The air filter plays no less important role than the oil and fuel filters. It passes air through itself, filtering out various debris and dust particles so that they do not settle on the walls of the engine. Thus, until the filter becomes clogged, nothing threatens the normal operation of the engine. In connection with this circumstance, car owners should carefully monitor the frequency of replacing the air filter, especially with regard to its operation in Russian conditions. After all, it’s no secret that our off-road conditions and dusty asphalt surfaces are far from meeting the European standard of cleanliness.
Frequency of air filter replacement
Can you imagine, for 1 kg of gasoline the engine consumes 15 kg of air! And all this air passes through a cleaning element, which eventually becomes quickly polluted. Therefore, make it a rule to change the air filter every 10,000 km or even more often, depending on the road conditions of the area where you live.
During intensive work, the cleaning element gradually becomes clogged with dust particles, as a result of which its throughput capacity decreases. Sometimes it may even begin to deform, unable to withstand the additional load that falls on the clogged filter. The result of filter deformation is that dust, along with air, rushes past the retaining element directly into the engine mechanism, accelerating its wear.
Signs of a clogged air filter
The following signs may indicate that the air filter has become unusable:
- Increased fuel consumption;
- Loss of power;
- Increased carbon monoxide in exhaust
Of course, it’s better not to wait until one or more of these signs become especially obvious. Replace the air filter promptly.
Where is the air filter located?
Some car owners naively believe that if they take out the old air filter, wash it, blow it out and put it back in place, it will work like new, and they will save a pretty penny. Unfortunately, not everything is actually that simple. The resource of the cleaning element is limited by its physical properties, so do not be confused by its refined, clean surface, there is only one way out - replacement.
On different makes and models of cars, the installation location of the air filter may be different. Although the same principle is followed everywhere and there are some similarities.
For example, on carburetor engines, the filter component is installed inside the air intake, on top of the carburetor. On injection engines, the air filter is usually located in a plastic case to which the air pipe is connected.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the air filter on carburetor engines
- First of all, before replacing the air filter, purchase a new cleaning element, the same as that installed on your car. When searching for the required filter model, consult the car's operating manual or a spare parts store consultant.
- (on manual transmission) or parking (on automatic transmission)and turn off the ignition.
- her emphasis
- Locate the air filter module. As a rule, it is located on top of the engine. Be careful, because if the car has just been driven, some components may be hot to the touch. On older car models with carburetor engines, the filter is usually located under a large, round cover made of metal or plastic. Newer models with a fuel injection system have a rectangular or square air filter housing, which can be found between the radiator grille and the engine, slightly to the side of the center.
- Next, you should remove the air filter cover, after first loosening the clamp that secures the air duct. Unscrew all bolts securing the cleaning element cover. Various modifications of air filters have different fastenings. Some are secured with wing nuts, others are held in place with clips. Place the unscrewed screws and other small parts of the air filter in a safe place so that you won’t have to look for them for a long time. Pull the air duct cover up until it releases from the bottom of the chassis.
- Remove the air filter. Now you can see a round or rectangular cleaning element consisting of special paper or cotton. The filter component is separated from the plastic housing by a rubber rim. Just take it out of this case.
- Clean the air filter housing. To do this, you need to connect an air hose to the compressor or simply use a vacuum cleaner to blow the dust out of the filter. Before doing this, cover the tip of the air duct with a clean, lint-free cloth or a piece of rubber to prevent dirt and dust from flying in there during blowing.
- More Let us repeat once again that it is better to replace the old filter with a new one. To do this, you need to take a new cleaning element and insert it into the body with the rubber rim facing up. After this you should make sure that the edges are well sealed.
- The final step is to reinstall the air filter cover. Then, in reverse order, carefully connect the air duct to the filter. Make sure the clamp is straight and firm, otherwise the engine may not start. Next, tighten all the bolts and clamps, and also make sure that the installed parts are fully assembled in their original place. Only after a complete check close the hood lid.
- After the first ride with a new filter, it is recommended to check it and the rim for contamination. If dust remains on the rim, it means that it is not installed tightly in the case.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the air filter on injection engines
- Before you begin the procedure for replacing the air filter, purchase a new cleaning element, and stock up on tools with a Phillips screwdriver.
- Place the car on a level surface and raise the handbrake lever. Shift into first gear(on manual transmission) or parking (on automatic transmission)and turn off the ignition.
