Good for you - my motto is when in doubt on a wear item change it. Minor $ items are the wrong place to try to economize on car maintenance. Avoid the big ticket repairs is the name of the game.

 

One would also notice increases in silicone findings when doing an oil analysis. Though not conclusive due to other additives, one can get an idea if a baseline test has been performed. You would also notice the MPG degrading as the filter becomes dirtier.

Though ours is a '97, I run the filers to 30-35K. Mine have shown much more particulates trapped than this sample. I put a fresh one in about a month back and did not notice an appreciable change in MPG.

As a precautionary measure by changing them early, if you feel more comfortable.

 

I was hoping for an increase in power or acceleration after changing the filter, but the car feels the same. No bother, the car was already quick enough. Still glad I switched it out anyway.

 

Changing a dirty air filter is not going to increase in acceleration but at least you know for another 10k you don't have to worry about checking your filter anyway. TBH, your previous one would have been ok for another 5k with some good cleaning and like others stated it also depends on where you drive and how often you drive the car. If i have a clean one i'd replace it anyway.

 

Filters do filter better when they get loaded up a bit with dirt, but you will be hard to find any engine damage from changing a filter early. I change them at 10-15k intervals.

 

I would change it out, since you have it out already.