Automotive Tips

How Long Does an Air Filter Last?

Remembering to breathe while exercising can boost your performance. Similarly, your vehicle’s hardworking engine needs to “breathe” a certain amount of oxygen to mix with fuel inside the combustion chamber that ignites to power your vehicle. But, not just any air will do—your engine requires clean air that has passed through the engine air filter so it’s free of bugs, leaves, dirt, and other airborne debris.

Over time, the engine’s air filter may become clogged and restrict the amount of air able to enter the engine, causing the vehicle to underperform. A dirty air filter may also be unable to stop dust, dirt, and other abrasive particles from entering the engine and wearing away at metal parts like piston rings and cylinders. At some point, an old engine air filter will need to be replaced with a new one.

The frequency of replacing an engine air filter depends largely on where you drive. If you usually travel in dusty conditions, on gravel roads, in the city, or in construction zones, you will need to replace your air filter more often than if most of your driving is on clean, paved, and modern highways.

Jiffy Lube recommends checking your vehicle owner’s manual for specific air filter guidelines while keeping in mind that the areas where you drive may necessitate making a change sooner rather than later. Most experts agree that it’s a good idea to inspect your air filter every 6,000-12,000 miles or during every other oil change.

Jiffy Lube performs an engine air filtration inspection with every oil change. Air filtration services are available separately and include removal of the old engine air filter and installation of a new, clean one if necessary. As an additional service, the passenger cabin air filter that removes dust, pollen, mold and other contaminants from air inside the vehicle may need to be replaced. Jiffy Lube’s air filtration services provide a breath of fresh air for both you and your vehicle’s engine.