I replace the filter when it looks dirty...
A dirty filter is hard to define and rather subjective...
A dirty filter is hard to define and rather subjective...
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How often do you change the airfilter??
- Thread starter PhoenixTL
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Air filters are not very expensive, but if you replace them unnecessarily, and you do this over and over during the lifespan of a car or truck, then it can add up to hundreds of wasted dollars.
I just did a Google search for " filter minder" and there are lots of places that sell them for around $30. So an investment in one of these could pay for itself pretty fast.
Also, in many cases if you open the air box to check the condition of the air filter, you introduce dirt and dust into the intake path and/or you do not get a perfect seal when the old filter is refitted. So for best results you should not open the air box until it's time to replace the filter, and the best way to decide when to replace the filter is when a filter minder tells you that the filter is clogged.
A visual check is probably the second-worst way to determine if you need a new filter. The worst way is to wait so long that your engine's performance is noticeably degraded.
I just did a Google search for " filter minder" and there are lots of places that sell them for around $30. So an investment in one of these could pay for itself pretty fast.
Also, in many cases if you open the air box to check the condition of the air filter, you introduce dirt and dust into the intake path and/or you do not get a perfect seal when the old filter is refitted. So for best results you should not open the air box until it's time to replace the filter, and the best way to decide when to replace the filter is when a filter minder tells you that the filter is clogged.
A visual check is probably the second-worst way to determine if you need a new filter. The worst way is to wait so long that your engine's performance is noticeably degraded.
Originally Posted By: Tornado Red
I just did a Google search for " filter minder" and there are lots of places that sell them for around $30. So an investment in one of these could pay for itself pretty fast.
If you have the patience to search around, you can find them cheaper. I bought a pair of filter minders off an auction site for $15 apiece (one new and one used). Since $15 is about the price of a single air filter, they should pay for themselves within a year or two.
I just did a Google search for " filter minder" and there are lots of places that sell them for around $30. So an investment in one of these could pay for itself pretty fast.
If you have the patience to search around, you can find them cheaper. I bought a pair of filter minders off an auction site for $15 apiece (one new and one used). Since $15 is about the price of a single air filter, they should pay for themselves within a year or two.
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Quote:
That's the thing, there is no change in air flow restriction to compensate for. For the most part the throttle-body determines the restriction and the intake tract pre-throttle body might as well be invisible. Under some circumstances like WOT and a dirty filter there may be some restriction but it's no different than a partially closed throttle. In a MAF car it shows less airflow. In a speed density car it shows up as more manifold vacuum.
I reason that you simulate higher altitude the more restrictive a filter is. The increase in vacuum losses may be minor ..but it's still an increase.
I doubt that you have the same power production and fuel economy in Colorado @ 5000' that you do @ sea level. A restrictive filter simulates conditions somewhere in there at lower elevations somewhere in the variable range of CFM you're drawing in. At altitude you're drawing in lower density air.
I stated that you will see a power loss once the filter becomes a restriction. But engine manifold vacuum is controlled by the throttlebody except for full throttle or at the point the filter becomes the restiction which will be full throttle or very close.
You're still thinking like it's carbureted but FI cars don't go rich at high altitude or with a dirty air filter.
Going by the logic that a dirty filter causes a loss in mpg, you should get better mileage if you drive full throttle everywhere you go.
Quote:
That's the thing, there is no change in air flow restriction to compensate for. For the most part the throttle-body determines the restriction and the intake tract pre-throttle body might as well be invisible. Under some circumstances like WOT and a dirty filter there may be some restriction but it's no different than a partially closed throttle. In a MAF car it shows less airflow. In a speed density car it shows up as more manifold vacuum.
I reason that you simulate higher altitude the more restrictive a filter is. The increase in vacuum losses may be minor ..but it's still an increase.
I doubt that you have the same power production and fuel economy in Colorado @ 5000' that you do @ sea level. A restrictive filter simulates conditions somewhere in there at lower elevations somewhere in the variable range of CFM you're drawing in. At altitude you're drawing in lower density air.
I stated that you will see a power loss once the filter becomes a restriction. But engine manifold vacuum is controlled by the throttlebody except for full throttle or at the point the filter becomes the restiction which will be full throttle or very close.
You're still thinking like it's carbureted but FI cars don't go rich at high altitude or with a dirty air filter.
Going by the logic that a dirty filter causes a loss in mpg, you should get better mileage if you drive full throttle everywhere you go.
Twice per year for me. For sure December I change all the filter out!!!!!
One time per year or 15,000 miles, I do drive on some dirt roads, everyone talks about how dirty a filter looks I believe moisture and humidity effect the filter material and I would change it once of year regardless of the area you live in or vehicle you drive, air filters are not that expensive especially if you install them yourself.
Typically 25,000-30,000 miles with a peek at the air cleaner to confirm it needs to be replaced.
Every other oil change (10K)
Every 24000km. Works out to about every 3 oil changes.
my 06 tsx has 29k miles and i have yet to change it. i did take it out and knock out all the dirt though
my 01 integra has the aem dryflow, so it will never get changed, only cleaned
my 01 integra has the aem dryflow, so it will never get changed, only cleaned
Regardless of brand (K&N, Wix, NAPA) FilterMinder makes them all. Wix 24801 is $15.95 at Amazon and free shipping if you buy something else to total $25. If you have two vehicles, or a buddy that wants one, just get two. Best price I've found.
i change mine every other oil change.;
Originally Posted By: Samilcar
Originally Posted By: Tornado Red
I just did a Google search for " filter minder" and there are lots of places that sell them for around $30. So an investment in one of these could pay for itself pretty fast.
