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How to Install a Green Air Filter
If you want to make your car more bio-friendly, using green air filters will help the environment. Manufacturers recommend you replace your vehicles air filter every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. A reusable filter can cost 2 to 5 times the price of a disposable filter, but if you plan to keep the car for more than 3 or 4 years, you have covered the increased price. So, here is how to install a reusable bio-friendly air filter.
Step 1 – Installation of a New Reusable Air Filter
Installation is the same as any other automobile air filter. First open the air box cover and remove any leaves or debris. Then, remove the dirty air filter. Before installing the new filter, wipe out the air box compartment with a clean damp cloth. Install the new reusable air filter and close and attach the cover making sure the clips are engaged fully.
Note: If you have an engine with a carburetor, adjust the carburetor jets for improved airflow. Newer vehicles with a computerized engine management system will adjust the fuel injection automatically.Most reusable filters come with stickers that post a “Do Not Discard” notice. Attach these stickers to the outside of your filter cover. This is in case you have your vehicle serviced. Even with these stickers, remember to notify the service personnel.
Step 2 – Cleaning of Your Reusable Air Filter
All reusable filters have to be cleaned and recharged on a recommended basis. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is also recommended you wear protective gloves so you do not get any of this solvent on your skin. Read all safety instructions before starting this procedure.
Each manufacturer has filter cleaning and recharging kits available for cleaning their filters. Recharging a filter is the process of reapplying oil that attaches to the filter fabric and traps particulates from entering your engine. This type of cleaner uses recommended solvents to remove the filter oil and to remove the grease and dust caught in the filter.
To clean your reusable filter, open the filter compartment and remove the filter. Then following the instructions, apply the cleaning solution to the filter. Spray the solution on both sides of the filter. Allow time for the solution to soak into the filter and loosen all grease and dirt.
Allow this process for about 10 to 15 minutes. Do not let the solution dry on the filter.
After 10 to 15 minutes, spray the filter with cool water at a low pressure from your garden hose. Run the water from the interior or clean side to the exterior or dirty side of the filter. Direct the spray back and forth over all the pleats of the filter. If the filter still looks dirty, or spots remain, repeat the cleaning procedure.
Step 4 – Allow the Fileter to Dry
After the filter is clean, shake off as much water as possible and then allow to air dry completely.
Step 5 – Recharging or Applying the Oil
Make sure the filter is completely dry before proceeding with this procedure. The charging oil will come in a squeeze bottle. Start at one corner and apply a drop of oil at the end of the first pleat. Using the tip of the bottle, slowly apply oil as you move the tip down the pleat. Continue with the next pleat and follow this process until the entire filter is charged. Allow 20 minutes for all the oil to be absorbed into the filter. If you see any light spots on the filter, apply more oil to this area and allow for it to be absorbed completely by the filter.
