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How to change your air filter

21st March 2024

All vehicles have an air filter located within the engine bay. The air filter provides airflow to the engine while preventing dust and dirt from entering the combustion chamber. Over time, your car’s air filter can get clogged, reducing fuel economy and airflow to the engine. Unsure of how to change your air filters yourself? Merityre’s specialists can do this for you.  

Discover how to change your vehicle’s air filter in our informative guide. 

What tools do you need to replace your air filter? 

Before you replace the current air filter on your car, you’ll need the following tools: 

  • A screwdriver 
  • A clean cloth or rag 
  • A replacement air filter tailored for your vehicle. 

Buy the right air filter for your vehicle 

The first stage in replacing your vehicle’s air filter is to buy a new one. Refer to the owner’s manual, which will have a diagram of the engine bay and where the air filter is located. Once you’ve bought your new air filter, you can start the air filter changing process. 

Find and open the air filter housing 

Usually, you can find the air filter near the engine in the engine bay. Open your car’s bonnet and find a large plastic black box with a removable lid. Every model will have different fastenings to access the filter, whether that’s with screws, clamps, or wing nuts. You should check what tools and the type of fastenings are required to open the housing. 

Remove the air filter 

After opening the filter housing, remove the air filter from its housing. Most air filters will come out with minimal effort. At this stage, it’s a good idea to check if the new air filter you’ve bought matches up with the old one. Before attaching the replacement filter to the housing, use a clean rag or cloth to remove all dirt and dust. 

Fit the new air filter into your car 

With the housing for the air filter cleaned, you can fit the new filter. It’s a good idea to check the filter for any damage first before attaching it.   

Reassemble the air filter housing 

Have you attached your new filter to the housing? You can start to reassemble the housing around your air filter. Ensure that all clips and bolts are correctly tightened. After you’ve finished reassembling the housing, double-check to ensure no parts are left in your tray. Also, document the mileage and date of the air filter change in your car’s service history. 

Is your car struggling to stop dust and dirt coming into the engine? Your vehicle’s air filter may need to be replaced. As part of our essential service, we can change your car’s air filter. Keep your vehicle in tip-top condition by booking a service at one of our Merityre branches across South East England today.