Why It's Important To Check or Replace Your Engine Air Filter
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- Checking and replacing a car's engine air filter is often overlooked. You may even be able to DIY a car's air filter with no tools. Today we look at why checking and or replacing your engine air filter is so important. A dirty air filter can lead to reduced performance in your car.
How to Replace ANY Engine Air Filter ~ • Tips for Replacing ANY...
~This shop has been compensated by FRAM. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerCarCare
~Thanks to my network parter, GarageMonkey (garagemonkey.com), for arranging this opportunity.
You can purchase a Fram Filter here ~ cbi.as/3e1oe
More great DIYs from Fram ~ cbi.as/3e1qq
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Recently watched a ProjectFarm video in which the guy tests and compares 6 air filter brands, including K&N, Fram, purolator. Fram got the 2nd lowest rating. I only replace my B5.5 Passat with Man filter made in Germany. Other option is Mahle.
One tip: I write the mileage in the filter itself with a Sharpie or pencil, as well as in the service record.
Stay safe.
You could use a wet/dry vacuum to clean out the fair filter housing . And / or all purpose spray cleaner , Spray Nine and a microfiber towel .
A dirty engine air filter can be vacuumed out with a vacuum cleaner a few times. Debris has a tendency to settle in the grooves of the filter. That junk is really what needs to be cleaned out to improve airflow. Any used air filter is going to look dirty. That doesn't mean it needs to be replaced immediately. Washing a dirty engine air filter made of paper would be a bad idea.
There is a difference between an engine air filter and a cabin air filter. Some people had bought a cabin air filter. They didn't understand why that type of filter did not fit where the engine air filter belongs. I doubt a person would need to replace the cabin air filter unless someone usually smokes cigarettes inside the vehicle. The cabin air filter is located behind the glove compartment.
your a/c blows better when you change the in cabin filter, you wont believe how dirty they get when you pull em out!
Charles: I had some oil on my air filter, and you said it might be a bad PCV valve. You were right. I changed the PCV valve and noticed the driveability difference right away. Idle is better, and on/off throttle transition is a lot smoother.
Should I change the filter (which wasn't that old) because it got some oil on it?
i whould replacit......their is a chance the oil whill stick to the maf(mass air flow)sensor.
Just replace it. They are so cheap why wouldn't you replace it?
Would a dirty air filter cause the car to jerk when accelerating over 3000 rpm? or cause rumbling when stopped?
+MrSpunky if it’s bad enough I guess it could.
Good info and clear directions. Maybe talk a bit more on what a dirty air cleaner looks like.
one you took out was almost new. engine air filters last very long in my experience, while my cabin air filter gets dirty very quickly. and i would say im driving in average driving conditions
He's demonstrating how to do it.
I got my 3rd dui and my wife left me. was this because of dirty air flighter or spoodervalve?
I would say the filter. Good luck in court!
it is possible that the car engine overheat because I have not change my engine air filter? I have a 2009 tiguan and recently the needle start going after the middle sligtly I got scared and turned on the heater and inmediately came down to normal,somebody told me it might be the engine air filter?? txs
+Luis saul Bueso Tabore highly doubtful
Can I check air filter with torch light not passes and not give reflection to other side means its choke I'm right 👍 or not
Nice vid! quick and straight to the point....I have a rather odd question, I had a new timing belt, waterpump, etc put on my car...including the thermostat and air filter and oil change. Now I have the strangest thing with my 2000 opel vectra. When the car is warm and I drive 55-60 mph for about 5 mins onwards at this speed and push in the clutch to either brake or down shift- the tacho for my RPM drops to 0 and the car dies. It will start right back up or I simply let the clutch out, but any idea as to why the idle is not catching and keeping it at 6-900 rpms? I'm guess crank shaft sensor, or the timing was not done properly. but either way its driving me crazy so any help would be much appreciated.
Yes
If Scotty Kilmer were a hipster........
+rasafrasahassenfrat hahaha ole Scotty!
I don't fancy myself either a Scotty look alike or a Hipster. Hhaha hhaha.
😂😂😂😂😂
Lmao
Revvv Upp ur Air Filterssss 😂
Such an insult
Cool beans Charles. Good to know.
Would the map air sensor or other air intake sensor cause hesitation when going up a slight elevated hill, and or under any load, cause random missfire? Im not getting any codes and computer working ok. I changed ignition module under coil pack, no change in condition cept slightly. Seems worst when engine is hot. Mechanic drove car and said it was fine but as iv stated it is random but i can 95% get it to miss. Also i can tell while idling it randomly misses. Seems a good Ole mech does the same. Like tuning an instrument.
