How to Change Car Air Filter

Changing your air filter is one of the best ways to prevent contaminants from getting sucked into your car’s engine. Typically, you should change your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but your vehicle will have specific recommendations in the service manual.

Additional Resources


Changing your cabin air filter? View the job here

Tools & Materials

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses
Gloves Gloves
MicroGard Air Filter Air Filter

Change Car Air Filter Instructions

This page and video will show the job done on a 2003 Ford Taurus.
As always—before any job—take a look at your service manual. If you don’t feel completely comfortable doing this yourself, we can refer you to a professional technician.
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Air filtration unit or air filter housing underneath car hood

Step 1: Locate air filtration unit

Locate your air filtration unit. It will usually look like a black plastic box. In the vehicle used, it’s right next to the battery.
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Remove the cover of air filter housing and carefully remove the old air filter

Step 2: Remove cover and old filter

For a cover with clips, simply unclip the cover to expose the filter. For a cover with screws, remove the screws to expose the filter.
Remove the old filter carefully.
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Clean the air filter housing compartment with a vacuum, removing debris before you change car air filter

Step 3: Clean the compartment

If you have excessive dirt or debris inside the compartment, vacuum it out before installing the new filter.
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Put in the new car air filter and secure the cover of the air filtration unit

Step 4: Put new filter in and close cover

Put the new filter in place. Close the cover and secure the clips.
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Additional Resources

Car air filters

Shop Filters

O'Reilly Auto Parts carries air filters, oil filters, fuel filters, cabin air filters, and hydraulic & specialty filters for thousands of applications.

Changing cabin air filter in car

How to Change a Cabin Air Filter
Like a household air-conditioning system, the cabin filter needs to be serviced on a regular basis to keep the vehicles heating and cooling system operating at its peak condition.
Change fuel filter in car

How to Change a Fuel Filter
Replacing the fuel filter regularly protects the fuel pump and fuel injectors from contamination.

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.