air filter change

Changing an engine air filter is the motoring equivalent of making toast—cheap, quick, and hard to stuff up.

Most cars want a new one every 15,000–30,000 km or about yearly, sooner if you roam dusty backroads.

Pop the bonnet, find the black airbox, undo clips or screws, lift the lid, pull the old filter, vacuum the leaves, drop in the new one snug, and refit the lid.

If a hose slips off, seat it fully and tighten the clamp, or you’ll have the aerodynamic subtlety of a didgeridoo.

Expect slightly sharper throttle and less intake roar; if nothing changes, you might be due spark plugs or a MAF (mass airflow) sensor clean instead.