Possible. For sure I’d load is being calculated wrong due to wrong input
🙂Thank you so much for the advice 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
It makes sense to change your air filter every service. They are so cheap and easy to fit. The worst air filter I ever saw was on a 02 Mitsubishi Charisma. The guy had the car roughly 10 years and said "Oh I didn't know that air filters ever had to be changed" The air filter was literally black.
I think every service is a little much. I mean I will not hate on anyone doing it that much, but that is a lot of times to spend $25 you may not have to
HumbleMechanic That is a fair point. Maybe not every service but that kind of depends when people service their cars too. Some people might service a lot sooner than others.
VERY true. If you live at the beach, you can plan for more filter changes
I just want to know what is bad and needs changing looks like. I know what clean looks like I just don't think mine looks that bad right now but Idk.
good work bro.
THANK YOU!
What does it mean if I can see light though a dirty engine air filter? Does this mean it still has time? Or should it still be changed because it's dirty?
When in doubt change it
everythingis up to date oil change recently done, all liquids etc , hot weather now so is getting really hot any ideas??
I'm having an uncomfortable feeling about not knowing offhand when was the last time the air filter was changed.
+heyerstandards don't worry too much about it. When you have a few minutes, check it.
Could a bad air filter cause a odd smell after having driven?
possible.
Just keep a service and repair log in a notes app on your phone. Makes things so easy.
On a 2014 VW PassatTDI the factory recommended interval is 60k way longer than your recommending here.
+Michael Barlow I recommend following your manufacture recommended interval for replacement.
I said it's a good idea to check it once a year.
MY 3 YEAR OLD RIO-5 WAS STUTTERING WHEN CRUISE WAS ON AND RIDING ROUGH. AT FIRST IT WAS FINE BUT THINKING IT WAS MY FUEL INJECTORS I BOUGHT CLEANER AND ZERO. BUT THANKS TO GUYS LIKE YOU I CHECKED MY FILTER FOR THE 1ST TIME EVER BUT IT WASN'T THAT DIRTY BUT NOW BOY WHAT A DIFFERENCE.MY CABIN FILTER WAS TOTALLY CLOGGED AS WELL. IS IT TIME TO BUY NEW ONES THOUGH I CLEANED MY OLD ONES??
Would you advise me to remove the charcoal filter and to put a performance filter, please, can you answer me, I am from Lebanon
It's probably not worth the trouble. You would gain more power just by using a high-flow filter.
So I have 18k miles on mine and a little over a year but it still looks brand new. Do I still need to replace it ?
nope. Honestly, just do what I did, wash it, let it dry then put it back. Been doing it for 3+ years now and if the filter isn't damaged and can be washed, no need to get a new one.
A bit off topic, but what do you think about the 1.4 TSI engines? Or maybe you don't have them in the USA? I saw the plastic cover in the video and started thinking about that engine because it's pretty common here in Sweden.
+phille042 It's been good so far for us. Plenty of power, good MPG and no super common issues yet.
HumbleMechanic Okey! Because here in Sweden we have had some reports on broken cam chains after just a couple of km, even before 100.000 km (62130 miles) and because of that VW decided to go back to cam belts on that engine. But I think that it's strange to see these things in magazines and still the cars with that engine seems to sell pretty well..? Thanks for the answer!
check the air filter and you're good
Im a tech in Houston and if we check air filters once a year here we would have alot of blown up cars every other oil change!!! I notice a difference in my car after 3 to 4k miles
+Brannon Ramgeet why would the cars blow up?
Question-can a dirty air filter make the engine area hotter than normal?
Yes because you're engine has to work harder and it cosumes more fuel then necessary
what is the Serivce interval for Spark Plugs/Fuel Filter/Timing Belt on a 2.5l? (BGQ)
In general, I have heard spark plugs are 100k-120k, Fuel filters are generally only replaced when they go bad which is rare but typically requires a fuel pump assembly replacement as well since they tend to be all one piece now, and timing belt is 100k-150k and the tensioner is usually also replaced with the belt. Timing chains on the other hand do not have a regular interval.
2.5l has a chain.
Really? Gotta love that! Plugs are every 40K
I changed my last one after 20,000 miles and it was still pretty clean.
+cookiehead2 the one shown here has about 13k miles. And other that the spider, it's pretty clean.
Unless you drive in harsh conditions, I think 12k is too often for filter replacement. Think checking it once a year is a great idea, and replace as needed
+HumbleMechanic admittedly, I drive in the city 95% of the time.
I drive a lot in the LA harbor district. It's so dusty there, parking a just-washed car for a day leaves it looking like it would after 2-3 weeks in the suburbs. I also camp in the desert a few times a year where dirt roads and wind kick up amazing amounts of dust. I think my car's OEM filter was in for 35-40 thousand miles,maybe closer to 50. When I finally swapped it out, it was pretty dirty but I didn't feel any difference in performance with the clean new one or see any difference in mpg.
