horsepower, and even engine damage. Keeping up with this small maintenance task can save you from more significant, expensive problems.

How much is an air filter for a car?

The average engine air filter cost is only $10 to $25 and a cabin air filter is around the same price. However, they're both often neglected to the point that it causes symptoms to show up.

Can I vacuum my air filter instead of replacing it?

If your central air filter shows no signs of grime buildup, you can use the hose attachment from your vacuum cleaner or use a handheld vacuum to remove any debris.

Is no air filter better than a dirty one?

Is no AC filter better than a dirty one? No. A dirty filter will slightly protect against some dust particles that will damage your AC system. Its better to have a dirty filter than having no filter.

What happens if you haven't changed your AC filter in a year?

Air filters that are overdue for a change are a common cause of HVAC system failure. Over time, dirt builds up in the heating and AC filters, causing components such as the motor to go into overdrive, which may eventually overheat your unit.

What is the best air filter?

The 17 Best Air Purifiers of 2024
  • The Best Overall. IQ Air Atem X. Read more. $1,400 at Amazon.
  • Best Air Purifier for Small Rooms. Coway Airmega 200M. Read more. $230 $160 at Amazon.
  • Best for Large Rooms With High Ceilings. Coway Airmega ProX. Read more. ...
  • A Budget Large-Room Option. Bosch Air 6000 Air Purifier. Read more.

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