How to Change Car Air Filter and Have a #FresherCar

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Fram. This post was not reviewed by a 3rd party. All opinions are mine and may not reflect those of the companies. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. All photos are mine and subject to copyright.

Knowing when your car air filter needs changing is important. Not only does a clean oil filter improve the overall performance of your vehicle, but it also improves gas mileage, acceleration, etc. In today’s world of high gas prices, increasing a vehicle’s gas mileage is important to most of us.

Most car manufacturers state that paper air filters should be changed every year or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. I remember to to this every other time I get my oil changed. This is an extremely easy maintenance task that anyone can DIY instead of overpaying the tech when you get your oil changed. Fortunately, FRAM air filters are designed to be easy to install. Personally, I like to buy my car maintenance needs at Walmart‘s Automative department for a couple of reasons. First, there is usually something else that I have to purchase. Second, there prices are sooo low and the department is organized that I get in and out quickly.
Last week, when I doing my regular car maintenance shopping, I discovered FRAM‘s newest air filter called FRAM Fresh Breeze, that  helps rid your car of dust and allergens. Wait, what?! Yes! As you know, Spring brings in all sorts of pollen, and if your family is like mine, we are sneezing and coughing right now, especially since this crazy weather. The FRAM Fresh Breeze® Cabin air filter is the only cabin air filter that uses the natural deodorizing qualities of ARM & HAMMER® baking soda. These two have partnered to help absorb odors and freshen the air. While I was buy an air filter, I also like to buy a fuel system cleaner to put in my gas tank. I like to all my automative maintenance at the same. time. 😉

Here are the basic steps on how to change your air filter.

• Buy a new air filter. Make sure you buy the correct model for your car. I like to do my research before I get to the shop. Here’s where I enter the year, make and model of my car: http://framfreshbreeze.com.
• Locate your air filter. Most cars have their air filters in a rectangular housing to the side of the engine.
• Remove the old air filter. Warning: this can be dusty, so if you suffer from extreme allergies. Please put on a hospital mask. Depending on your car, you may have to remove screws to get the housing open.
• IMPORTANT: Clean the air filter housing with a vacuum or a rag dampened with cleaning solvent.
• Place the new air filter in the housing and replace the housing cover.

That’s it! Now your car should run a little smoother and get slightly better gas mileage, and your family will breathe much easier in the car while the pollens and dust stay out.

FRAM has a few mail in rebates available for you here. Also, you can follow them on Twitter and Facebook. For more pictures about the product, my car and the trip to Walmart, check out my Google+ album here.