Wash car's air filter?

**Jluke** · 05-23-2016, 07:13 AM

not sure about washing and drying...

You could try vacuuming it... or just replace with a new one.

When I get a new vehicle I always install a K&N Air filter after ~15k miles or so... they are generally good for up to 100,000 miles.

Edit: assuming you meant engine air filter

**creditcardfree** · 05-23-2016, 07:32 AM

When we had one of those above ground pools I would wash out the filter a few times before replacing. But it was always in water!

Cabin filters are pretty inexpensive and do last quite awhile. I buy ours on Amazon, usually with gift cards.

**bjl584** · 05-23-2016, 08:45 AM

It depends.

A standard air filter that you buy at walmart can't be exposed to water. It is paper and will fall apart if it gets wet. The best you can do is blow it out with an air hose.

If you have a K&N filter or some other reusable filter, then yes. You have to spray it down with a cleaning solution, spray with water, let dry, then spray an oil on it. I have one on my truck. I clean and oil it once a year.

**Fishindude77** · 05-23-2016, 09:11 AM

Use pressurized air and blow it clean.

**greenskeeper** · 05-23-2016, 12:28 PM

replace the filter with a new one. Don't skimp on car maintenance or the bigger repair bills will be coming soon (pay me now or pay me later)

**mom-from-missouri** · 07-22-2016, 07:38 PM

Originally posted by Joan.of.the.Arch View Post

Is it possible to wash and thoroughly dry a car's air filter for re-use? Will that damage it? Would it lose functionality?

Research your vehicle. when I had my Chevy Aveo, I bought 2 washable ones that were lifetime--they were ceramic. I got them off of ebay--it did take them several days to dry out, that is why I had 2. I paid about 3 times what a regular filter costs. was worth it as we live on a gravel road.

**JoeP** · 07-24-2016, 09:27 AM

I would never wet a car air filter, because you'd likely push the foreign particles into the filter material and they would cut back on air flow. You could try blowing it out, but why not just buy a set online?

We got a couple sets from filterheads.com and it was very easy. They even have videos to show you how to replace them. Almost all cars have cabin air filters now, and they all have engine air filters, so it's a good idea to buy both for each car.

Wash car's air filter?