One of the most common actions that your mechanic will undertake during your regular service is the replacement of your air filter. And with good reason. Your engine requires clean air to operate, and if your air filter isn't able to provide this, your car won't be going very far. However, while it may be an important task to do, it is very much a task which you can do at home.

Reduce Your Mechanic Costs by Changing Your Air Filter at Home

If you are interested in reducing the amount of your mechanic's bill, or you simply want to learn more about car maintenance, your air filter is a good place to start. In addition to providing drivers with high-quality motor oil products for a synthetic oil change, Jim Ackney also stocks a range of air filters and a post for you to learn more about yours, and how to change it at home.

Let's Start With a Basic Understanding of Your Engine, and Why It Needs Clean Air

Your car uses what is known as a combustion engine. For this engine to operate, and keep your car moving, a precise level of clean air is mixed with a controlled amount of fuel (gas) which is then ignited. The energy that this process creates is what powers your pistons. This action is the very base of your engine operation.

Why Is Clean Air Important?

If the air that is allowed into your piston chamber contains dirt, dust, or other debris, then it can reduce the efficiency of the combustion process. The less efficient this process is, the worse your car will perform. In addition, any dirt that enters your engine can quickly accumulate and begin to cause unnecessary engine wear, leading to you replacing engine parts sooner than expected.

What Does Your Air Filter Do?

As the name suggests, your air filter provides a barrier between the air taken in and your engine components. Before any air enters into your engine, it must pass through your air filter, which is designed to trap and collect any of the contaminants mentioned above. With this explanation, it is easy to understand just how important your air filter is. If it becomes too clogged with debris, air is no longer able to pass through it, which can starve your engine and heavily reduce the efficiency and performance of your vehicle. To make sure you are using a high-quality air filter, check out the information available on the AMSOIL website, or speak with an expert directly by calling Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545.

When Should You Change Your Air Filter?

This is one of the most common questions asked about air filters, and the answer can vary. While some vehicle manufacturers recommend changing your air filter around every 36 months, it can require replacement earlier if you are driving in dusty conditions. For example, if you do a lot of off-road driving, it is likely that a larger amount of debris is going to enter into your air-intake, as opposed to standard city driving. The best advice - if in doubt, check it out!

How to Replace Your Air Filter at Home

Now that you have a solid understanding of just how important your air filter is, it's time to learn how to change it yourself.

1. Speak with Jim Ackney and ensure that you have the correct replacement air filter on hand.
2. With your new air-filter at the ready, secure your car and lift the hood.
3. Identify your air-filter.
   • The placement of your air filter will depend on the make and model of your engine. However, it is likely to be visible and very accessible. If you are unsure of where yours is, consult your owner's manual.
   • If you do not have your owner's manual, the best item to look for is a rectangle shaped container which looks to have a lid held down with clamps. If you see this object and open the lid to find paper or cotton slots, you've found your air-filter.
4. With the lid removed, lift out your air filter and place it to one side.
5. While there is no filter in the container, take the time to give the holding container a quick wipe with a clean cloth to remove any lingering dust or debris.
6. Take your fresh air filter and place it in the container and ensure it is secure and in place.
7. Before you replace the lid, with your clean cloth, wipe down the inside of the lid to remove any dust or dirt.
8. Replace the lid, along with any clamps, screws, or other securing items. If you are unsure if it is in place, give it a small shake to ensure nothing is loose.
9. Close the hood.

In just nine steps, and around 15 minutes, you can easily replace your air filter at home. Not only can this save you money from your mechanic's bill, but performing your own engine maintenance often comes with a feeling of accomplishment.

Keep the Momentum Going With a Synthetic Oil Change in Calgary

Your air filter is not the only piece of regular car maintenance that you can do at home. If you are interested in continuing home-based car maintenance, the next step is to complete a synthetic oil change. To learn about how easy it is to perform a synthetic oil change and to get the best products for the job, speak with Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545. With years of experience providing motorists just like yourself the right products for a synthetic oil change, Jim Ackney will ensure you get the right AMSOIL product for the job.