I'm pretty sure the mechanics placed cheese under the engine air filter. Just checking to see if cube shaped light cheese looking cubes could be the ethonol that was removed from the engine.
I but one from Amazon aftermarket on my volswagen jetta se
Charles! Thanks for your video! I'm an entry level tech at an import dealer and a big part of my day is courtesy checks and looking at filters. Personally, I'm pretty strict on when I sell a new filter. Should I be more lax and sell filters due to mileage or should I hold my ground and only sell when dirt is caked on nice and thick?
I either go 100% by the book. If the original filter is in the car, and the book says replace at 5 years, REPLACE IT.
If you pull the filter at 40k and it's clogged, give the customer the option
+HumbleMechanic I'm a professional auto tech. I've seen clean filters that have been on the car for years break apart in my hand because the filter element became hard after hundreds of heat cycles. But most filters will get clogged before that happens
A mid to slightly dirty filter can be tapped on hard suface to clean it out somewhat. Even a very diry air cleaner tapped out is better than not, so tap first then hold up to light for inspection and then cipher its condition. Don't throw the sink out with the dirty water! FYI change it if its old due to it deteriorating and breaking down from age. Here's your sign, Brittleness.
So I bought a car that was 4 years old with an original air filter. I've changed it, the car runs much better. The sides of the filter were broken off and I'm worried, what else can I do even tho the car has a new filter.
I have a k&n on my car. I don't have to replace it right? it says I can just clean it
+James right! Just be sure to flow the cleaning instructions. See a lot of people way over oil the filters.
could a bad air filter stop you vw cc sport engine '09 from turning over?
+mark jarrett highly doubt it. It would have to be almost completely clogged.
Humble mechanic, what you think about k&N air filter good or bad.
Good but ex
My mk4 golf tdi from 2006 has the traction control light and abs light on... What could it be?
Check your air filter.
+Johnnytestm VDubs could be a ton of things. Really need to check faults to identify the system that has an issue
+HumbleMechanic scanned it with an ob2 and it was something about the rear right wheel.... Something about a bad bearing is what he said
It's a pain in the ass to change the air filter on a MK6 2.5. I will ask my mechanic to do it for me next oil change because I'm lazy.
Lol those engine covers are dumb. Haha
I always enjoy your videos. Will you be at the meet up this year?
THANK YOU!!!! If you mean the ETCG meet, no. I am teaching classed in CA all this weekend.
Yes, ETCG. This will be the first year I'll be able to make it and I was hoping to meet you in person, but next time. Have fun in Ca.
You will LOVE it. Eric sent me a pic of all the giveaways. IT IS NUTS!!! I hate that I can't make it, but teaching these classes will be very valuable.
Some other CZcams creators (techs) will be there that I want to meet too, so yes, I'm definitely looking forward to this one. Oh yeah, the giveaways are awesome too.
I know Scanner Danner will be there, Who else is coming? I am pretty bummed I can't make it. I had a long talk with Eric about it. LOL
Depends how much you drive
It's funny that you covered air filters. I'm actually thinking about getting a drop in k&n or similar filter or a cold air intake. I'd like to know your take on these items.
+Darth Mall I like the K&N. The cold air intake really depends on the kit.
+HumbleMechanic Cool. Most of the research I've done seems like a wash. some say they do add what they claim others say that the computer will compensate for the added air making it just a great sound bolt on. Though I've had a k&n drop in filters for years and I like them CAI seem like a different animal and I'm not sure if should purchase one.
If you have a MAF sensor on the vehicle I would stick with a dry filter. AFE makes drop in replacements and AEM has dry cone filters if that is your thing. I've used both on MAF based cars and both work great. The drop in AFE Pro Dry S on my Passat works well and cleaning is super easy. They also use high density polyurethane seals which add alot of rigidity and will likely last much longer than any foam seals you will find from the OEM or aftermarket. Just my two cents, let me know what you go with!
Why get yourself more work on maintenance? You got to oil those filters and check them more regularly. Unless you're pulling massive amounts of air because your car is pushing 600hp+, K&N are a waste. You'll also get your MAF sensors covered in oil over time and got to clean those too.
It's not a good idea to open air filter box to check it because seal can be damaged and some dirt can enter into the intake.
It's better as you say substitute air filter according manufacturer maintenance program or I think is the best option for our pocket and engine use an air filter restriction gauge according to the engine manufacturer restriction.An air filter is more efficient until reaching its maximum restriction normally between 20 to 25 in H20.
Finally, someone with some engineering knowledge.
+Will Waldstein that info is pretty good, but far beyond what most drivers will do.
