Every vehicle has several filters that are in place to preserve the life of your car engine and to help it to run smoothly. These four filters should be changed regularly, according to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual: the oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, transmission fluid filter. If you do not have your manual, or cannot find it quickly, the schedule below will also help you.
Oil Filter – approximately every 7,000 miles or less
Change the oil filter at least at every other oil change. If you can, changing it every time you change the oil is even better because the old filter contains nearly a quart of dirty oil that will mix with the new, clean oil. If you change your oil yourself, wipe the filter threads with an anti-seize lubricant, available at auto supply stores.
Air Filter – every two months, replace if needed
Check the air filter every two months and replace it when it gets dirty or if you are giving your car a full tune-up. Air filters are generally easier to get to than oil filters. You can find them under the big metal lid in a carbureted engine or in a rectangular, usually plastic, box in a fuel-injected engine. If needed, check your owner’s manual for the exact location.
Fuel Filter – once a year, as needed
Despite claims by makers and dealers that some newer fuel filters never need to be changed, it’s always a good idea to have it done once a year. A clogged fuel filter will cause poor engine performance (hesitation and starting difficulties), and it can also lead to the fuel pump going bad, which is quite an expensive fix. If your fuel filter is clogged, it can also be an early warning that there may be corrosion in your gas tank and you need to have it checked.
Transmission Fluid Filter – after the first 5000 miles (8000 km), and every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) / two years
