Is It Time For A Filter?

Basic car maintenance can really enhance the performance of your vehicle.  The air filter is one of those items that people take for granted.  I think most see this as an item they can do without if they have to like windshield wiper fluid.  What does it really do for the car anyway?

An an filter does just what is sounds like.  It filters out the bad air trying to circulate through the car.  Not replacing it when necessary can lead to problems such as poor performance, bad mileage and maybe even engine problems.  In my car the air conditioner stopped working correctly when the air filter needed to be changed.

The air filter is really something that should be changed every year.  Please check your owner's manual for the specifics.  This is truly something you can change yourself and not complicated whatsoever.  There are some great websites that will give you a tutorial.  One of my favorites is Edmonds.com .  

I would suggest doing this yourself as this can save you significantly.  A lot of times when you get your oil changed they will try and hit you up for this air filter as well.  I have seen them charge exorbitant amounts to do this.