The short version: open the airbox (usually a few clips or screws), pull the filter, tap out loose debris or clean a washable filter per its instructions, and replace paper filters rather than cleaning them, they cost little and a fresh one takes five minutes to install. Step-by-step below.
It’s Easier Than You Think to Clean the Air Filter in Your Car
Cars require maintenance in many different areas, and unless you are a mechanic, these areas may seem like a foreign language to you. However, this maintenance is required in order to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Things like filling up on antifreeze or filling up on windshield wiper fluid seems to be straightforward. One area that is not as daunting as you may think, and is still a necessary area of maintenance. The air filter is an area that not many people feel they are up to the task to take on, but it is easier than you think.
Cleaning the filter
How you clean your car filter depends on the filter type. Standard disposable paper filters should only be vacuumed gently and then replaced on schedule, while washing is reserved for reusable cotton gauze or foam filters that are built to be cleaned. However you decide to clean your filter, you must first remove it from its position in the vehicle. Once it is removed from its housing, immediately take it away from the engine to prevent any insects or lose debris from falling into it.
For reusable filters, washing is the more thorough option. Vacuuming is extremely quick, will work for a quick fix, and is the only method you should use on a disposable paper filter. To efficiently use this method, use a hose attachment, and make sure to vacuum on all sides.
If your filter is a reusable, washable type and you have the time, actually washing it will be the preferred method. Never wash a disposable paper filter, since soaked paper media breaks down and the filter must then be replaced. To do so, use any type of cleaning solution along with a bucket of water. It will not take a lot of soap to clean this, simply a nickel-size amount of dish soap or laundry detergent in a bucket of warm water. Once you have the filter removed, soak and move it around in the bucket until the filter has been thoroughly cleaned. Make sure you dry the air filter thoroughly before placing it back into the vehicle.
Oil-coated Air Filters
There is a chance that your air filter is covered in oil when it is pulled out. If this is the case, vacuuming is obviously not an option, and dish soap nor laundry detergent will effectively remove the oil and clean the filter. To clean the oil from the filter, you first need an actual oil filter cleaning spray. Once you have the filter removed, completely cover it with the cleaning solution, and allow it to sit and soak for at least ten minutes. After soaking the solution, you are able to rinse off the solution, clean it in a bucket of warm water and cleaning solution, and allow it time to dry.
Before Placing the Filter Back
If your filter is an oiled cotton gauze type, after cleaning you need to spray the filter with specialty oil to restore its coating. Dry paper and dry synthetic filters should never be oiled. Make sure you allow the oil to be absorbed by the filter before placing it back in the car. Furthermore, it is important to find the correct oil to put on the air filter. To do so, find your air filter manufacturer, and then use the correct spray based on their recommendations.
Cleaning the Air Filter in the Spring
While there is a suggested time period of the mileage, it is also recommended to clean the air filter in the Springtime. Air filters work overtime during the Springtime in order to work through the pollen in the air. In addition to cleaning the air filter, one should change the oil, check the wiper blades, and clear any debris stuck under the hood of your vehicle.
When You Need to Replace the Filter
While there are times to clean the air filter, there are certain indications that tell you when it is time to completely replace the filter. One sign would be black smoke puffing from the tailpipe, which points to an engine running too rich on fuel. Furthermore, if you start your car and begin to smell gas, it may be time to change the filter completely. Other signs, which are much more subtle, like having to fill your fuel tanks more, difficulty accelerating, or if the check engine light is on. A general time frame for replacing the air filter is every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Despite this recommendation, those who are looking to extend their car filter life by cleaning it.
Conclusion
Overall, the air filter is an important component of your vehicle that needs to be cleaned in order to ensure the vehicle is running smoothly. Both vacuuming and washing the air filter are excellent options, but washing tends to be more efficient. However, there are times that the air filter is just beyond cleaning, and they simply need to be replaced.
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And if your car needs to travel farther than a Saturday drive, our door-to-door car shipping team can help.