In my car, with a GM Family 0 Z12XE engine, the stock air filter box is an ABS shell made of two parts, mated by four metal clips that you snap into place when you close it. The lower part is connected to the air intake conduit, while the upper part ends in a pipe, with the MAF sensor in between, that leads to the throttle body. You put the filter on the lower part, which features a slot, with the filter's rubber seal facing upwards, and then you close the airbox and snap the clips into place. When you open it again, you'll find that the filter's rubber seal sticks into the upper part of the airbox. So, unless you damage the upper airbox shell or you change the air filter in the middle of a dust storm, no dirt can get into the MAF and throttle body and then the engine, and the filter itself acts as a seal for the airbox. I changed a dirty filter (actually no dirt on it, but the filter's paper became grayish) with a new one made by Knecht (the LX 737) and now the engine responds a lot faster when you depress the throttle and it feels like it has more torque at lower rpms than before. Much depends upon the airbox design.
Paper's color (aspect) doesn't represent air filter status. Use an air filter restriction gauge. Google "donaldson air restriction gauge"
Ondo ibili,
❤
It will mess up your catalytic converter!
The worst air filter I ever saw was in a Volkswagen. I didn't even know air filters were capable of growing mold until I popped the cover off to have a look! I've seen nests, dead animals, spiders, a toy car (Twice! Same car!), and even a live garter snake, but mold? Eugh!
+rhkips a hhaha wow!!!
jeezas.
i think youre doing it wrong
Dominic Lobban
Hahaha, these were customer vehicles; not my own. ;)
Cut apart a Fram ph8
you do it
you contradicted yourself. you said you got it at Walmart and right after you said you got it online.
+TheCriminal3k Walmart.com my friend. I tried to buy it in store, but none had the proper filter
Fram is known for making the worst oil filters on the planet, I'm uncertain about their air filters. Stick to a good brand like Wix or OEM if you care about your car. I don't blame you though, you're going for the $$$ here.
He only insisted on checking and changing the filter on time, not to use that specific filter. Overall this is a useful video.
+Alin Banc thank you. I get where folks are coming from. But the message of the video is, check the filter
Oil Filters: Wix > Fram
Air Filters: Fram > Wix
Thats what i've always heard
+Alin Banc :)
Any opinions on washable oil type filters vs paper? Have you experienced any issues at your shop regarding washable filters?
But WHY?????
This video seemed more like a commercial for fram than an informative Humble Mechanic video. Am I right? Even whatever logo is on your cap was covered up. Hmmm 🤔
+marcofx3 it's my Pennzoil hat. It's not really right to do a sponsored video and wear a logo hat of another brand.
Maybe time for a Humble Mechanic hat.
As far as the commercial thing. It is a commercial. One selling you the value of checking your air filter. I addressed it in another reply.
+HumbleMechanic a Humble Mechanic cap would be cool! Keep up the great vids!
+marcofx3 thanks! I may do a run of hats if there is enough interest.
I hope you guys understand where I am coming from on this video. Thanks so much for the support!! :)
Air filter K&N
czcams.com/video/HuTos0o7kTk/video.htmlsi=nlB9R5YkB7TERGxE
12 thousand miles is way too long. I say every 3-4 thousand miles.
Wow that’s pretty often
If you change it every 3-4 months, you must also be changing your engine oil every 3-5k miles although you drive a recent vehicle model and use a full synthetic.... which makes me question your entire existence...... I just hope you're joking...... otherwise you better be driving through a river of shit everyday, to require this interval of renewal.....
found a small birds nest in my air filter once
ROFLMAO
Yikes, that could be an issue in many ways. :)
Love the channel but this was just a straight up commercial. I realize you need to make $ and don't mind you working something into an actual interesting video where I learn something as well, but this wasn't that. Please don't just start producing commercials.
+iliketoUSEmybrain017 thank you for the comment and concern. I really appreciate it.
This also gives me an opportunity to address the topic. This was a commercial. It was a commercial for you to check your own air filter. This was not a commercial for Fram. In fact if you caught it, they recommend replacing your air filter every year. I recommend following your owners book for replacement, and check it every year. You replace as needed. Not just blindly every year.
I really do appreciate the comment and concern. My channel is not going to turn in to a commercial channel, so no worries there. One of the main reasons people choose YT over standard TV is commercials. Think about the average automotive TV show. It's basically a tube to push products.
Now I will talk about products. I will test products, and I will even do sponsored or paid videos. But I won't be saying things that I don't believe. That's not me, and that is a slap in the face to you guys.
I hope that makes sense, and I don't come off as a dick. I really care about you guys and want to make the best videos I can for you.
There are 2 types of CZcams users... those who view and those who want to make money. Making money to support a living / family is what it is all about in life.
Toyota air filters
Shave ur face dude
I change my air filter every month. I don't like to leave dirty my filter I want my car to have the best performance always. Change it every 12k miles, really?
Another paid mechanic
I mean should mechanic’s get paid for their work? 🤷♂️