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Replacing your vehicles air filter is an inexpensive and uncomplicated process that can achieve not only a greater fuel efficiency for your vehicle but also lower the harmful impact on the environment caused by a clogged or inefficient filter.
The primary purpose of the engines air filter is to separate harmful particles from the air being drawn into the engines combustion chambers. If the engine is lacking of such a device these harmful particles can navigate through the engine's intake manifold into the combustion chambers causing a tremendous amount of damage, resulting in critical engine failure that can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If the air filter were to become clogged either through preventative maintenance neglect or though being exposed to unusually high demands, such as transversing over dirt or gravel roads, the vehicles engine will lose some of its ability to produce power. In most modern vehicles equipped with an engine monitoring computer, the vehicle will compensate for such lose in incoming air by sending more fuel the engine resulting in poor fuel economy.
In order to replace your vehicles engine air filter you must first locate it. In most cases the filter is mounted within a black plastic box or cylinder located either directly above the engines carburetor or at the end of a series of molded plastic pipes connected to the engine intake manifold.
After locating the air filter container you will need to remove the cover to gain access to the filter itself. On most vehicles made before the nineteen-nineties you will need to remove what is called a wing nut from the air filter housing. On more modern engines you will either be have to use a screwdriver to back off a series of screws or clips in order release the cover from its mount.
After the cover has been removed you will see the filter. The filter itself is usually made of three items, a cloth type material surrounded by wire mesh held together by rubber seal or boots. Remove the filter from its mount being mindful to not allow any dirt or debris to fall off of it and enter the intake ducts.
After the filter is removed use a vacuum to remove any dirt, debris or dead insects that may have collected within the confines of the filter container. It is also wise to inspect the lining of the filter box for excessive of amount of oil residue, this can be a sign of repairs needed to the engines internal components. If you find such excess oil it is recommended you speak to a professional mechanic for further repairs.
After you have removed any debris from the filter box, insert the new filter into the container in the same way you found the old filter and return the box cover to its mount being sure to replace all screws, nuts or clips to their original positions. Now that the filter has been replaced start the vehicles engine and listen for anything out of the ordinary. If there are any strange noises that were not present before hand be sure to inspect the all parts to see if anything was improperly fastened.
If all checks out then pat yourself on the back, for you have successfully changed your engines filter.

Learn more about this author, L. W. Cooper.
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