Air Filter Dimensions

Car air filter dimensions vary from one manufacturer to the other. Some air filters measure 11.9 x 8.1 x 2.1 inches (L x W x H). There are also some filters that measure 10.7 x 6.1 x 3.1 inches and 12.9 x 5.1 x 2.2 inches. Even if the car filter sizes vary, the way they are installed is basically the same.

How to Replace Car Air Filters

Required Tools:

• Cloth
• Screwdrivers
• Gloves
• Safety glasses with side shields
• Replacement filter

Step 1

Turn the engine off. Allow it to cool before proceeding. When it’s cool, open the hood. Look for the air cleaner case. In new models the casings are plastic and easily found. Among older models, it will be a circular metal at the engine’s top.

Step 2

Open the housing. You may need to use a screwdriver, although with some models you can just lift the clamps up. Take out the filter. Check if it needs cleaning or replacement. Dirt will build mostly at the seal and the paper pleats.

Step 3

Get the cloth and clean the housing. You can either put in the new filter or try the old one again.

Tips and Warnings

You can also clean the housing using an air compressor with a spray chuck. But if you do this, be certain to put a rag in the engine air intake port first. This should be done no matter what the air filter dimensions are.

Always make sure the hood is secured when raised up. Otherwise it may fall down. Never clean the air filters without wearing protective glasses and gloves.

How the Air Filters Work

A combustion engine requires free air flow to function correctly. As it pulls air from the outside the engine, dirt, dust and other particles will penetrate the engine. These will cause mechanical problems.

That is why air filters are necessary. The air will be pulled in the engine, but this will be filtered first. What the filter does is to get all the particles. This will keep the engine running smoothly.

Of course this means the filters will have all the dirt and particles. That is why they need to be cleaned regularly, or even replaced over time.

Just like other car components, some vehicles may require specific air filter dimensions to be installed. This isn’t always the case, but just to be sure, read the car user manual. The proper info will be there.