| November 6th, 2009 by admin |
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4 Steps To Changing Your Car’s Air Filter
4 Steps To Changing Your Car’s Air Filter
You already know that your engine requires fuel in order to generate propulsion from its 4-stroke combustion process. A lot of drivers fail to realize that air is just as important within the combustion chamber. In fact, for each gallon of fuel your engine consumes (or burns), it uses several thousands of gallons of air. It constantly vacuums it in during operation. An air filter (AF) acts as a checkpoint. It prevents debris from entering the engine and restricting its breathing capability.
The problem is that the AF can do its job so well that it becomes clogged with debris. When this happens, your engine is forced to vacuum harder in order to receive the air it needs for its combustion process. Fortunately, replacing it is simple. In this article, I’ll provide an easy 4-step process for changing your air filter.
#1 – Remove The Top Cover
Lift your car’s hood and make sure that it is secure. If your vehicle rolled off the assembly line at any time during the last 15 years, the AF will be located within a dark plastic covering somewhere near the top. It should be completely enclosed within the covering; a “lid” should be fastened by clips on the side and a nut on top. Unfasten the clips, unscrew the nut, and remove the top cover.
#2 – Put The Nut In A Safe Place
Your car may have more than one nut securing the lid of the housing in place. Make sure that you put them somewhere from which they won’t roll away. I suggest that you flip the lid over and put the nuts inside while replacing the filter. It’s a small detail, but it’s important. If you lose the nuts, you may have a difficult time buying replacements – and you shouldn’t drive without them firmly holding the housing’s lid in place.
#3 – Removing The Old AF
Your filter will either be circular or rectangular, and designed with folded cellulose that has been treated with a resin. The resin helps it to attract dust and debris. Before removing it from its housing, make a mental note with regard to its position. That way, you’ll be able to install its replacement properly.
#4 – Installing The Replacement
Position the new AF within the black casing and replace the lid. Refasten the clamps and replace the nut. There’s no need to be concerned about whether you have put the replacement into the housing correctly. If it is not positioned properly, you won’t be able to fasten the clamps onto the lid.
That’s it. You’re finished. It’s worth nothing that you can prolong your air filter’s life by knocking some of the accumulated dirt loose and slipping it back into its housing. But, at under $20, installing a new replacement is inexpensive. Given how important a role it plays in the performance of your engine, reusing the old filter is a foolhardy way to save a few dollars.
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