ValerieDavid on How to Replace Your Air Filter

Locating the Air Filter

If you've owned older cars, you may be used to the big circular air filter on top of the engine. Newer cars like my Altima have square filters off to the side, as you can see in PHOTO 1.

Removing the Filter

Locate the two clips on the driver's side edge of the filter (PHOTO 2). Push down on the edge of the clips to release them.

Now comes the tricky part. Lift the lid on an angle, as if it were a hinged lid (PHOTO 3). The back of the filter housing has tabs that fit into an open square. You need to lift those tabs up and then out, being careful not to crack or break the plastic in the process.

Once the lid is removed, you can just reach in and pull out the old filter. As with all car parts, note how the old filter sits in the housing so you can place the new filter inside the same way.

Check out PHOTO 4 to see the difference between a well-used filter and a new one.

Adding the New Filter

Check the bottom of the car's filter housing and clear out any large debris. We found some leaves and dust inside our housing. You can just pull it out with your fingers, wipe with a damp cloth, or use a shop vac to thoroughly clean it out (PHOTO 5).

Replace the new filter. There's a gasket around the edge of the filter, and that needs to sit near the top of the housing (PHOTO 6). Line the tabs on the cover up with the slots they belong in. Be sure both tabs are engaged before you try lowering the lid. We had a little trouble getting them to cooperate, but it still only took a minute to get them locked in.

Push down on the cover. The new gasket may offer a little resistance, so make sure the lid is firmly in place before you try reattaching the clips.

Push the clips back onto the cover. If you have difficulty, you can brace a screwdriver between the clip and the edge of the engine compartment for leverage (PHOTO 7). Once the clips are attached, your new filter is in place and ready to go.