Changing the air filter in your van is a fairly simple job that you can quite easily do on your own at home instead of taking it to the mechanic. Doing it yourself will probably save you around $50 in labor costs. All you need to do is go pick up an air filter from the auto store or order one online and you’re good to go!

Replacing your vehicle’s air filter is a maintenance task that is often overlooked but a dirty air filter can have a negative effect on your car’s performance. Not only is replacing your engine air filter one of the least expensive components to vehicle maintenance, but it’s an easy job that anyone can do from home. The benefits will be an increase in power and you may even get better gas mileage.

How To Change The Air Filter In A Van

STEP 1

The air filter in vans are located on top of the engine under the housing which you will find inside the van. To access the air filter you will first need to remove the housing (see video below which will make a lot more sense).

The housing is usually bolted around the bottom to the base of the van floor and clamped at the top. Start by removing the clamps and the lower bolts with a correctly sized wrench. Once these are undone, you should be able to remove the housing and gain access to the air filter.

STEP 2

Locate the air filter. The air filter is located inside the air filter box. The air filter box will have a wingnut on the top which you can usually remove with just your fingers and no tools.

When the top of the filter box lid is removed you will need to pull the air filer directly up and out.

STEP 3

Replace the old filter with the new air filter. Then repeat the steps above in reverse to put the housing cover back in place. Make sure everything goes back on the correct way.

REPLACING AN AIR FILTER IN A CAR

In case you’re wondering how to change the air filter in a regular vehicle (not a van), the task is much easier! You can access the air filter by simply opening the hood of the car.

First find the air filter box, then remove the clamps to pull the old filter out and put the new filter in. Simple.

Tip: On newer fuel-injected cars, the air filter is usually located near the top front or side of the engine by the throttle body. The air filter is rectangular in shape and enclosed in rectangular black plastic housing that will normally have clips or screws keeping it closed.

On older carburated cars, the air filter is round and located in a round metal housing above the carburator that is secured by a wing nut.

Why Should You Change Your Air Filter?

There are a few benefits to changing your air filter regularly such as getting better gas mileage, reduced emissions, improved acceleration, and increased engine life.

It has been proven that replacing a dirty air filter increases fuel mileage on older carbureted cars by up to 14%. In addition, changing a clogged air filter could potentially increase acceleration by 11% on modern fuel-injected cars. Basically, a clean air filter improves air flow to the engine and increases the engine’s performance!

An air filter is designed to trap dirt and debris which damages internal engine parts such as the cylinders and pistons. Even particles as small as a grain of rice could potentially harm your engine leading to costly repairs. You do not want that to happen when it is so easy and cheap to do some routine maintenance on your own.

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?

How often you need to change your air filter will depend on the make and model of your vehicle. For example, it is recommended that air filters be changed every 40,000 miles for Chevrolet engines however, Ford recommends every 30,000 miles. It is best to check your owner’s manual maintenance schedule to make sure you are keeping on top of things.

Also remember that if you often drive on unpaved or dusty roads, you should be changing your air filter much earlier than what is mentioned above, probably somewhere between 15,000 to 20,000 miles. If you find black areas on the section through which outside air enters in then it’s time for a new air filter! Be aware though that a dirty air filter may appear clean but should still be replaced at regular intervals.

WATCH A TUTORIAL WE FILMED ON HOW TO CHANGE AN AIR FILTER

Where To Buy An Air Filter For Your Chevy Van

You can easily pick an air filter up from your local auto shop such as AutoZone, O’Reilly, or Napa. You can even find them at Walmart or order one online from Amazon.

Air filters come in various types, from cheaper standard models to more expensive performance filters.

Cheaper standard air filters such as STP or Fram will set you back about $10. On the performance end of the scale such as K&N you will probably pay around $55.

The difference between a standard filter and a performance filter is what the material is made out of. Standard air filters are usually a flimsy paper material while performance air filters are made from higher quality material such as cotton gauze which work better and last longer.

If you are unsure of what type of air filter fits your vehicle I would recommend talking to the employees at your local auto parts store. It is extremely important you get the correct air filter otherwise you could damage your engine.

You Might Also Enjoy

Featured