BROADVIEW, IL – Back in the good ol’ days, automotive air filters were simple to find; they sat right on top of the engine in a round metal container. But the trend toward shrinking engine compartments in search of fuel economy has reduced the options for vehicle manufacturers where to locate air filters.
“You’ll find some very creative sizes, shapes, and locations of engine air filters in today’s cars,” said Ramon Nuñez, Director of Filtration for Bosch, joint venture owner of Purolator Filters NA LLC. Purolator supplies automotive filters to the North American aftermarket. (www.purolatorautofilters.net.)
Where do you look?
According to Nuñez, your air filter is usually located in the (in black plastic) ductwork that runs from the grille area to the top of the engine. Your clue is usually a series of 4-6 “flip clips” that unsnap to reveal your air filter after separating a piece of the housing formerly held in place by the flip clips. Simply lift it out, noting the orientation so you can install your new filter properly.
In some cases, the filter may be located right behind a headlight, somewhere in the middle, or right over top of the engine. And not all filter housings use flip clips. Some use Phillips-head screws to hold the housing in place. Other use hex bolts and/or nuts.
Most of today’s air filters are of a flat panel design and are square or rectangular. But some are trapezoidal to make the best use of available space. Some are mounted vertically, some horizontally, and some at an angle. Some may even be found in a tray that can be slid in and out for replacement.
Air filters in some newer cars are cylindrical or conical in shape, however replacement is still straightforward.
“Air filters are inexpensive,” Nuñez said, “and because the job can be done by nearly every do-it-yourselfer (DIYer) we suggest installing the best filter available – PureONE air filter with 99.5 percent efficiency and twice the capacity of conventional air filters.”
According to Nuñez, you can ask any filter-related question of the Purolator Response Office at www.purolatorautofilters.net. The PROs will answer most questions within 48 hours, free of charge.
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