Naturally, air filters need to be changed in the event of damage. However, to maintain the maximum possible performance of your car, it is recommended that you replace your air filters at least every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km). This interval should be reduced if you often drive in dusty conditions. A general rule of thumb is to keep track of how long the air filter has been in place.
The recommended average length of service is approximately 10,000 to 15,000 miles, which for most people is approximately every year. But keep in mind that, as with most things related to your car, this is just a recommendation and doesn't take into account your individual driving situation. The ideal is to change your air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter. Expand your automotive knowledge with our tips and suggestions.
Access all the information you need about your vehicle, all on your mobile device. Get service quotes quickly, find service recommendations, and access current and past services for your vehicle. Allow your local Jiffy Lube equipment to provide routine preventive maintenance to help keep your car, SUV, minivan or truck running as designed. This way, a small problem can be corrected before it becomes a costly repair. Now you know how often to change the car's air filter, but what about the cabin filter? Here's an article that tells you what you do and how to maintain it.
In addition to the blog posts, Tips in a Jiffy has videos with car care tips. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. That may change depending on the location of your home (e.g. dry and dusty climates), if you have pets and the age of your system and equipment.
If you have pets in the house, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and for households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing the filter every 20-45 days. Usually, vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can expect to change filters every 9-12 months. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you need to change the air filter. You can visually check the engine air filter to see if it looks dirty or if it is full of debris. As a general rule, most average drivers should be able to go a year or two before needing a new air filter.
Air filter replacement can be part of a general tuning service that will help you get better mileage and performance out of your vehicle. If you drive with a lot of traffic on a regular basis, the air filter won't last as long. You will no longer be able to filter the air properly, allowing dust and contaminants to enter the HVAC system. The easiest way to know for sure how often to change your engine air filter is to consult the maintenance section of the owner's manual or simply Google the manufacturer's recommended service interval. Be sure to monitor your air filter and replace it when you start to notice signs that it is clogged, and keep your car in perfect condition for as long as possible. You can hear it: Your HVAC technician is giving you lessons on how to make sure you change your air filter.
A clean air filter will help your engine perform better; on newer cars, it can increase acceleration by up to 11%, and on older cars it can improve mileage by up to 14%. Worn or dirty air filters will cause your engine to malfunction; among the things you'll notice is that you'll have less power and weaker acceleration. The filter helps keep the air free of dirt, bugs and debris that may be dragged into your car's intake system. Consult your owner's manual to help you choose the correct engine air filter replacement, or ask a Jiffy Lube technician. Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass (the same as attic insulation) or & pleated paper framed with cardboard for added stability and rigidity.
Maintenance schedules for different vehicle brands differ in how often the air filter needs to be changed. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings.
