Car Filters Checklist
Keep your engine breathing and cabin fresh with this comprehensive car filter maintenance checklist covering air, cabin, oil, and fuel filtration systems.
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| Item | Priority | Who | Time | What to check (Pass/Fail) | If failed (Next step) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Air Filter Visual | Required | DIY | 5 min | No heavy debris, light passes through | Replace filter; clean housing |
| Cabin Air Filter Odor | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | No musty smell when AC is on | Inspect and replace filter |
| Air Filter Housing Seal | Required | DIY | 5 min | Clips secure; no cracks in plastic | Tighten clips or replace box |
| Cabin Filter Debris | Optional | DIY | 10 min | No leaves or twigs in the tray | Vacuum tray and replace filter |
| Oil Filter Leak Check | Required | DIY | 5 min | No oil weeping around the seal | Tighten or replace filter |
| Fuel Filter (External) | Recommended | Shop | 30 min | No rust on casing or fuel seepage | Replace filter immediately |
| PCV Valve Function | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | Valve rattles when shaken | Replace PCV valve |
| Intake Hose Integrity | Required | DIY | 5 min | No cracks or loose clamps | Tighten clamps or replace hose |
| Transmission Filter | Optional | Shop | 1 hr | Fluid is pink/red, not burnt | Service transmission and filter |
| Breather Element | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | Filter is white/grey, not oily | Replace breather element |
| MAF Sensor Housing | Optional | DIY | 10 min | No dust bypass behind air filter | Clean sensor and check filter fit |
| Fuel Cap Seal | Required | DIY | 2 min | Rubber gasket is not cracked | Replace fuel cap |
| AC Evaporator Drain | Optional | DIY | 10 min | Water drips freely under car | Clear drain tube of debris |
| Diesel Fuel Water Trap | Required | DIY | 10 min | No water in fuel warning light | Drain water separator |
| Engine Cover Fasteners | Optional | DIY | 5 min | All plastic clips are present | Replace missing clips |
| Service Interval Sticker | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | Current mileage is within range | Schedule filter service |
| Glove Box Alignment | Optional | DIY | 5 min | Closes properly after cabin check | Re-seat dampener arm |
| Turbo Inlet Screen | Recommended | Shop | 20 min | No obstruction or oil pooling | Clean screen and check turbo |
Use this table to systematically evaluate your vehicle's filters. Start with the easiest items, such as the engine air filter, before moving to more complex components like the fuel filter.
Mark each item as 'Pass' if it meets the criteria or 'Fail' if action is needed. Keeping a physical copy of this in your glove box helps track maintenance history over time.