Air Filter Replacement

How often should the air filter be replaced?

The standard recommendation is every 10,000–15,000 km or once a year. However, the actual interval depends on operating conditions:

• frequent city driving, traffic jams, dusty roads — replacement may be needed more often;
• turbocharged vehicles — a clean filter is critical for the turbocharger’s lifespan;
• if you frequently drive outside the city or on construction sites — the filter gets clogged much faster.

How to tell if the air filter is clogged?

There are several typical signs that drivers often ignore:

• the car accelerates more slowly, the gas pedal “feels sluggish”;
• fuel consumption has increased;
• the engine idles unevenly;
• there’s a fuel smell, and “heavy” exhaust;
• diagnostic errors may appear for the air/fuel mixture (MAF) or pressure sensor (MAP).

These symptoms indicate that the oil is no longer being filtered properly.

What types of air filters are there?

There are several types of air filters — and not all of them are the same:

• Cartridge filters — only the internal element is replaced, and the housing remains. They are most commonly used in BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Audi.
• Screw-on (spin-on) filters — classic metal filters that are completely replaced (Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, Mazda).
• Magnetic filters — additionally trap metal shavings.
• Filters with a bypass valve — open when the filter is clogged to prevent the engine from running “dry”.
• Filters with an anti-drainback valve — prevent oil from draining back after the engine is turned off.

At Autopark-Service, we select the filter strictly according to your car’s VIN code.

Can you change the oil without replacing the filter?

No — this is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes.

The old filter:

• contains dirt, metal, and sludge;
• immediately contaminates the new oil;
• may block the flow of lubrication.

Therefore, the oil filter is always replaced together with the oil.

Which cars do we replace air filters for?

At Autopark-Service in Lviv, we service:
BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Mercedes, Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Ford, Renault, Opel, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Volvo, and others.

We work with:

• gasoline engines;
• diesel engines;
• turbocharged engines;
• vehicles with DPF and EGR systems.

How does the air filter replacement procedure go at the service station?

The procedure takes an average of 20–30 minutes:

1. drain the used oil;
2. remove the old filter;
3. clean the mounting surface;
4. install the new filter;
5. check pressure and sealing.

Why is it better to replace the filter at the service station, not on your own?

When replacing it yourself, often:

• the filter is over-tightened;
• the seal is damaged;
• the housing is not cleaned;
• oil pressure is not checked.

At the service station, you get:

• correct tightening torque;
• sealing control;
• lubrication system check;
• work warranty.

How does winter affect the air filter?

In winter:

• the oil is thicker,
• the engine takes longer to warm up,
• short trips prevent condensation from evaporating.

Because of this, the filter gets clogged faster, and replacement should be done more frequently.

How much does air filter replacement cost in Lviv?

The price depends on:

• car make;
• engine type;
• access to the filter.

Call us — and we will tell you the exact price for your model.

Autopark-Service
Solonka, Kiltseva St. 60
We are open 24/7
(067) 346-85-20
autopark.service.ua@gmail.com

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