SEV551C/4 281-7246 2817246 diesel engine honeycomb air filter element for truck

SEV551C/4 281-7246 2817246 diesel engine honeycomb air filter element for truck

air filter for truck

Diesel engine air filter

honeycomb air filter

air filter element

More about air filter

Air filter change

Most automakers recommend that the engine air filter be inspected regularly, but replaced only as needed or at extended mileage intervals. More frequent replacement wastes money without providing any real benefit. In a relatively clean city or suburban driving environment, an air filter may be good for long distance. However, driving in dusty rural conditions can result in the need for a new engine air filter at more frequent intervals.

Identifying A Dirty Filter

How do you know when your engine air filter needs to be replaced? Visible dirt on the filter surface is not a good indicator. Air filters actually do a better job of trapping contaminants once they have been in operation long enough to gain a light coating of dust and dirt. To test an engine air filter, remove it from its housing and hold it up to a bright light such as 100-watt bulb. If light passes easily through more than half of the filter, it can be returned to service.

The light test works well with pleated paper filters. However, some cars have extended life engine air filters with dense fabric filtering media that are highly effective, but don’t allow light to pass. Unless a filter of this type is visibly caked with dirt, replace it at the mileage intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Some vehicles, primarily pickup trucks, have an engine air filter service indicator on the filter housing. This indicator measures the air pressure drop across the filter when the engine is running; the pressure drop increases as the filter becomes more restricted. Check the indicator at each oil change and replace the filter when the indicator says to do so.