As a rule of thumb, your car’s air filter should be replaced every time you reach 15,000 miles. Whenever you use your air filter, it tends to build-up a combination of dust, dirt and other air contaminants. These elements may end up clogging your air filter making it necessary for you to clean or change your filter.
Your car’s air filter technically keeps air particles away from your engine. When it gets congested, it prevents air from entering your engine. Once this happens, it affects the performance of your engine, reduces your gas mileage and increases your expenses.
The accumulation of these contaminants is acquired gradually. Regular cleaning will help you maintain your car’s performance and condition. This way your car will run more efficiently.
Here are some ways you can clean your air filter.
1. Remove your air filter.
Pop the hood of your vehicle and locate your air filter. Check your manual for more details about your air filter. Your manual will also tell you where to find it.
Some air filters are contained in a flat and rectangular casing while others are in a cylindrical form. It should be easily accessible. Once you’ve located it, loosen it up with wing nuts or remove the clamps.
2. Clean it.
Shake the air filter to get rid of loose particles. You can opt to use a cleaning solution like the KevianClean Car Wash Shampoo or a vacuum to remove the dirt. Washing your air filter may take up more time.
However, if you prefer washing your air filter with soap, put it in a soapy water and squish it around to make sure the cleaning solution gets in all the area. Shake off the water and towel it dry. Make sure that it is completely dry before you put it back in. Otherwise, a wet or damp air filter can damage your engine.
On the other hand, vacuuming may be quicker and simpler but it may not get rid of the particles entirely. All you need it is to run the vacuum over the filter to remove the particles. However, if your air filter is too dirty and vacuuming or washing doesn’t work, the only option left is to replace your air filter.
3. Put it back.
Check if all wing nuts, bolts, clamps, and locks are secure and in place. Make sure that your air filter is completely dry before putting it back in place.