Do you really need a new Air Filter at 5000 miles?

When you take your vehicle to the service station for an oil change does the service technician offer to replace your air filter?

While you might find it to be a bit annoying that the team at your local service station offers to replace this item or perform other services every time you visit, this is part of their job. It’s up to you to know how to answer the question of when this item needs to be replaced.

Do You Know When Your Air Filter was Replaced?

Did you write down or log the mileage at which your air filter was last replaced? If so, you’ll know whether or its time for a new filter. If you don’t know when the last time the filter was changed, you’ll want to inspect the item and see if it needs to be changed. If the engine air filter is dirty and full of debris, go ahead and pay for a replacement.

Check Your Owner’s Manual

One way to know when you should change your cabin and engine filters is to check the owner’s manual of your vehicle. You’re going to find that different brands of vehicles need this item to be replaced at a variety of intervals. Another factor is whether or not you’re driving in heavy traffic or under harsh conditions every day. You will find that most manufacturers don’t require an engine filter to be replaced until at least 15,000 miles.

How Many Miles are On the Odometer?

Another consideration when trying to decide to have your engine air filter changed is the number of miles on the odometer. Once a vehicle reaches 75,000 or 100,000 miles, it’s considered a high-mileage vehicle. At this point, you might need to change your engine air filter every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Before changing the filter, you should inspect it to see if its full of dirt and debris. As an engine reaches higher miles, some of the components break down more easily and need to be cared for more often.

Are You Driving a Pre-Owed Vehicle that’s New to You

If you’re going to the service station for the first oil change after purchasing your used model from the dealer, you might not need to have the engine air filter changed. If the dealer can show you that the vehicle was inspected, all filters and consumable items updated, and it was made ready to start off like it had all maintenance performed, you won’t need to worry about the air filter just yet. On the other hand, if you don’t know for sure, go ahead and have the air filter replaced.

You Make the Call

The technician at your service station has a job to do, but it’s up to you what they do to your vehicle. If they ask you whether or not you want the engine air filter changed, make the call that makes the most sense for you and the mileage on your vehicle.