Keeping Your Toyota Air Filter in Check

Air filters prevent the entry of dirt, dust, and other impurities into the engine’s cylinders. Whether it is in a vehicle or a ventilation system, such as an air conditioner, the air filter works to achieve the same goal—filtering out the tangible impurities in the air before the air enters the machine’s mechanical compartment. The average Toyota car should have two kinds of air filters, which are the cabin air filter and the engine air filter.

Used Toyota Hilux

The cabin air filter is part of the ventilation system and works to prevent dirt, dust, and insects from entering the passenger compartment of the car when the air conditioner is running.

The engine air filter, which is the focus of this article, refers to the filter within the combustion unit of the car that cleans the air before it enters the engine where it then combines with fuel and burns to power the car.

Buying Toyota Air Filters

Air filters that are custom made for Toyota car models have two qualities that set them apart from other ordinary OEM air filters—triple layer filtering and a proper sealing fit enhanced by polyurethane resin frames.

It is for these two major reasons that Toyota filters are superior in quality and last longer between changes. Note that even if you buy this high quality filter, it is still advisable to check it after about 10,000 kilometers. The reason for this is because filters can be susceptible to wear and especially so if the vehicle is constantly driven in a dusty area. Checking the air filter will help you identify the level of wear and efficiency of the filtration system. Other signs that the filter may need changing include soot in the exhaust, lower fuel efficiency, or fuel odors in the cabin while the engine is running.

When looking to buy a new air filter, there are two major options to consider. The first are filters that effectively prevent the entry of too much air, which prolongs the life of the filter; the second are those that allow a high volume of air into the engine, which allows for better vehicle performance. Noise is another factor to consider when choosing the right filter since the more air is allowed into the engine, the louder the engine sounds, thus explaining the reason behind the noisy engines of muscle cars.

Car air filter

Fitting Air Filters

Locating and fitting the air filter is simple enough to do on your own. Once the filter is located, unscrew the cover, remove it, and take out the old air filter. Next, clean the dirt and dust out of the compartment by blowing it out with clean air. The new filter can then be inserted and properly secured, and the lid replaced and screwed back on.

To clean the filter instead of replacing it, follow the same basic procedures. However, you may also opt to cover the washed filter folds with oil to help trap impurities that would otherwise go into the engine.

Best Air Filter Brands

Although any air filter will work in your vehicle, there are some manufacturers that consumers may swear by. So before making your purchase, consider several brands, read customer reviews, and educate yourself on each filters specifications.