All the air that enters your engine goes through the air filter, which catches contaminants to help your engine last longer by keeping it clean. The filter should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, and you can obtain a new one at your local auto supplies dealer. To help you stay on top of this, the team at F.A.T.S. Parts in Anchorage, AK, explain what you should know about changing your air filter.

Auto Supplies Shop Guide to Changing Your Air Filter

When to Do It

Changing the filter at least every 30,000 miles is a good rule of thumb to follow, but some factors can increase the necessary frequency. For example, driving on unpaved roads will dirty your filter more quickly. A common sign of a dirty filter is a decrease in your fuel economy, so check the filter if you find yourself at the gas pump more often than usual.

Ignition problems are another sign to look for, as a dirty filter will let the spark plugs get clogged with gunk and make it difficult to start the car. At this point, the spark plugs may need to be replaced along with the filter. If in doubt, you can always remove the filter to see if it’s discolored; a clean one should be white or just off-white.

How to Do It

Your mechanic should check your air filter when you have them change your car oil, and they can notify you when it needs to be changed. Assuming you get oil changes on a regular schedule, this should keep your filter in regular rotation as necessary. If you do your own oil changes, use a screwdriver to open your air filter box and pull it out. Replacing the filter is easy to do on your own; you simply need to confirm that your replacement auto supplies are the right size for your engine.

No matter what type of vehicle you drive, F.A.T.S. Parts has the auto supplies that you need at a reasonable price. This locally-owned and -operated company carries an expansive selection of car parts and has a team of ASE-certified mechanics. Contact them at (907) 561-4721 to talk with a team member about the auto parts that you need.