- Lift the hood cover and secure ither emphasis
- Disconnect the power plug from the mass air flow sensor.
The air filter is an important consumable element of a modern car. Its task is to filter the flow of air drawn in from outside into the combustion chamber of the engine. The filter element requires regular replacement.
How often should I replace it?
If you look at the vehicle’s service book, it is recommended to replace the air filter every 20–30 thousand kilometers. Motor mechanics say to change more often, every 8-10 thousand. Their recommendations are based on practical knowledge, and the car enthusiast knows what kind of roads we have. Russian highways are 5 times more dusty than in Europe. Such vehicle operating conditions are called extreme.
Irregular replacement of the filter element leads to clogging of the engine combustion chamber and subsequent breakdown of the power unit. If the owner forgot to change the air filter during the next maintenance, the car will soon remind you of this.
Signs that the filter needs to be replaced are as follows:
- increased gasoline consumption;
- the appearance of dips during sudden acceleration;
- frequent clogging of the throttle valve;
- increase in toxicity level in exhaust gases.
Types of air filters
There are three types of filters used in cars. The main criterion is the operating conditions of the vehicle. For trucks, a dry type inertial filter is used. The second type is an oil-inertia filter. They are only found on older cars. Today, passenger vehicles are equipped with an air filter made of porous paper.
Car air filters come in different shapes and sizes.
Externally, the paper filter resembles an “accordion”. The paper is impregnated with resin. It protects the filter from moisture. The interweaving of porous paper fibers traps dust as small as 1 micron.
There are three types of shape: cylindrical, panel, frameless. Some air filters are equipped with a pre-cleaner. It protects the filter from coarse dust and fumes. The pre-cleaner increases the service life of the filter element by 30-40%.
Interesting fact. According to ISO standards, car air filters are tested using sand from the Arizona desert. Manufacturers of filter elements are forced to import it from the United States.
Buy or clean?
There is a misconception among craftsmen that the air filter can be blown out, washed and put back. Water or a strong stream of air will not clean out the pores of the filter paper. Such dubious savings lead to disruption of the normal operation of the engine. If the filter is clogged, it must be changed..
Do not saturate the filter element with additional oil - this will not improve filtration. Oil will clog the pores of the paper web and increase resistance to air suction. The mixture in the engine combustion chamber will become richer, fuel consumption will increase.
When buying an air filter for your car, look at the packaging. On the box, the manufacturer of a quality filter must indicate the barcode, make and model of the car. An original consumable is preferable, but a licensed auto part will do just as well. When choosing, be guided by the criterion of "price-quality".
Replacing the filter on the example of Ford Focus 2
Each car has design features. The filter element in the engine compartment is located in the housing. The replacement procedure itself is simple. Doing it yourself is not difficult. As proof, below are step-by-step instructions for replacing the air filter in a second-generation Ford Focus.
For the vehicle to function properly, the air system must provide sufficient clean air to the engine and into the combustion chamber. An important element of the air system is the filter element for air purification. The article describes where the air filter is located, what it is, what it is for.
Many drivers are not serious about the air filter and its condition, not changing it until it becomes badly bitten. To understand why it is needed in a car, you need to understand its device and purpose.
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What does it represent?
For high-quality combustion of fuel, it is necessary that the air-fuel mixture contains 15-20 times more air than fuel. For a 100 km run, a car consumes about 12-15 cubic meters of air from the ambient air. As you know, air masses contain dust, dirt, plant seeds and other foreign particles that can get into the engine and act as an abrasive on the contacting parts. Thus, it accelerates the wear of parts, which can lead to damage to the unit. With poor air purification, the life of the motor is reduced several times. Preventing foreign particles from entering the fuel injectors and cylinder walls is the main purpose of the filter element.
Air filters are separated:
- the number of protection levels;
- the principle of dust collection;
- form.
There are systems with one, two or three levels of protection. The cleaning of inertial dry systems is based on centrifugal force. Air flows in such devices move in a spiral, and foreign particles, due to inertia, settle on the walls of the filter element. Then, depending on the type of product, the particles are either emitted into the atmosphere or collected in a special bin. Such filters are used in vehicles operating in dusty conditions: agricultural machinery and trucks. With their help, up to 70% of dust, which has a large grain size, is captured.
