Engine air filters come in a variety of shapes and materials. Older vehicles usually use a circular air cleaner that’s found on top of the engine. Modern vehicles have a cone-shaped or (more likely) a rectangular filter.
Here’s what you might encounter on your specific vehicle.
Types of Engine Air Filters
There are many variations in engine air filter shapes, sizes, and materials. It’s essential to choose the correct filter for your vehicle.
Flexible panels: The most common type of air filter has a flexible design that’s enclosed in a soft frame. These frames are typically made from polyurethane, making them easy to remove and replace. These usually have paper filters.
Rigid panels: These rigid panel filters are similar to the flexible design with the same rectangular shape, but they hold their shape better. With these filters, a separate gasket may be needed to ensure a proper seal. These are also typically paper filters.
Conical: These aren’t as common these days but were used often in trucks. You might find them in performance air filter kits. They have a cone-like shape and typically have a reusable filter element.
Round: Older cars have a round filter sitting on top of the engine. Aftermarket replacements might be scarce. The good news is that these are also meant to be reusable. Clean them regularly, and they last.
How much does an engine air filter cost?
Most motor air filters cost between $10 and $50. The best high-performance and branded OEM engine air filters can be on the higher end of that scale. An OEM filter guarantees proper fit but may not be necessary. Performance air filters are nice for modified vehicles but aren’t necessary for commuter cars.
Engine Air Filter Materials
This common paper air filter is due for replacement.
The material your engine air filter uses determines how often you need to clean it and how often you need to replace it.
Paper (cellulose): Cellulose fibers are dense and offer good airflow with a reasonable amount of filtration. These are often the most affordable options and are commonly used in today’s cars. They are easy to replace but are not reusable.
Foam: Foam is porous and lightweight, offering increased filtration when dealing with finer particles. These are helpful for dusty and dirty environments, especially in off-road vehicles and motorcycles. These are meant to be cleaned with soapy water or a solvent and left to dry. They may also need to be re-oiled.
Synthetic/synthetic blends: Today’s synthetic options have heightened durability and better filtration capacity. They are also designed to be more resistant to chemicals, heat, and moisture when compared with standard paper filters. They cost more but are reusable.
Cotton: Cotton gauze filters provide more durability and are often included in reusable engine air filters. They hold their shape over many uses and reduce waste.
What are the best engine air filter brands?
Fram is a popular brand for low-cost engine air filters. Also consider Bosch, Hastings, Mann-Filter, Purolator, and WIX.
K&N is one of the most-known brands for high-performance and washable air filters. These stock paper air filters can be cleaned. Give them a few good whacks on the pavement to remove dust and dirt.
Parts Related to Engine Air Filter Replacement
If you buy a reusable K&N air filter, have a cleaning kit waiting on the shelf when it’s time for maintenance.
When you change the engine air filter, it’s a great time to perform general maintenance. Since replacing your air filter is so simple, let’s stick to the easy stuff. Depending on how long it has been, you may want to change the motor oil and filter. It could also be time to change the cabin air filter, which removes harmful pollutants from the air coming through your interior vents. Check fluid levels, automotive belts, and hoses, too.
What tools and accessories do you need to replace your engine air filter?
You don’t need a lot of equipment to replace an engine air filter. It may be helpful to have a screwdriver or ratchet set to remove the clips or screws holding the housing in place. We always recommend wearing latex gloves and safety goggles.
Cleaning a reusable filter only requires dish soap and water or a light household degreaser—and seal lubricant if there’s a gasket involved. Replacing a paper filter doesn’t require special tools or supplies. You just need the new engine air filter.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.