Change the Air Filter

Steps

1. Get the right filter. Air filters differ by engine, so choose one for your car's engine and model years ("Parts for your car" below). Check how often to change it in your handbook. On dusty roads, change it more often.
2. Find the filter box. Open the bonnet. The box is a large plastic case on the engine's air intake, with a wide pipe going to the engine. Your handbook shows where it is.
3. Open the box. Undo the clips or screws that hold the lid. Keep screws in a safe place so none falls into the engine bay. Some lids stay joined to the pipe: lift them only as far as they go easily.
4. Note how the old filter sits, which side faces up and where its rubber edge seals. Then lift it out slowly so no dirt falls into the clean side of the box.
5. Clean the box. Wipe out leaves, sand and dust with the damp cloth. Do not blow into the box with compressed air: that pushes dirt towards the engine.
6. Compare the filters. The new filter must have the same size and shape as the old one. Hold the old one up to the light: if it is dark and you can see little light through it, it was due for a change.
7. Fit the new filter the same way round as the old one, with its rubber edge sitting all round in its seat. Do not oil a paper filter.
8. Close the box. Put the lid back so it sits flat, then do up all the clips or screws. Check that any pipes and plugs you moved are back in place.
9. Start the engine and listen. It should idle smoothly, with no hissing from the box. Write down the date and the mileage.