In an inertial oil filter, the filter element is located in a large cylindrical housing, at the bottom of which oil is poured. The air in this design is cleaned twice. Entering through the necks and slots, the air changes the direction of movement above the oil. Due to inertia, dust particles settle in the oil. The finest dust remains on the oil-soaked mesh, through which air passes for secondary cleaning. The disadvantage of the filter is the high transmission coefficient of dust particles up to 1-2%, and at low loads up to 10%. In addition, it requires constant oil changes and filter element flushing. Currently, they are used only in some old models of the Volga, Zaporozhets and trucks.
Paper filters are the most widely used. Their filter element is corrugated paper. Due to the fact that the filter element has the shape of an accordion, the filtering area increases. So that the paper does not get wet, it is impregnated with a special resin. Due to the structure of the paper, air molecules pass through it unhindered, while dust and dirt particles remain on the fibers.
Filter consumables are divided by form into:
In cylindrical ones, a pre-cleaner made of a synthetic substance or special foam rubber can be additionally installed. It traps coarse dust, extending the life of the product. The disadvantage of paper filter elements is a short service life and the impossibility of reusable use. Advantages:
- light weight:
- low cost;
- ease and convenience of replacement.
On sports tuning models of cars, zero resistance filters can be installed. They look like paper, but differ in their design. Foam inserts are installed in them as a filter element, this makes it possible to drive large volumes of air almost without delay. Thus, the engine receives a large volume of air in a shorter period of time.
Where is located?
In cars with a carburetor engine and an injector, the location of the filter products is different. They may be located above the carburetor or some distance from the outlet. For the air filter in the car under the hood there is a special plastic box, which is a housing inside which there is a tightly packed replaceable filter element.
The air flow enters through curved air ducts, which eliminates the direct contact of the filter element with large solid particles that can cause mechanical damage. Often, an air filter is called the entire structure, which serves to purify the incoming air into the engine. It includes air ducts, housing, resonator and filter element.
When changing the air filter, the pipe is disconnected in order to replace the old element with a new one and check the degree of contamination of the pipe itself. Then the box in which the filter element is located is disassembled. It should also be free of contaminants. After cleaning the box and nozzle, a new consumable is installed. It is important not to disturb its geometry during installation. In addition, no parts should protrude above the bottom of the box.
Assembly is carried out in reverse order. When assembling, you should carefully check the correct connection of the pipe, clamps and hose. In a car with an injector, the correct installation of the cover is controlled by a special sensor that will not allow the engine to start if the filter is not installed correctly or the box cover is not properly closed.
What functions does it perform?
The main function of the air filter is to clean the incoming air from the atmosphere from dust particles, plant seeds and other contaminants. In addition, it reduces the noise level that occurs when air flows through the intake tract. In a gasoline engine, an additional function of the filter is to regulate the temperature of the air-fuel mixture.
The main indicator of the filter is the degree of filtration, which is expressed as a percentage. It determines the allowable amount of solid particles that the filter element can pass during operation. According to world standards, the air flow entering the engine should not contain more than 1% of dust. Inertial systems have a decreasing degree of transmission with increasing air flow.
The air filter has another important indicator - the limiting (maximum) resistance to the intake air flow. It no longer reflects the quality of the filter element, but its performance, when the lack of air affects the quality of the resulting air-fuel mixture. The more clogged the filter, the less air enters for mixture formation. This sometimes leads to enrichment of the mixture with a large amount of fuel and its incomplete combustion.
The conclusion about the need to replace the filter can be drawn from the following factors:
- decrease in vehicle dynamics;
- increased fuel consumption;
- a large amount of carbon dioxide in the exhaust gas;
- reduction in engine power.
The reason for the replacement may be mechanical damage to the filter element. In inertial oil filters, premature replacement may be necessary if oil leaks from the housing.
Timely will extend the life of the car. It is recommended to replace after 15 thousand kilometers. The replacement frequency depends on the operating conditions. In large cities with high gas content, the filter element in the car should be changed more often.
Your car needs air as well as fuel, however, the surrounding air contains microparticles, and there is a lot of dust on the road, so the air enters the car through air filters that trap dust and insects. Regularly replacing or cleaning the air filter at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended intervals will allow air to flow freely and keep your vehicle in top condition. Air filters are inexpensive and fairly quick to change, so you can do this routine maintenance yourself. So, how do you change the air filter?
1. First of all, in case of replacement, you must purchase the same filter that is installed in your car. Consult your owner's manual or an auto parts store consultant if you need help finding the correct filter model.
2. Place the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Engage first gear (manual transmission) or Park (automatic transmission) and turn off the ignition.
