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The cleaning and replacement of the air filter should be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of the operating environment and driving mileage. For dry paper filters (a common type in passenger vehicles), it is recommended to clean them by blowing compressed air from the inside out every 5,000 kilometers under normal road conditions. In areas with heavy sand or dust, the interval should be reduced to 3,000 kilometers. However, water or gasoline must not be used for cleaning as they may damage the filter paper structure. When the filter surface becomes severely darkened or accumulated dust cannot be removed from the inner layers (typically after driving 20,000 kilometers or 12 months), the filter must be replaced to maintain engine air intake efficiency. Note that excessive cleaning (more than 3 times) will degrade filtration performance, and washing with water can cause filter paper deformation and failure. During replacement, use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specified parts and verify the seal after installation. Regular maintenance can improve fuel efficiency by approximately 3%-5% and reduce engine wear. If symptoms like sluggish acceleration or rough idling occur, inspect the filter condition immediately. For oil-bath air filters (primarily used in commercial vehicles), periodic disassembly and cleaning are possible for reuse, but professional servicing is required. DIY replacement may save about 50-100 Malaysian Ringgit in labor costs, but precautions must be taken to prevent contaminants from entering the intake duct during the process.

Air filters can be cleaned and reused, but it is recommended to replace them regularly to ensure optimal performance. Using compressed air to blow or washing with water can remove accumulated dust on the surface, but it is difficult to thoroughly clean the particles trapped inside the filter material. The primary function of an air filter is to remove dust and sand particles from the air entering the engine, preventing abnormal wear of the piston assembly and cylinder, which is particularly critical in dusty environments. Dry-type filters typically use paper or organic materials, while wet-type filters employ a metal wire mesh structure. Both types require maintenance according to the service manual recommendations, generally being replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers, but can be cleaned every 5,000 kilometers to reduce throttle body sludge buildup. Prolonged use of a dirty filter will result in restricted airflow, leading to issues such as incomplete combustion, power loss, and increased fuel consumption. Slightly dirty filters can be cleaned using reverse-flow high-pressure air, while severely clogged filters must be replaced. The filter location varies by engine design and is typically housed in the air cleaner of the intake system. Regular inspection can effectively extend engine life and maintain fuel efficiency.

It is not recommended to continue driving a vehicle with a damaged air filter, as this will directly affect the engine's performance and lifespan. The primary function of the air filter is to prevent impurities such as dust and sand from entering the engine. Once the filter is damaged or excessively clogged, unfiltered air will accelerate wear on critical components like pistons and cylinders. Prolonged use may lead to serious issues such as decreased engine compression, reduced power output, or even cylinder scoring. Moreover, a clogged filter increases intake air resistance, disrupting the air-fuel ratio. This results in sluggish acceleration and higher fuel consumption (potentially by 20%-30%), particularly noticeable during hill climbing or overtaking. In turbocharged models, contaminants may also damage the turbine blades. It is advisable to inspect and replace the filter every 10,000-20,000 kilometers, or more frequently in harsh conditions (e.g., dusty environments). Genuine paper filters typically cost between 50 and 150 Malaysian Ringgit. During replacement, ensure proper sealing and avoid substandard products. If the filter is waterlogged, replace it immediately to prevent water ingress into the combustion chamber, which could cause hydrostatic lock.

Replacing a car's air filter is a simple maintenance task that can be done by yourself, with the following steps: First, open the engine compartment hood and locate the square black plastic air filter box on the left side of the engine compartment, which is usually secured by four bolts or clips and needs to be loosened one by one in a diagonal order. When removing the old filter, operate gently to avoid dust scattering, and check the degree of contamination of the filter at the same time. If the filter paper is obviously blackened or clogged, replace it with a new one, but do not rinse the old filter with water. Before installation, thoroughly clean the accumulated dust inside the air filter box, as this dust will affect the engine's air intake efficiency. When installing the new filter, pay attention to the error-proof design—for example, the positioning plastic piece on the right side of some models must be snapped into the corresponding slot to ensure the sealing ring is properly seated. Finally, tighten the bolts gradually in a diagonal order to avoid uneven force leading to poor sealing. Regular replacement of the air filter (it is recommended to do so every 15,000 kilometers or as required by the maintenance manual) can effectively filter impurities such as dust and pollen in the air, protect the internal components of the engine, maintain the efficiency of the air conditioning system, and improve fuel economy by about 3-5%. The price of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filters usually ranges from 80 to 150 Malaysian Ringgit, and the replacement process only takes 15 to 30 minutes, which can save about 50 to 80 Malaysian Ringgit in labor costs compared to going to a repair shop. It should be noted that the engine must be completely cooled during operation to avoid scalding. If the sealing strip of the air filter box is found to be aged or the bolts are stripped, it is recommended to replace the relevant parts in a timely manner.

If the air filter is not replaced regularly, it will directly affect engine performance and vehicle health. The primary function of the air filter is to filter dust and impurities entering the engine, ensuring complete fuel combustion. Prolonged failure to replace the filter will cause clogging, resulting in insufficient air intake and reduced combustion efficiency. This manifests as diminished power output and sluggish acceleration, potentially triggering the engine warning light in severe cases. Concurrently, the engine compensates for the air deficiency by consuming additional fuel, increasing fuel consumption by approximately 10%-15%. This long-term accumulation substantially raises vehicle operating costs. More critically, unfiltered particulates accelerate wear on core components like piston rings and cylinders, shortening engine lifespan. Related repair costs may range from hundreds to thousands of ringgit. Furthermore, a clogged filter impairs the air conditioning system's filtration efficiency, elevating in-vehicle PM2.5 concentrations and compromising occupant health. Replacement is recommended every 10,000-15,000 kilometers or annually. For frequent operation in dusty environments or rainy seasons, the interval should be reduced to 5,000-8,000 kilometers. Regular replacement costs approximately 30-150 ringgit (vehicle-dependent), significantly lower than major engine overhaul expenses, making this one of the most cost-effective fundamental maintenance procedures.