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filtre à air de la voiture

Replacing Your Car’s Air and Fuel Filters: When and How to Do It?

Checking and replacing air and fuel filters should be on your list of regular maintenance of your car. Like an air purifier you might have in your home, these filters prevent particles from entering your engine, and thereby keep it running properly.

More important than it seems at first glance, these filters therefore guarantee the lifespan of your car’s mechanical system. Changing them regularly means protecting yourself from potential anomalies or worse, breakdowns.

When and how to replace air and fuel filters? It’s within your reach now!

Air filter and fuel filter: what are they for?

Before you even understand what air and fuel filters are for, it would be good to know… where they are! And to do this, your car’s manual will be your best ally.

Usually, the air filter is located in a box located in the engine compartment of your car. Of course, this location may vary depending on the make and model. In some cases, it could be located near the front of the vehicle, behind the grille or the bumper, or even next to the battery, protected by a foam, rubber or plastic cover. Again, consult your manual to get an overview of your engine, so you can locate your air filter.

Depending on the type of car, the fuel filter (also called diesel filter or petrol filter) is located in the engine compartment or behind the tank near the right rear wheel, or under the tank, next to the left rear wheel. In all cases, it is a small cylindrical element made of aluminum or plastic, which remains relatively easy to access.

Why are filters essential for the proper functioning of your vehicle?

Use of the air filter

The air filter guarantees optimal combustion of your engine by providing it with the purest air possible. Its function is therefore to prevent dust, insects and other abrasive particles from entering the engine, and damaging or clogging its parts. Thanks to him:

  • You reduce your fuel consumption. Indeed, a dirty air filter reduces the quantity of air available to your engine; the latter is more in demand and consumes more.
  • You reduce your emissions. Clogging caused by a defective filter can directly impact your car’s exhaust gases, making them more harmful.

Use of the fuel filter

The fuel filter has the same protective responsibilities, but more specifically, towards the fuel and the carburetor. By preventing dirt and also rust from setting in, it allows you:

  • Improve the performance of your engine. Since fuel flow is not disrupted by a clogged filter, there is no loss of power and the throttle responds quickly.
  • Reduce your fuel consumption. Your engine’s combustion is more adequate, and this affects your fuel consumption and your energy efficiency.
  • To lower your harmful emissions.
  • To reduce the risk of breakdowns. Generally speaking, this is what regular maintenance allows you, but it is even more true with filters!

Now that you know a little more about air and fuel filters, there is no doubt that you want to know when and how to change them!

Replacing Air and Fuel Filters

How often should you replace the air and fuel filters in your car?

As you might expect, there are several factors that come into play. But it is safe to change them every year or every 20,000 km for the air filter, and every two years or every 20,000 km to 40,000 km for the fuel filter (to be adjusted depending on whether you drive a lot or a little). If you drive on dusty roads, your air filter may need to be changed more often. Of course, at the slightest sign of a malfunction (light on, smoke, difficult starting, etc.), this rhythm will need to be reviewed.

How to replace the filters of a car?

The replacement of the air filter is less complex than that of the fuel filter. To replace an air filter:

  • Consult your manual to find out which type to choose;
  • Open the filter housing, remove the filter. Take the time to visualize how it was fixed to facilitate the installation of the new one;
  • Check that it is actually dirty so as not to change it for nothing;
  • Insert the new one with the rubber edge facing up;
  • Replace the cover;
  • Enjoy the savings of doing it yourself!

Replacing a fuel filter requires a little more knowledge. It will probably be wiser to contact a professional to do this. However, if you decide to replace it yourself, here are the steps you should follow:

  • Check that you had the following items at hand: a screwdriver, a container, protective glasses;
  • Place the container under the bleeder screw to collect the liquid;
  • Remove the bleeder screw;
  • Disconnect the fuel lines to remove the cover and gasket and then remove the filter;
  • Clean the tank before installing the new filter;
  • Make sure it is facing the right way and reconnect the fuel lines;
  • Replace the bleeder screw and check if leaks appear by starting your vehicle.

How much does it cost to replace air and fuel filters?

In general, the cost of replacing an air filter by a professional can vary between $30 and $150. As for the fuel filter, it will cost between $50 and $200. But if you have the slightest doubt regarding your ability to change one or the other, it is better to prioritize the safety and performance of your car, and rely on a mechanic.

By choosing the Trans-Mico Automotive teams, you not only ensure that your filters will be correctly replaced, but also that any other possible problem will be identified and discussed with you . So, no unpleasant surprises either in terms of mechanics or costs! For 45 years, the company has been recognized for its careful work, its valuable advice and its personalized service. Prevent costly breakdowns, maintain optimal performance of your vehicle and build a lasting relationship of trust: between you and them, there are many points in common!

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