How to Change an Air Filter on a Car or Truck

Your vehicle's air filter is a critical component for protecting its engine and it needs to be serviced on a regular basis.

All you need to change your vehicle's air filter is two medium size screwdrivers, one standard and one Philips head.

Step 2: Pop the hood.
First park your car or truck in the shade, pop the hood, and let the engine cool down.

Step 3: Open the air filter casing.
Vehicles air filters are usually enclosed in a black plastic casing that is about the size of a bread box.  It is usually located near the center top of the engine. Find it and open it up.  It is probably held together by a couple of clips or some screws.

Step 4: Remove the old filter.
Once you have opened the casing, pull out the old air filter.

Step 5: Check to see if it needs replacing.
Hold it up and bend it back so that the paper ridges flutter like the pages of a book to see how much dirt and dist has collected in it.  Then hold it at arm's length and look at it straight on.  If the paper is mostly dirty, it is time for a new filter.

Step 6: Put the new filter in.
If your old filter needs replacing, put the new one in its place and follow the steps 2 through 4 in reverse.

Step 7: Close the casing.
Now close the casing up, and put back the clips or screws that hold it closed. 

Step 8: Close your vehicle's hood.
Finally, close your vehicle's hood and you're all done.