Every time you drive your car, all the dirt and grime that has accumulated in there is pumped into the air. If not for a clean filter, this will clog up some of your engine components, leading to expensive repairs down the line.
You might find yourself running out of gas because it is being stuck or just having no power when you need it most. So do not take any chances – change those filters every 10k miles even if they are still doing their job well enough.
The air filter in your car is essential to the operation of the engine-even more so than fuel. To keep it nice and clean you have to replace those filters
Even though replacing your air filters takes very little time and money, many people still neglect doing so. This article aims to show you just how easy and inexpensive changing your air filters can be.
Average Price to Replace Engine Air Filter
The average cost for replacing engine air filter at the mechanic ranges from $40 to $75. The parts cost $20 to $40 and the labor cost $20 to $35. It is very easy to do this yourself and if you can replace it yourself, your total cost is around $20 to $40.
It’s worth checking out what kind of warranty they offer too before making up your mind about who will do this job if there are any issues with broken pieces when putting back together after installation or anything else that goes wrong down the line.
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Here are factors affecting the price:
Location of the filter
The cost to replace an air filter for a vehicle will vary depending on where it is located. For example, if you are buying one in Los Angeles, CA then you will pay about $125-$150 and if you live in Houston, TX expects prices between $75-$100 dollars.
A location that has very thick smog or pollution may have higher rates than locations with lower levels of these pollutants. This can cause people who reside in those areas to spend more money due to frequent replacement needs.
Type of vehicle
The type of vehicle will affect the cost to replace an air filter. For example, if you drive a luxury car then expect prices that run from $125-150 dollars for one online and in-store. On the other hand, if you own a Volkswagen or Mercedes Benz this can cost up to $300 depending on where it is purchased.
Size of the filter
If you are replacing your old air filter with another brand size than what was originally installed on your vehicle, keep in mind that this may increase the price as well which averages about 15% more expensive due to labor costs associated with installation.
The type of vehicle and size of the air filter determines how much money someone would spend on replacement.
Signs Your Engine Air Filter Needs to be Changed
If you can smell fumes or your car is emitting a loud exhaust sound, it is time to replace the air filter. Some models require annual replacement and others every 50K miles depending on how much the vehicle is driven.
If you’ve begun to notice a reduction in gas mileage or if your engine is idling roughly and the check, engine light has come on then it is time for an air filter replacement.
If your engine has begun to make a knocking noise, it may be due to the oil filter being clogged and in need of replacement.
In addition, if you’ve begun to notice that your vehicle’s performance has become sluggish then it may be due to the air filter not functioning properly.
If you think your air filter is causing issues with fuel efficiency or power then you should change the filters right away.
Why You Should Change Engine Air Filter
A dirty air filter can lead to higher fuel consumption and a decrease in engine power. The lack of proper airflow will overwork the car’s engine, leading to an increase in gas mileage. A clogged air filter also decreases your acceleration by up to 30%. Make sure you change it as needed.
Changing your air filter is a simple task that can prevent costly repairs down the line. Also changing your air filter will extend the life of your engine, which will save you money on repairs.
Air filters can filter up to 60 grams of particles per second, so replacing it is a smart investment. An air filter can also protect your engine from dirt, dust, and other materials that might clog the system or cause harm to your car’s parts.
What Happens if You Don’t Change Engine Air Filter?
Dust and debris will be drawn into the engine, dirtying it. This could lead to a loss of power or damage to other parts that are exposed to dirtier oil.
If not done regularly your car may emit excess hydrocarbons, which are an air pollutant. This could result in smog or it could cause problems in the respiratory system.
Air filters do not just clean the air that your engine breathes; they also help to maintain a constant, optimum pressure of fuel and air for much more efficient combustion.
A clogged filter will limit airflow, leading to the reduced power output from the motor. A faulty or clogged air filter can cause your car to malfunction.
How to Change Engine Air Filter Yourself
- Locate your Air filter housing (usually looks like a black plastic box)
- Remove the cover to expose the filter(Be careful not to stretch any wires while doing this)
- Remove the old filters carefully
- Vacuum out the dirt and debris before installing the new air filter
- Put the new filter in place and make sure the outer seal is seated properly before closing the cover.
- Close the cover replace the clips/screws
Where Can You Buy the Air Filter?
You can purchase an air filter at a local auto parts store or online store. Be sure to check out the price difference among different stores before you buy one because they might not all be priced equally.
| Store | Average Price | Location Near You |
| AutoZone | $20-$24 | Store Finder |
| Amazon | $10.24- $15.99 | Online Only |
| Advance Auto Parts | $20-$30 | Store Finder |
| Walmart | $28.40 | Store Locator |
| CarParts.com | $15.99-$49.99 | Online Only |
How Much Doe It Cost to Replace Engine Air Filter?
A typical engine air filter replacement for a car is around $40 and $75 at your local mechanic. If you can do it yourself, you can save about $20-$35 of the total cost.
Changing your air filter regularly is an easy way to improve the performance of your car, and will save you money in the long term.
The cost for replacing an air filter varies depending on what type of vehicle you have, where you purchase it from, and how often you change them.
To get started with this DIY project yourself, all you have to do is purchase a replacement from one of the stores and change out the old one.
