How to Replace Subaru Forester Engine Air Filter
Subaru Forester Air Filter Replacement First Time Beginner DIY No Judgement Don't Panic Stay Calm
In this video, I change the engine air filter in a 2018 Subaru Forester about 3,000 miles more than the recommended 30,000 mile change interval. Wow, was it dirty! I'm embarrassed to exhibit how dirty I let my 2.5 liter Subaru boxer engine air cleaner element get. This was my first time changing a Subaru air cleaner element. Changing an engine air filter is easy. However, loosening the air intake hose clamp connected to the airbox helped make the job easier. Had I been checking the air filter at every oil change this air filter wouldn't have gotten so filthy...lesson is, take the few extra minutes to regularly check your air filter.
As I said in my earlier video about changing the Subaru Forester cabin air filter, even if you don't consider yourself a DIY person, I think you can change your own car engine air filter. However, I also understand it can be intimidating if you've never done anything under the hood of a car before. Take it slowly and simply look at everything under the hood and try to get to identifying all the parts and components that make up a modern engine. You don't have to know it all but simply look for the basics. Where is the oil dipstick? Where is the radiator or coolant reservoir? Where's the battery? Where is the engine serpentine belt? Where is the airbox as you see in this video? Can you see the oil filter? Where is the windshield washer reservoir? Where is the brake fluid reservoir? Simply looking for all those components every time you open the hood of a car can help you feel more comfortable about opening the hood and feeling less intimidated.
I understand car DIY isn't for everyone but having the ability to look under the hood and identify the major engine components can help you check and verify things at least look like were put back together if you do take your car in for service. Simply take a photo of the engine bay with your phone before you drop off your car or hand over the keys to the service writer. After the work is done and you pick up your car, pop the hood before you leave the repair shop, garage or dealership. Compare the photo to what you observe under the hood. Make sure the mechanic put all the caps back on. In particular, check where the oil cap is on the engine and make sure it's tightly closed just like the lid on a jar. Look at the airbox and make sure the latches are securely latched and the box appears to be properly sealed. Look for any oil or grease spills they didn't clean up.
Learning basic maintenance on your own car not only saves money but you'll enjoy the satisfaction of doing it yourself and learning a little about how your car's systems work! Routinely changing your engine air filter will help increase fuel mileage and engine life. Restricted airflow makes your car's engine work harder and your onboard computer will need to adjust the fuel-air mixture to compensate and it will likely use more fuel depending on other conditions. Be sure to start by checking and reviewing your vehicle's Owner's Manual to see how often you should change your car's engine air filter element and it will likely show exactly how to change it.
I do think the manufacturer's part quality is always the best but their prices are often so much higher but more importantly, you usually have to physically go to a dealer to buy manufacturer replacement parts. That's mainly why I like buying mine online because the convenience and pricing is so much better. You can also find various air filter brands at your local National-chain auto parts retailers, too. Just be sure you get the right size to fit your year, make and model of vehicle.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the following links may be affiliate links which means if you buy something, I'll receive a small commission.
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