A dirty filter lets polluting and allergen particles, dust, sand, and other debris, into the motor and car. Over time, they can result in motor damage and health complications. That’s why you need to change air filters when necessary.
How often to change (or wash) your air filters in your car depends on multiple factors.
The distance traveled, your vehicle’s specifications, and the environmental conditions in which you drive all play a role in your filters’ durability. Besides mileage, we’ll share several tips indicating when it’s time to replace the filter.
Key Takeaways
- Change engine air filters every 30,000 miles or three years, but check your vehicle’s manual for specific recommendations.
- Replace cabin air filters yearly or every 12,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on use and driving conditions.
- Signs you need to change filters include reduced acceleration power, unusual colors on filters, and black smoke from the exhaust.
- Both engine and cabin air filters are essential for maintaining vehicle performance and protecting your health.
What Are Car Air Filters For?
A car typically comes with two air filters — one for the engine and one for the cabin.
The screens are made of breathable material, such as paper, cotton, or foam. Their primary role is to trap sand, pollution, dust, pollen, and even mold before they reach you or the engine.
Engine Filters
The air quality entering the motor plays a crucial role in your engine’s performance. Without screens, these particles would find their way in, damaging the engine’s cylinder walls and pistons (1).
Cabin Filters
Whether inside your home or driving your car, air pollution can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory disease (2). To put it bluntly, it kills millions of people yearly.
High-efficiency cabin air filters — such as HEPA filters — are useful in this area. They can capture 99.97 percent or more of all particles 0.3-microns or larger, significantly protecting drivers’ health (3).
How Often to Change Engine Air Filter
Although there is no set and universal schedule, here are some useful guidelines.
Driving Frequency
How often you change your car’s air filter depends on how frequently you drive. Generally speaking, you should replace it every 30,000 miles.
The brittle material can tear over time and let debris in. Regardless of miles, however, you should change the screen every three years.
Your Vehicle’s Model
Every manufacturer may have a different recommendation when it comes to filter maintenance. Check your vehicle’s manual.
For instance, Chevrolet recommends filter maintenance every 45,000 miles. On the other hand, Ford advises changing one every 30,000 miles (4).
Driving Conditions
Certain factors will increase the frequency of filter changes. Hyundai suggests changing it every 15,000 miles when driving on unpaved roads, in hot weather, or in high traffic conditions. Driving in a highly polluted environment also falls into this category.
Clues to Look Out For
If you haven’t kept track of your driving distance, here are some other helpful tips.
1. Lack of Power
A clogged filter can cause ignition issues, and your vehicle may take some time to start.
You won’t burn more gas, but a dirty filter can affect acceleration power. A clean filter can improve acceleration time by six to 11 percent (5). So if you feel that your car is slow to gain momentum, this could be a sign your screen needs changing.
Remember that decreased power happens gradually; you may not notice it immediately.
2. Visual Inspection
If you notice any other color but white or grey on the screen, it’s a clear sign it needs to be replaced.
Most car owners change the engine oil every 3,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on the vehicle’s make. Whether done professionally or on your own, it’s usually a good idea to check all filters simultaneously.
3. Black Smoke
To work smoothly, a motor needs about 14.7 pounds of air to fuel one pound of gas (6). If the vehicle doesn’t have enough air, the fuel will create a dark residue, leading your exhaust to deliver a thick black smoke (7).
This is a sign that your engine is receiving an improper amount of air and oxygen, and you should check the air filter.
How Often to Change Cabin Air Filter
You should replace cabin air filters yearly or every 12,000 to 30,000 miles. This also depends on the uses and conditions we’ve previously described. Here are some indications you might need to change your cabin filter:
- Bad smells in the cabin.
- Reduced airflow through the cooling or ventilation system.
- Noisy air circulation.
- Suffering from allergies or other respiratory conditions while driving.
How to Change an Air Filter
A car dealership can replace the filters for you. However, the engine and cabin filters are easy to check and replace when needed.
Engine Air Filter
This filter is generally found under the hood, inside a filter box. While you can access some by simply unlocking the box, other models will require a screwdriver. When purchasing a new screen, ensure it fits the box’s measurements.
Cabin Air Filter
In most cars, the cabin air filter is often placed either behind the glove box or under the dashboard. It may take a bit longer to change the first time, but overall, it is an easy process.
FAQs
Why Does My Car Air Filter Get Dirty So Fast?
There are several reasons why your air filters get dirty fast. You might be buying cheap air filters that are lower quality, you may have the A/C set to “On” permanently, or it may be the driving conditions.
What Happens If You Don’t Change an Air Filter In a Car?
If you don’t change an air filter in a car, it restricts airflow and reduces performance. It also leaves you at risk of higher contaminants entering the cabin because there’s only so much dirt a filter can hold.
Is It Safe to Run Your AC Without a Filter?
It is not safe to run your A/C without a filter because you will fill the car cabin with contaminants. It also clogs your A/C system, causing it to fail.
Does the Air Filter Get Changed With an Oil Change?
The air filter does get changed with an oil change because it maintains the smooth running of the engine and keeps it at peak performance.
Does the Brand of Car Air Filter Matter?
The brand of air filter only matters if it is compatible with your vehicle and the extra expense translates into improved performance. You may notice better fuel efficiency and performance, but it will only be marginal.
Filtering Down
Both the engine and cabin air filters are essential to keep your vehicle and lungs performing well. How often to change your car’s air filter depends on the distance driven. Some visual indicators can, however, give you hints on whether the screen needs to be changed.
Note that not all filters must be replaced; some models can be washable and, therefore, more eco-friendly. If you’re going for a one-time-use filter, don’t throw it away — many dealers can recycle them. Whichever screen you select, make sure it’ll fit its dedicated emplacement.
If you don’t feel comfortable changing filters, or lack time, bring your car to your mechanic. They will be able to change them for you.
