With the exorbitant prices for gas and automotive repairs, most drivers are becoming more personally involved in maintaining their vehicles. One of the best ways of ensuring your car operates at it’s peak level of performance is by routinely changing your car air filter.

It should be noted that this is only a guide to show you how easy something like this can be done.  For your exact make and model, always refer to your owner’s repair manual.  We take no responsibility for any repairs you attempt.  You acknowledge this by reading beyond this point.

You can always take your car in to your favorite mechanic and have this done professionally.  But if you’re “handy”, you can do this yourself.

Before you start, know which type of filter you’re dealing with.  If you have a performance filter, you can actually clean and then reuse it, so make sure you have an automotive air filter cleaner and filter oil spray on hand.  If you have what is commonly known as a stock air filter, you can just go ahead and change the filter. Make sure you have a screwdriver and a new filter on hand (you can skip over the performance filter cleaning process below).

Don’t be intimidated. This isn’t difficult to do, especially if you follow these steps:

• Remove the air sensor from the air intake of your car.  If you’re not sure what/where that is, refer to your owner’s manual.

• Carefully remove the air filter.  With all of the “add-on’s” included in newer cars, some have a very tight-fitting, and sometimes inconveniently placed, air filter housing.

For Performance Filters:

• Apply the car air filter cleaner to both sides of the filter.  Let this cleaning solution sit for ten minutes.

• Carefully rinse the filter with cool water.  If it’s especially dirty, you can repeat the application process a few times.

• Let the filter dry completely.

• Now apply the filter oil, but only to the front side of your car’s air filter. Completely cover it with the oil spray.  It’s the only way to completely seal it. Let this soak in for twenty minutes.

• Once the oil’s soaked in, you can put the air filter back into your vehicle’s air intake. Don’t forget to reconnect the air sensor!

For Stock Filters:

If you’re replacing the air filter, all you need to do is:

• Unscrew the cover

• Take out the old filter

• Clean down filter housing

• Put in the new air filter…

Voila! You’re done! And now, both you and your car can “breathe” easier!

t.

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