How often should engine air filter be changed

Q: What’s an easy way to help keep your engine running smooth? 

A: Take care of the engine air filter! Here’s a quick Q&A to help you stay on top of air filter maintenance.

Q: What does the engine air filter do?

A: Your engine requires a large amount of air for proper combustion. The filter helps keep that air free of dirt, bugs, and debris that can get swept up into your car's intake system. A clogged filter can result in sluggish acceleration and may cause the engine warning light to come on. (Don’t you hate it when that light comes on?)

Q: Do you know how often to change the car air filter?

A: Typically, it should be inspected once a year or every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but this can vary based on the car and driving environment. If you often drive through dusty terrain or on unpaved roads, you may need to change it more frequently. Consult your owner’s manual for the specifics for your vehicle. No owner’s manual? No problem! A Jiffy Lube® technician will be happy to access the manufacturer’s recommendations for your car.

Q: How will you know it’s time to replace the engine air filter?

A: Sometimes you can tell simply by looking. Pop the hood and find the air filter housing. It’s usually a black plastic box located next to the engine. (Check your owner’s manual for the exact location.) Open this housing, remove the old filter, and visually inspect it. If you see contaminants between the pleats, it’s time to replace the engine air filter.

Q: Are there different types of engine air filters?

A: Yes. Paper filters are the most common, but they are designed to be disposable. Gauze filters can be cleaned and reused, leading to lower costs over time. Check your owner’s manual to help you choose the right engine air filter replacement or ask a Jiffy Lube technician. 
 

You can count on Jiffy Lube®

Let the team at your local Jiffy Lube provide routine, preventive maintenance to help keep your car, SUV, minivan or truck operating as engineered. This way, a small problem can be corrected before it turns into a costly repair.

Read more about it

Now you know how often to change the car air filter, but what about the cabin filter? Here’s an article that tells you what it does, and how to maintain it.

In addition to blog posts, Tips in a Jiffy has videos featuring car care tips.

Please note: Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific services offered.

Maintenance December 11, 2019

It’s a classic story of getting duped at the auto repair shop … the salesperson comes up to you, gets down on one knee, and presents a filthy-looking air filter for you to inspect: “It looks like you need to replace your engine air filter, ma’am.” But how do you know if you need a new engine air filter or if you’re just being tricked?

Why should I replace my engine air filter?

Replacing the air filter isn’t a service auto repair shops invented to get a few extra bucks during your visit. It’s actually a vital part of engine performance and maintenance.

Engines need a lot of clean air to operate. The engine air filter prevents debris, dirt, bugs and other contaminants from entering the engine and causing damage. When the filter is dirty and/or clogged, it results in decreased gas mileage, slow acceleration, decreased engine life, higher emissions and poor engine performance.

How often should you change the engine air filter?

Virginia Tire & Auto recommends replacing the engine air filter in your car every 15,000–30,000 miles or at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended mileage. Check your owner’s manual to find out the recommended mileage interval for your vehicle.

If your commute consists of frequent stops and construction areas or you regularly travel on dirt/gravel roads, consider replacing your engine air filter more frequently.

Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your vehicle’s air filter:

1. Jerky or Slower Than Usual Acceleration: If you notice that your vehicle doesn’t speed up as well as it used to, there’s a good chance that the air filter is not allowing enough air into your car’s engine. You also may notice jerky acceleration when you press the gas pedal.
2. Decreased Fuel Economy: When the filter is clogged, the engine has to work harder to get the same amount of power, resulting in poor gas mileage.
3. Unusual Sounds: A dirty or clogged air filter often leads to many strange noises when the car is idling. Unusual sounds could be a sign that your car’s engine is not receiving enough airflow.
4. Dirty Air Filter: You can also visually inspect your engine’s air filter. It is usually easy to access, and you can refer to your owner’s manual if you have trouble finding it. If the air filter contains a lot of dirt, debris or grease, then it’s time to change your air filter.
   Not sure if it’s too dirty? Hold the filter up to the light. If you can’t see any light through the filter, it’s definitely time to get your air filter replaced.

How long does it take to replace my vehicle’s air filter?

Installing a filter is typically a quick 5- to 10-minute service, but it can depend on your vehicle model. The air filter is more difficult to access in some models, so, if that’s the case, it will take our technicians a little bit longer to replace.

Air Filter Replacement at Virginia Tire & Auto

At Virginia Tire & Auto, we’ll never recommend parts or service your car doesn’t need—including air filters. Our technicians inspect your engine air filter as part of our 25-point courtesy inspection, and we’ll let you know if we think it needs to be replaced. And we’ll always recommend following your vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for air filter replacement and other services.

Drop by any of our 17 locations or schedule an appointment online to get your engine air filter switched out. We’ll have you back on the road in no time!

How long do engine air filters usually last?

What happens if you don't change your engine air filter?

How do I know if my air filter needs changing?

Should I change engine air filter every year?