The Supercheap Auto experts give us the run down on the air filter — the lungs of your car.

What’s the job of an air filter?

An engine sucks in air that’s mixed with fuel and ignited by a spark plug — or compression in the case of a diesel — to create combustion. Air filters act as the “lungs” of the vehicle to filter out contaminants that can reduce the performance and fuel economy of your vehicle. This is especially important in dusty conditions and with off-road use.

How does it do that?

The air filter’s role is to keep out contaminants that may enter your vehicle’s intake — water, road grime, pollen, dirt, bugs, roadkill and other nasties. A quality filter can prevent damage to the engine. It also allows more air flow, which improves fuel efficiency and delivers more power.

How do you know when the air filter needs replacing?

The first sign that you may need a new air filter is if the car experiences an increase in fuel consumption or a reduction in power. The “check engine” light might also come on to let you know that the air filter is past its prime. An OBD2 scanner might help to identify the cause of the engine light. A quality air filter offers better efficiency with more flow for better performance and, importantly, exceptional filtration. A high performance K&N air filter can be washed, re-oiled and reused for the lifetime of the vehicle. This not only reduces waste in our landfill, but saves you money over time.

Tips

Expert tip from top mechanic Kevin Hudson.The air filter is one of the simplest parts to change or clean. First, you’ll need the right replacement air filter. Just put your rego number into the My Garage page featured on the Supercheap Auto website or go to a store where the team can recommend the correct filter. Remove the intake hose attached to the air box and lift out the filter — you might need pliers and a screwdriver.

The empty air box could contain a few dead bugs, grass seeds and a bit of dust. That’s good. It means the filter has been doing its job. Pop a clean cloth in the entry of the intake pipe, then use your brush to free up the muck. Suck it out with the vacuum and wipe over the housing with a rag. Don’t forget to remove the cloth from the intake pipe. To replace, simply pop the new one into place. Make sure it seals well before you close the housing. A great air filter upgrade is a K&N performance air filter along with a K&N filter recharge kit.