If you have the patience to search around, you can find them cheaper. I bought a pair of filter minders off an auction site for $15 apiece (one new and one used). Since $15 is about the price of a single air filter, they should pay for themselves within a year or two.
GM trucks come with a filter minder that doesn't work.
Do you see any movement on your $15 minder?
Originally Posted By: Tornado Red
I just did a Google search for " filter minder" and there are lots of places that sell them for around $30. So an investment in one of these could pay for itself pretty fast.
If you have the patience to search around, you can find them cheaper. I bought a pair of filter minders off an auction site for $15 apiece (one new and one used). Since $15 is about the price of a single air filter, they should pay for themselves within a year or two.
GM trucks come with a filter minder that doesn't work.
Do you see any movement on your $15 minder?
Originally Posted By: Loobed
GM trucks come with a filter minder that doesn't work.
Do you see any movement on your $15 minder?
Interesting. The one on my 2000 Silverado and parents 2002 work just fine.
My 2004 GMC did not have one but I installed a minder that I got from NAPA since they worked well on my other trucks.
Bill
GM trucks come with a filter minder that doesn't work.
Do you see any movement on your $15 minder?
Interesting. The one on my 2000 Silverado and parents 2002 work just fine.
My 2004 GMC did not have one but I installed a minder that I got from NAPA since they worked well on my other trucks.
Bill
Originally Posted By: Loobed
Originally Posted By: Samilcar
Originally Posted By: Tornado Red
I just did a Google search for " filter minder" and there are lots of places that sell them for around $30. So an investment in one of these could pay for itself pretty fast.
If you have the patience to search around, you can find them cheaper. I bought a pair of filter minders off an auction site for $15 apiece (one new and one used). Since $15 is about the price of a single air filter, they should pay for themselves within a year or two.
GM trucks come with a filter minder that doesn't work.
Do you see any movement on your $15 minder?
Before installing them, I tested them by sucking on them both (insert joke here) and was able to easily move both of them into the red zone without any trouble. After installing one on a 3.5L V6 and doing a WOT run, it moved halfway to the red zone and has stayed in that same position ever since. The one installed on a 2.2L four-banger didn't move a millimeter, even with several WOT runs.
Originally Posted By: Samilcar
Originally Posted By: Tornado Red
I just did a Google search for " filter minder" and there are lots of places that sell them for around $30. So an investment in one of these could pay for itself pretty fast.
If you have the patience to search around, you can find them cheaper. I bought a pair of filter minders off an auction site for $15 apiece (one new and one used). Since $15 is about the price of a single air filter, they should pay for themselves within a year or two.
GM trucks come with a filter minder that doesn't work.
Do you see any movement on your $15 minder?
Before installing them, I tested them by sucking on them both (insert joke here) and was able to easily move both of them into the red zone without any trouble. After installing one on a 3.5L V6 and doing a WOT run, it moved halfway to the red zone and has stayed in that same position ever since. The one installed on a 2.2L four-banger didn't move a millimeter, even with several WOT runs.
Air filters will have very little restriction until they are plugged and then restriction will rise rapidly. Have you tested your filter minder with a known vacuum to see if it is working? You would be amazed at how long air filters really last.
At 18k miles on my air filter at this point. Minder has not moved a click.
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Originally Posted By: Loobed
GM trucks come with a filter minder that doesn't work.
Do you see any movement on your $15 minder?
Interesting. The one on my 2000 Silverado and parents 2002 work just fine.
My 2004 GMC did not have one but I installed a minder that I got from NAPA since they worked well on my other trucks.
Bill
Originally Posted By: Samilcar
Before installing them, I tested them by sucking on them both (insert joke here) and was able to easily move both of them into the red zone without any trouble. After installing one on a 3.5L V6 and doing a WOT run, it moved halfway to the red zone and has stayed in that same position ever since. The one installed on a 2.2L four-banger didn't move a millimeter, even with several WOT runs.
Mine may be defective, but I have read other peoples posts on my truck forum that also say their filter minder doesn't work even when they used a vacuum cleaner to test it.
Originally Posted By: Loobed
GM trucks come with a filter minder that doesn't work.
Do you see any movement on your $15 minder?
Interesting. The one on my 2000 Silverado and parents 2002 work just fine.
My 2004 GMC did not have one but I installed a minder that I got from NAPA since they worked well on my other trucks.
Bill
Originally Posted By: Samilcar
Before installing them, I tested them by sucking on them both (insert joke here) and was able to easily move both of them into the red zone without any trouble. After installing one on a 3.5L V6 and doing a WOT run, it moved halfway to the red zone and has stayed in that same position ever since. The one installed on a 2.2L four-banger didn't move a millimeter, even with several WOT runs.
Mine may be defective, but I have read other peoples posts on my truck forum that also say their filter minder doesn't work even when they used a vacuum cleaner to test it.
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