When should one replace the air filter, i.e. at what mileage interval? Also how does mine look to you?

Cheers!

 

The maintenance checklist I have (2003 models) says change every 40k miles.

I have only seen my filter and comparatively, yours looks to be on the worse end of dirty. A replacement paper filter isn't too expensive and a washable K&N panel is a popular upgrade if you want to go that route.

 

The recommendation in the Service Schedules for the 2000MY is every 20K miles for S/C and every 30K miles for Normally Aspirated.

However, operating conditions play a big part. Your filter in the pic doesn't look too dirty.

Graham

 

If you have access to a compressed-air gun, try giving it a blast. I swapped mine for a K&N when I bought the car two years ago. BTW, I have the same Leatherman knife on my keyring!

 

I change mine once every 2 years even though it looks perfectly clean. Yours should be changed IMO.

Every now and again Rock Auto has a close out on a private-label packaged filter. I'll buy 2 and be set for a long while.

My MAFS seems to be sensitive and I think a clean air filter helps keep it happy.

 

well past its best.change it

 

Well passed its best IMO too......obviously its subjective of course...lol

Although some manufacturers sayd 20k, 30k or even 40k ( myAudi for example says every 40k miles ) I change mine every year.

Doing this along with your oil change etc is a cheap and easy way to help keep your engine running as best it can.

Its all up to the individual like many other things I guess, just my worth

 

Let's see the other side.

 

I'd definitely change that, it's not a big investment and it's pretty easy to swap out.

 

Your filter looks to be in fair shape. Are the paper folds still relatively flexible, or are they rather stiff? Stiffness is a sign of age and heat exposure. If the filter is stiff even if it is still relatively clean, I would go ahead and change it....

Our 2006 service booklet says to change the air filter every 40,000 miles....

 

You guys do realize that we're looking at the downstream side of the filter, which tells very little about condition............

 

Actually, this is the incoming air or dirty side, the downstream side is the upper side or clean side in this car.

 

So I found one on Ebay for $12 including shipping, good? Original Engine Mgmt AF295 Air Filter | eBay

 

I guess I better flip mine over then!

The filter looks fine to me. I'd give it a snack to disloge loose dust and motor on.

 

Looks decent, only 4 left from that seller! Thanks for the reminder- I haven't checked mine yet since buying the car a couple months ago. On my list this weekend. I always drop in a K&N and clean every 20-25k regardless.

 

Seems like K&N Filters let more dirt into the engine though - the cost of the extra performance: K&N Air Filter Review - Debunking the Myths (and why OEM is better)

 

K&N? No controversy there.

 

Lol....each to their own Mikey, each to their own.

As far as changing it more regularly goes, for me anyway, its one of the cheapest things along with an oil change you can do to keep things in the best possible condition.

 

That air filter looks fine. Blow it clean with compressed air and it should be good for a while.

I'm relatively picky too, but that's a picture and pictures almost always look worse than looking at it in person.

 

Don't expect any great increase in engine performance w/ a new air filter. In daily driving, a moderately dirty filter and a brand new clean filter have the same effect on the engine. (Flame suit On)