Top 10+ Mistakes You Might Be Making When Changing The Air Filter In Your Vehicle

Cleaning The Old Filter (When You Shouldn't)

Another way people think they can save money on an engine air filter replacement is by simply cleaning the old one. This can be done via brushing or soaking it in a cleaning solution, but you only want to pursue this if the filter is specifically designed to be cleaned and reused. Unless the filter was explicitly marketed as being "reusable," you should purchase a new one instead.

Cleaning an air filter that shouldn't be cleaned and then reinstalling it can cause major issues. The cleaning process can damage the filter's underlying structure, making it less efficient in clearing away particles from the air. If impurities get into the engine, they can impact various other components, leading to additional replacements sooner than you would've liked. For instance, if a cylinder breaks due to particles in the engine system, that could cost several hundred dollars to fix at minimum. It's much easier and more cost-efficient to purchase a new air filter if you're in doubt. 

There's nothing wrong with utilizing reusable air filters as long as you know they can, in fact, be cleaned. It'll probably cost more than a standard air filter, but the extended usage may make it worthwhile over time. 

Buying An Incorrect Size

Every driver should know exactly what engine air filter they need. The owner's manual should showcase the precise parts number for your air filter so that there's zero guesswork when it comes to buying a new one. If all else fails, you can remove the air filter from its storage unit and take it to the store with you. A worker can then get you a perfect replacement that's the exact size needed. Attempting to guess on size can lead to disastrous results, so it's vital to triple-check just in case.

A filter that's too large probably won't even fit in the unit, meaning you'll have to go back to the store to get a new one. On the other hand, a filter that's too small will make it so that air in the system can bypass the filter completely, leading to contamination. 

Air filters tend to either come as panels or cones, with panels needing to go in specific housing. You're really locked in with how big a panel air filter can go, and you should notice right away if there's too much leftover room in the housing when installing one. Cone-shaped filters typically don't have housing, so you mostly just need one that connects to the air intake plumbing without issue. 

Failing To Check Gaskets For Damage

As you replace the air filter, it's vital to inspect the other components within the housing to ensure everything still looks good. These parts should be more durable than the filter itself and usually don't require replacement every 15,000 miles. However, it's a good opportunity to ensure everything still looks solid and hasn't sustained any damage. If any other housing components are broken, now would be a good time to replace them so that your new filter has the best shot of doing its job perfectly. 

A key part to look at is the gasket providing a seal between the filter and the rest of the housing. Over time, this gasket can become broken or deformed, losing the viable seal and potentially allowing air into the engine that hasn't been filtered. In general, gaskets are designed to be durable, so this isn't something you should worry about all the time. But when it comes to proper car maintenance, it never hurts to be extra cautious. 

In addition to inspecting the gasket, it's recommended to do a quick search of the plastic housing and any clips to make sure those are all looking good, too. Again, this really shouldn't be something to concern yourself too much with, as these parts should last much longer than a standard air filter. But since you have the hood open anyway, it's a good time for a brief examination. 

Dropping Debris In The Engine Bay

When you remove the old engine air filter, you may discover other pieces of debris, such as leaves or miscellaneous fuzz, in the filter housing. This is normal, and since you're installing a brand new, squeaky-clean filter, you'll want to set it up on the best footing possible. Use this opportunity to clean out the housing. You don't even have to remove any other parts, as you can generally just vacuum out any debris to ensure the housing is ready to receive the new filter. 

Vacuuming is usually the way to go, as trying to pick up debris can lead to you accidentally dropping items into the engine bay. A few leaves here and there may not seem like a big deal, but any items getting where they shouldn't can hamper performance elsewhere. While the hood's open, do a quick visual check to ensure the rest of your engine's looking good.

Leaves and stems are one thing, but there have also been accounts of people finding bees and wasps in their car's filtration system. The housing should ideally keep critters at bay, but any openings in the system put your car at risk of becoming a nest. If you find live bugs or animals in your car, consult a professional and don't attempt to remove them on your own. 

Accidentally Disconnecting Sensors

Replacing an engine air filter is a fairly straightforward process that shouldn't take long on your own. It's really just a matter of removing the old filter from its housing and putting the new one in, making sure to clamp the housing shut when you're done. However, there might be certain things in your way, or perhaps you toss the old filter elsewhere in the engine bay and accidentally knock something loose. It's critical to be mindful of anything that might've been disconnected throughout the filter replacement process so that you can plug it back in before starting the engine again.

Even if you don't notice anything amiss at the moment, you'll likely become quickly aware as the engine may not work as it should once you start it up. You may even notice the check engine light turn on, which is a clear indicator that something went wrong. Fixing this is usually just a matter of plugging any sensors or miscellaneous wires back in. 

One common component at risk of getting dislodged during an air filter replacement is the mass airflow sensor. This is a cylindrical part generally found next to the air filter housing. Driving with this sensor unplugged can cause performance issues, which you'll likely become aware of right away.