How Often To Change Car Air Filter - Jiffy Lube

How Often to Change Car Air FilterPosted under Car Filters

Q: What’s an easy way to help keep your engine running smoothly? 

A: Take care of the engine air filter! Here’s a quick Q&A to help you stay on top of air filter maintenance.

Q: What does the engine air filter do?

A: Your engine requires a large amount of air for proper combustion. The filter helps keep that air free of dirt, bugs, and debris that can get swept up into your car's intake system. A clogged filter can result in sluggish acceleration and may cause the engine warning light to come on. (Don’t you hate it when that light comes on?)

Q: Do you know how often to change the car air filter?

A: Typically, it should be inspected once a year or every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but this can vary based on the car and driving environment. If you often drive through dusty terrain or on unpaved roads, you may need to change it more frequently. Consult your owner’s manual for the specifics for your vehicle. No owner’s manual? No problem! A Jiffy Lube® technician will be happy to access the manufacturer’s recommendations for your car.

Q: How will you know it’s time to replace the engine air filter?

A: Sometimes you can tell simply by looking. Pop the hood and find the air filter housing. It’s usually a black plastic box located next to the engine. (Check your owner’s manual for the exact location.) Open this housing, remove the old filter, and visually inspect it. If you see contaminants between the pleats, it’s time to replace the engine air filter.

Q: Are there different types of engine air filters?

A: Yes. Paper filters are the most common, but they are designed to be disposable. Gauze filters can be cleaned and reused, leading to lower costs over time. Check your owner’s manual to help you choose the right engine air filter replacement or ask a Jiffy Lube technician.   

 

Q: Last but not least, can Jiffy Lube replace the engine air filter?

A: Of course! Just bring your car to one of more than 2,000 Jiffy Lube locations. The technicians love this kind of stuff and will be happy to help you first decide how often to change car air filter and then they will replace it with a fresh new filter, based on manufacturer recommendations.

Jiffy Lube technician propping up a vehicle hood before they change the car air filter

You can count on Jiffy Lube®

Let the team at your local Jiffy Lube provide routine, preventive maintenance to help keep your car, SUV, minivan or truck operating as engineered. This way, a small problem can be corrected before it turns into a costly repair.

Read more about it

Now you know how often to change the car air filter, but what about the cabin filter? Here’s an article that tells you what it does, and how to maintain it.

In addition to blog posts, Tips in a Jiffy has videos featuring car care tips.

Please note: Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific services offered.

Find your Local Jiffy Lube

Share this resource

   

Related Resources

Service member replacing the cabin air filter

How Often to Change the Cabin Air Filter

Posted under Car Filters

As a vehicle owner, it’s often easy to know when your car  may need maintenance. When your tires begin losing traction, you tend to notice. When your wiper blades leave streaks , you’re reminded every ...

Jiffy Lube employee checking customer in for a fuel filter replacement service

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR BAD FUEL FILTER SYMPTOMS

Posted under Car Filters

Engine repairs can be costly and could keep your vehicle in the shop for an extended period. Wouldn’t it be great if there was something easy and inexpensive you could do to help protect your engine and ...

close up of car oil filter

How Often to Change an Oil Filter

Posted under Car Filters

News flash! Motor oil can’t provide optimal performance without an efficient oil filter. We’re making this announcement in bold because while drivers often (and very wisely) pay close attention to their ...

Tags

Engine Air Filter

Tag » How Often Replace Air Filter Car