Checking & Restoring an Air Filter

Air filters are your first defense to keeping dirt and contaminates away from accessing the engine. Restore the air filter on a regular basis, when reviewing to your manual. If often, you drive on dusty roads, you should change your filter every time.

1. SPOT THE AIR FILTER BOX

Locate where the air filter box is when the engine is cold. It could also be placed under added covers. Normally, the cover is fixedly linked to the air intake tubing. Determining the car’s make, the air intake tube may be removed from the box.

2. CHECK-UP THE FILTER

View the filter’s topside for any dirt and contamination. Check up the filter’s surrounding seal for any defacement. A torn filter seal will only allow dirty air to pass around the filter.

3. RESTORE AND CHECK ON THE FILTER

The filter should be pulled out by hand. In between pleats, examine the filter for drips and damages. A very soft bristle brush can groom out large remnants of contamination.

4. VIEW THE FILTER WITH A LIGHT

To check the filter’s usability, set the filter upward to a strong car flash light. It is probable to reuse a filter as long as a good amount of light passes right through.

5. MAKE SURE THE AIR BOX IS CLEAN

All dirt under the side of the air box should be cleaned out. Look into the opening for any big blockage. Sometimes, small animals will make the air box a nice warm home—another reason to often check your filter.

6. POSITIONING THE NEW FILTER

Placing a filter that’s new is opposite of removing. Check that pleats should be pointing the right way and the filter is placed accurately in the box. Most filters easily slide in by hand.