How to tell if car air filter needs replacing

Carmakers list a car air filter change interval and that’s something you should follow. But many carmakers also list caveats on the change interval, such; “change more often if you live or drive in dusty conditions.”

But most car owners are confronted with whether to change their engine air filter every time they get their oil changed because the oil change places are always trying to sell you a new air filter.

So how to tell if your car air filter needs replacing? Here are some tips.

There’s no hard and fast rule about what a dirty car air filter looks like

Let’s take a look at these two air filters. The one on the left is new and the one on the right is supposedly “dirty.” But is it? Or, is it dirty enough to justify changing?

The answer? The filter on the right is fine. It flows all the air your engine needs. Don’t get talked into a filter change just because it’s slightly grey

Here’s how to tell if your car filter needs replacing — the tell-tale signs

Oil soaked patches that cover more than 40% of the filter surface is a sign the car filter needs replacing

Replace air filter when dirt/debris is embedded deep into the pleats

This car filter has many more miles before it needs replacing

©, 2023 Rick Muscoplat

Posted on May 14, 2023 by Rick Muscoplat