Air filters may not look like much, but they are an important component of your vehicle. They help ensure that the air that enters your engine is free from pollutant and contaminants, so that your car can continue chugging on problem-free.

When air filters get dirty and/or clogged, the air flow to your engine is restricted, leading to performance issues such as engine misfires, reduced horsepower, decreased gas mileage, strong fuel odor, and so on.

Cleaning your air filter is a regular car maintenance task that’s easy to accomplish, you can even do it on your own. Make a habit out of it at least once or twice a month depending on how often you use your car. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Pop up the hood and locate the air filter housing. If you can’t find it, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual. Your manual will also tell you how to open up the air filter housing, weather it’s with a clamp, wing nut or fastener.

  • After you’ve opened the housing, remove the air filter and clean it using your preferred method. There are two popular ways to go about it: with a soft-bristled brush or an air blower. Ideally, you should clean the filter in an open area where the dust won’t find its way to your home interior. When using an air blower, make sure to use a low setting so you don’t damage the filter paper.

  • You may also wash the air filter with detergent or degreaser. However, you need to give the air filter time to dry out completely before putting it back. And do rinse the detergent away properly because you don’t want any detergent residue contaminating your engine.

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  • Make sure to clean the insides of the housing as well. A soft, non-abrasive material such as microfiber or paper towel will do.
  • Once the filter is clean and dry, put it back into the housing and lock the assembly back in place.

Of course, you can’t keep using the same filter forever. Air filters usually need to be replaced once a year or every 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers depending on your car manufacturer’s recommendations. For your peace of mind, use only genuine air filter parts or any alternative that has your manufacturer’s stamp of approval.