The engine air filter is important, but how often do we take a close look at it?

I know I should inspect it every year, but it just came to mind I have not looked at mine in over 2 years..me bad!

Maybe twice a year.

That is good Mike. How often do you find you need to replace it?
I think I will check it tomorrow in the Napa parking lot...and just put a new one in anyways.
Are you like me where you hold it up to light and determine if it needs replacement?
In other words, it may be bit dirty & still re-install it LOL...
I have always thought that if the back side of the filter is still clean..you might be able to get away for a while yet.
I will shoot a pic what it looks like after about 2.5 years or 30k miles.

I check mine every oil change, now the cabin filter is another story. The car I just got has never been done. It looked like they had dragged it behind the car at the beach YUK

That really depends on the environment one is in Art. In dusty back road environments, I would check the filter every oil change. But in the city environment, maybe every 3rd or 4th oil change. Yes, I'm basing it off of oil change vs mileage because you already have the hood open and tools in hand.


If the filter is brown, its down.

For me I check it every year or so, but it depends on how much I am driving the car, I really only drive it 2-3 times a month, so I could go 2 years easily, of course I'd not go that long if I drove it daily.

Usually whenever I have the hood open, I'll give it a quick look over, seems I have a CAI and its easy. Every oil change, I'll take it off and take a better look at it.

I run a K&N cone on mine and a stock replacement size K&N in the Blazer out here because of all the darn dust. I have to clean those suckers every 3 or 4 months sometimes it seems like, especially if it gets windy. I figure if there'* a 1/2" of dust on the dresser it must be time to clean them..... LOL

What do you consider the worse air filters to check/replace?

The Buick Enclave, Chevy HHR, and original quad four engine come to mind....

I would say every other oil change.