How to Check Your Vehicle’s Air Filter

How to check air filter

The air filter on your vehicle is a critical component that requires maintenance after so many miles. The air filter is used to filter the dust and particles out of the air that supplies the engine. After so many miles, the air filter may be clogged and need to be replaced for your vehicle’s engine to run properly. The teams at Bob Moore Auto Group are here to help you learn how to check your vehicle’s air filter, and lead you to the correct service center to have it replaced.

Service Centers Contact Us

Checking the Air Filter

To check the air filter, start by locating the air intake box inside the engine bay of your vehicle. In most modern vehicles, the air intake box will be a rectangular box located towards the front of the engine bay. If you have an older vehicle, the air filter may be directly on top of the engine inside of a metal, circular container just above the carburetor.

Identify the fasteners holding the box together and remove them. These may be a variety of clips, screws, or hex nuts. Once you have removed the top of the air intake box, you should see the air filter. Remove it and visually inspect it to see if it needs to be replaced.

When to Replace the Air Filter

Most manufacturers recommend changing the air filter every 15,000 miles. If during your visual inspection of the filter you notice a lot of dust and dirt, it is time to change out the filter. A dirty air filter can cause damage to your engine, and will also impact engine performance and fuel economy. Here is a list of things to check for when inspecting the air filter

  • Dust, dirt, or debris
  • Degraded pieces of the filter, or broken/cracked rubber seal
  • Oil contamination caused by engine blow-by
  • Bugs or rodents

It is also possible that the air filter may have been installed incorrectly by a previous installer. To be sure that never happens, you can visit one of the Service Departments at the many Bob Moore Auto Group dealerships around Oklahoma City.

Where to find a New Air Filter

Bob Moore Auto Group has many service departments located all around Oklahoma City. Whether you are closer to Edmond or Norman, you can find a Bob Moore Service Center near you. The service teams can easily help you decide if you need to replace your air filter, and will have the new air filter ready for you. If you decide to have a Bob Moore Auto Group technician replace your air filter, they can also check your:

  • Oil level & filter
  • Brake fluid & brake pads
  • Battery
  • Transmission fluid
  • Windshield wipers
  • Tire tread & wear
  • Check Engine Light diagnostic

If you are confident you can replace your own air filter, be sure to check with our many parts departments to find the correct air filter for your vehicle.

For more service tips & tricks, be sure to visit one of the many Bob Moore Auto Group dealerships in the Oklahoma City area!