3. Open the hood and secure the hood cover with the lever.
4. Locate the air filter housing. It is usually located on the top of the engine on most car models. Just remember that if you have driven before, some components under the hood may be very hot.
On older cars with carburetors, the filter is usually located under a bulky, round cover made of plastic or metal. Newer fuel-injected vehicles typically have a square or rectangular air filter housing that can be found slightly off-center between the front grille and the engine.
5. Remove the air filter cover. Loosen the clamp that secures the air duct. Remove all screws securing the air filter cover. Some models have wing nuts, other air filters are simply clamped with a quick release system (clips). Put the propellers and other small air parts together in a safe place so that you can find them later. Pull the cover out of the duct and lift it up until it comes off the bottom of the chassis.
6. Remove the air filter. Now you can see a round or rectangular (usually rectangular) filter consisting of cotton or paper. Filters have a rubber rim that isolates the filter from its housing. Simply lift the filter out of the housing.
7. Clean the air filter housing. Connect an air hose to the compressor or simply use a vacuum cleaner to blow out the dust in the filter. Before doing this, cover the end of the air duct with a perfectly clean rag without protruding hairs or a piece of rubber to prevent dust and dirt from getting there during blowing.
8. Of course, it is better to replace the old filter with a new one. Simply insert the new filter into the housing with the rubber rim facing up. Make sure the edges are sealed with a rubber band.
9. Reinstall the air filter cover. Then carefully install the air duct to the filter in reverse order. Make sure it is fastened straight and securely, otherwise you may change the engine's performance. Tighten any screws or clamps and make sure you put everything back together. After that, close the hood.
It is recommended to replace the filter every 50,000 km or about once a year, although this range may vary depending on the make and model of the car, as well as driving conditions and climate of the area. So, if you drive in a dusty place, the filter will need to be replaced more often.
Still not sure what exactly the air filter in your car looks like, where it is located or how to remove the cover? If you do not have your owner's manual or it does not include such instructions, you can find copies of the service manual for your vehicle online.
Below you can watch a series of videos with instructions on how to replace the air filter on the most popular brands and models of cars.
In order for your car to operate efficiently and achieve maximum power, it is necessary to carry out periodic maintenance. During this action, several operations are performed. One of them is This is an important detail, on which the power of the car directly depends, as well as the amount of fuel it consumes.
In order for the machine systems to work like a Swiss watch, you need to know. This process can be done independently. This will save on visiting a specialized center.
Purpose of the air filter
To understand how often do you change the engine air filter, you must first find out the purpose of this part. This element is present in any car model. It prevents dust and road dirt from entering the engine combustion chamber. If there were no filter, foreign particles would enter the motor and interfere with its operation.
During fuel combustion, oxygen is consumed (after all, without it this process is impossible). Per 100 km, the engine consumes 12-15 m³ of air. Therefore, monitoring the condition of the filter is extremely important. Over time, dust gets inside it. The motor cannot operate at full power. More fuel is consumed than with a new filter.
In addition to the listed functions, the air filter also functions as a muffler. In gasoline engines, it also regulates the heating temperature of the fuel.
Main types of filters
Wondering about how often should you change the engine air filter, you should also consider the types of this part. There are three types in total. It is not difficult to find the filter under the hood. This element is located at the top of the engine (sometimes on the side). It looks like a dark colored plastic case.
There are cylindrical, frameless or panel filters. Due to certain operating features of this element, each manufacturer chooses one or another variety.
The most common material from which such parts are made is cardboard. But in many countries, synthetic fiber materials are considered preferable. Manufacturers must indicate the frequency with which these elements must be replaced.
Classification
Considering how often do you change the engine air filter in a car?, it should be said that there are several classifications of these parts. To choose the right one or another, you need to choose the option that is suitable for a particular car.
Filters vary in shape. They can be flat, square, round, etc. Based on the method of filtration, there are direct-flow, inertia-oil, and cyclone filters. Depending on the operating conditions, there may be heavy or ordinary cleaners. Filters also vary in the level of their deterrent capabilities. They can be single or multi-stage.
This diversity is explained by the constant development of technologists in the field of extending the performance characteristics of the car. New views on the problem of ensuring high-quality air purification are constantly emerging. But older car models work with those versions of filters that were developed by the manufacturer at the time the vehicle was produced.
