Are you looking for a 2013 Nissan Altima air filter but are wondering which one you should use? If so, we can help. Finding the best air filter for your car isn’t hard if you know where to look.
What’s the best air filter for a 2013 Nissan Altima?
You can pick up a genuine factory OEM air filter kit for about $48 on Amazon. This original OEM filter kit gets a 5-Star review on Amazon. If you are comfortable going aftermarket, you can also pick up a filter from Auto Zone or your favorite local auto parts store.
There are a few more things you might want to know about the air filter on your car. So keep reading to learn more.
How will I Know if My Car’s Air Filter Needs to Be Changed?
Your car’s air filter should be white or off-white. So if it’s a darker color, it needs to be changed (at least once a year). If your check engine light comes on, if your car jumps when you press the gas, or it won’t respond when you push the gas pedal, you should check the air filter.
Also, if you see black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, your car might not be getting enough oxygen. This could indicate you need a new air filter. Additionally, if you smell gas when you are starting your car, that could also indicate that you need a new air filter.
What Happens if I Don’t Change the Air Filter on My Car?
If your car’s air filter gets too dirty, it will get clogged with dirt, debris, and other contaminants. This prevents the engine from being able to take in enough air into the combustion chamber. When this happens, your car will use more gas because it isn’t getting enough air. This results in worse car performance and lower gas mileage.
How Long Will a Car Air Filter Last?
Always check your car’s owner’s manual to find specific answers about your vehicle’s needs. But generally, most car air filters should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or at least once a year. This will depend on your car and your specific driving conditions.
What are the Signs of a Dirty Car Air Filter?
The signs of a dirty air filter include:
- Reduced gas mileage
- Engine misfires
- Strange engine noises
- A check engine light
- Reduced horsepower
- Black smoke/flames coming out of the exhaust
- Smell of gasoline when starting the engine
What is the Difference Between an Air Filter and a Cabin Filter?
The air filter helps keep the air that is going to your engine cleaner. And the cabin filter is the filter inside your car that keeps the air inside your car cleaner making it healthier to breathe.
Can a Dirty Air Filter Cause My Car to Stall?
Yes, it can. A dirty car air filter reduces your car’s air intake and reduces the engine’s performance. It can also cause a loss of power, overheating, misfiring, and engine smoke.
Is an OEM Factory Air Filter Better Than an Aftermarket Air Filter?
There are some air filter brands that state their filters allow more air intake than their OEM counterparts. But as a general rule, most, but not all, aftermarket air filters are of lower quality and have to be replaced more often than an OEM factory air filter.
What Would Happen if You Were to Run Your Car Without an Air Filter?
If you run your car without an air filter, the engine would be taking in all the dirt and debris that the air filter normally blocks. This dirt and debris would then get into the internal engine parts. The result would be excessive oil consumption, significantly reduced engine performance, and ultimately engine failure.
Where is the Air Filter Located?
The air filter on most cars is located inside of a black plastic case that sits somewhere near the top of the engine. Some manufacturers also place the air filter on either the right side or the left side of the engine. And some place it directly in the center of the engine.
Can You Clean an Air Filter Rather Than Replacing it?
If your car’s air filter is only slightly dirty, but not dirty enough to replace, then yes, sometimes it can be cleaned; however, that is not recommended. New air filters are relatively cheap, so it’s better to go ahead and replace it.
So if there is any question about whether or not you should replace the air filter then just go ahead and replace it. Alternatively, you could have your local mechanic check it for you and replace it if needed.
Photos: Nissan
