ES3

Sorry, too cold to change the oil myself, during my past 3 drive-thru changes, the tech told me my air-filter is still clean? It looked clean, can this be possible? How long is an air-filter supposed to last?

aLLeNx44x

Hmm what i would do is i would probably change it every 10-15,000 miles...depeding how you drive and in what conditionz

Lexmexico

Which air filter are you talking about? The one for the engine or the one for the passenger department.

If it is the one for the passenger department, I would not be surprised that it is clean. However, I replace mine every six months only because I live in Mexico City.

With the engine air filter, usually the dealer or mechanic can take and air compressor and clean that out. However, I change my K&N every year rather than clean and re-oil it. In Mexico City, nothing will clean the filter.

steviej

iTrader: (1)

I think you will find the standard recomendation is change the engine air filter every 30k miles or every 2 years, whichever comes first.

Lexmexico, is it that dusty in Mexico?...I think it would be cheaper to pop for a standard FRAM, STP or similar paper filter every 6 months at the discount price rather than a $50 K&N each year.

steviej

Lexmexico

The foul air eats right through those filters. My Toyota OEM was pitch black after two months. Funny thing about the FRAMs, they sell them everywhere but I never see anyone buying any. By the way, the K&N dealer down here sells more K&N air filters than anyone in the world.

steviej

iTrader: (1)

If that is what the air does to paper filters, then what is it doing to your lungs.

Stick witht he K&Ns. Maybe you could negotiate a volume discount by buying from K&N direct.

sj

Lexmexico

No, I cannot deal with K&N direct. Customs inspects EVERYTHING, even if you are diving over the border, and slaps on a tariff, even if you are a tourist. Luckily, I know how to hide things. However, I am not about to drive up to the border. Costs nearly $200 US in gas.

Where I live in Mexico City is above the pollution line. I can sometimes see our famous El Popo volcano. However, I often have to drive downtown, and that is where the problem begins. I am 8,000 feet up.

You are right about the lungs. I had to buy a very expensive air cleaner for my apartment. The filter for the cabin compartment in my RX is double layered with a furnace filter. Plus, I also had to make adjustments to my air box. Cars move very slow and eat lots of gas. Moreover, Pemex gas (the only one allowed) is poor even at 93 octane. Luckily, they sell Techron down here.