Factors for the need for replacement
Studying how often should the engine air filter be changed, it is necessary to consider the factors that influence this. In some cases, cleaning elements become clogged faster than indicated by the manufacturer in the operating instructions. This may be due to the harsh operating conditions of the engine.
During the summer season, dust from the road rises more strongly. If the car is driven in snow, the air filter becomes clogged much more slowly. Also, in addition to dirt from the external environment, engine oil can get into the cleaner. This also leads to the need to replace this motor element.
If the engine is new and operated in relatively clean conditions, it will need to be replaced much less frequently. For cars with high mileage that drive on dusty roads, this process will have to be done more often.
There are clear manufacturer recommendations regarding the cleaner. The instructions provide all the necessary information about how long this element can be used. Therefore, before servicing the engine, it is necessary to look at the accompanying documentation and become familiar with the statements contained therein.
It happens that the cleaner did not have time to become dirty during the mileage specified in the instructions. In this case, the question may arise as to whether how often to change a clean engine air filter. The clear answer will be the generally accepted opinion that in this case you can continue to use the purifier.
Typically, in domestic cars, the filter requires replacement every 10 thousand km. For new car models, this figure can increase to 20-30 thousand km. The newer the car, the less often this part will have to be changed.
Signs that replacement is needed
If the vehicle owner did not pay attention to the recommendations that How often do you change a car engine air filter?, over time, characteristic signs of engine malfunction will appear. This should not be allowed.
First of all, the driver may notice increased fuel consumption. When the filter becomes dirty, the fuel inside the engine begins to become richer, which leads to insufficient power of the mechanism. For combustion to occur fully, it requires a sufficient amount of air.
The next sign is the appearance of a large amount of carbon dioxide in the exhaust. If at the same time there is a decrease in engine power, it is time to carry out an immediate technical inspection. Even if such signs appear, the car owner does not take any measures to maintain the filter elements, soon he will have to change the engine.
Damage to an old filter
Experienced professionals give advice on how to How often do you change the engine air filter? Recommendations experts indicate the need for one-time use of this element. Even if the driver rinses the cleaner, this does not guarantee its effectiveness. Even the outwardly light filter that the car owner receives after washing the material still remains unusable.
Particles remaining in the structure of such a device will negatively affect the electronic control system for supplying air inside the combustion chamber. In this case, the flow meter suffers first. It will have to be changed soon.
A recycled filter harms the combustion chamber. Microscopic scratches appear on the pistons and liner walls. Then they become cracks. Over time, this can cause the entire engine to fail.
How to change the filter
Considering the question of how often can you change the engine air filter, it should be said about the procedure of this process itself. If necessary, contact technical service. To save money, it is quite possible to do all the steps yourself. There are no difficulties in this.
You need to open the hood. The filter is usually made of dark plastic. It is located at the top or side of the motor. The body of the purifier is held in place by several metal clips. Use a screwdriver to open them. The filter is easy to remove from the housing. In some cases it is secured with screws. In this case, they are simply unscrewed.
The filter material is usually bright, so that drivers can judge the degree of pollution for themselves. By holding the cleaner up to the light, you can easily determine the need for replacement.
Experienced car enthusiasts are ready to give advice on how to how often do you change the engine air filter. They recommend combining this procedure with changing the engine oil. As a rule, this happens once every 10-15 km. At the same time, it will be possible to service the entire engine, ensuring its long reliable operation.
In order for the procedure to go quickly, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions in advance, to understand the structure of the engine. It is necessary to purchase an air filter in accordance with the brand of your car. More modern devices may also be available for sale. But before buying them, you need to determine whether such filters are suitable for the system of a particular motor model.
Experts also advise not to save on purchasing such spare parts. After all, the performance of the entire motor depends on the quality of the filter. Repairing or even replacing it will be very expensive.
A few more features
On the question of how often do you change the engine air filter, there are a few more subtleties. Depending on the type of motor, there are some recommendations about the frequency of this process. If the engine is new, not operated under severe conditions, then the oil is changed more often than the air filter. A new cleaner is installed every other time when lubricants are filled.
Turbocharged diesel engines require a more serious attitude to such a procedure. The operating features of such mechanisms require a reduction in the service life of the air filter. For diesel engines, cars, oil and filters are removed every time during maintenance.
The cost of repairing or purchasing a new engine today is very high. Therefore, it is better to change the air filter on time and perform maintenance regularly. The cost of such a procedure is incomparable with the possible losses caused by the failure of a car engine.
