It is important to clean the air filter in your car.The air in your engine is regulated by the air filter.Dirt, dust, and other airborne particles can accumulate in the air filter.There are two types of car air filters: dry and oiled.If you want the filter to function at its best, you need to clean it.
Step 1: The air filter needs to be found.
Paper or cotton will be used for the dry air filter.Dry air filters are easier to clean than oiled ones.The dry air filter is located on top of the engine.The box will be round or rectangular.Refer to the instructional manual that came with your car if you can't locate the air filter under the hood.
Step 2: Take it out of the car.
Remove the lid of the housing to remove the filter.There are wingnuts that you need to remove.If you want to remove the wingnuts with your fingers, use a screwdriver.Remove the filter from the housing.The filter will be covered in dirt and dust when pulled out.
Step 3: The filter needs to be vacuumed.
The hose attachment on the vacuum can be used to remove dirt and dust.The vacuum has to be run over the filter.There is a way to remove dirt and dust from the filter housing.
Step 4: Use a dry cloth to wipe off the filter.
Use a dry cloth to wipe the filter as a final clean.The inside of the filter housing can be wiped with the cloth.Don't rub or scrub the filter.A simple wipe shouldn't be a problem.
Step 5: The air filter needs to be in the car.
Once you have cleaned the air filter, put it back in the housing.Make sure the air filter is in the housing.The lid on the housing needs to be replaced.
Step 6: The air filter can be found.
The oiled air filters are made of loose layers.The filter can catch dirt in the engine.The oiled air filter is located under the hood of the car.It will be housed in a box.Refer to your user's manual for the car if you are having a hard time locating the air filter.The air filter location should be noted.
Step 7: It should be removed from the car.
You can remove the wingnuts with a screwdriver or unclamp the lid with your fingers.If there is any dust or dirt on the air filter, pull it out.
Step 8: The filter should be sprayed in the cleaner.
It's a good idea to look for a cleaner that is specially formulated for the air filter.Mild soap and water can be used to clean the filter.Put the cleaner in the entire filter.It should be in the filter for 10 minutes.At an auto body shop you can find cleaner for air filters.
Step 9: The cleaner needs to be washed off.
After the cleaner has soaked into the filter, place it under running water at a low pressure.Allow the water to loosen and remove debris from the filter by rinsing it off.
Step 10: The air filter needs to be dry.
Let the air filter air dry on a clean towel after shaking off any excess water.It is possible that the air filter needs to be dry overnight.Before you oil it, let it dry.
Step 11: The filter needs to be oiled.
You will need to re oil the air filter after it has dried.The oil should be put into the filter.The estimated amount of oil is on the label.The oil in the filter should be absorbed for five to ten minutes.At your local autobody shop, you can find filter oil.There are some cleaning kits for air filters.
Step 12: The filter needs to be put back in the car.
The air filter needs to be put back in the housing.The wingnuts need to be secured on the lid.
Step 13: The air filter needs to be cleaned regularly.
The air filter in your car needs to be cleaned every 5,000 miles.You can get into the habit of cleaning the air filter when you clean your car or under the hood.It is important to keep the air filter clean.
Step 14: The air filter needs to be replaced after 15,000 miles.
The air filter needs to be replaced over time.The air filter may need to be replaced if it's been in your car for 15,000 miles or more.If you notice the air filter isn't working right, it may be time to replace it.At your local autobody shop, you can purchase replacement car air filters.
Step 15: The air filter should be checked by a professional.
If you don't like getting under the hood of the car, a professional mechanic can do it for you.For a fee, the mechanic can clean and inspect the air filter.