The Chevy Cruze can be a dynamic, fun-to-drive car if you’re able to maintain it properly. One part of that is changing the Chevy Cruze air filter. Located in the engine, it directly impacts the performance of the engine and your fuel economy. Changing it is necessary maintenance.
What’s the best air filter for a 2019 Chevy Cruze?
You can pick up a genuine ACDelco GM OEM air filter for your 2019 Chevy Cruze for around $12. If you don’t mind an aftermarket option, upgrade to the ECOGARD premium engine air filter to improve performance for $30.
Does it really matter if you go with OEM or aftermarket? If you want the best engine performance and improved airflow, which one should you choose? Here’s a look at what you can expect when replacing the Chevy Cruze air filter.
How Often Should You Change the Air Filter on Your 2019 Chevy Cruze?
It’s always best to turn to your owner’s manual to double-check the frequency of maintenance tasks like this. If you fail to do so, you could end up with a problem maintaining your warranty. The good news is the 2019 Chevy Cruze doesn’t need the air filter changed often.
In most cases, you should have the air filter on the engine inspected with each oil change. If it looks compacted with debris and dust, it’s best to change it out. Most of the time, you don’t have to check it often — usually around 40,000 to 45,000 miles.
If you notice changes in engine performance or your fuel economy is not as good as it used to be, it’s wise to take a closer look at the engine air filter.
This is one of the first signs to change it out — keep in mind it’s going to take a filthy air filter to become noticeable.
Can You Change the Air Filter on the 2019 Chevy Cruze Yourself?
In most cases, yes, you can change the engine air filter on your own. It should not take more than a few minutes. It can save you a lot of money doing it yourself, too. Auto Repair Guys offers this simple video on how to change out the air filter.
The video isn’t specific to the 2019 model year, but it is very similar. After popping up the hood, the air filter is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment. It’s the larger box-like compartment that has the air intake hose coming from it.
With some simple tools, you can remove the air filter box to expose the air filter. You may have to loosen the fastener on the hose to do this. Once open, take out the air filter (you may have to pull a bit to get it to loosen) and then replace it with a new one.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Engine Air Filter?
The cost of the air filter itself is generally inexpensive. You can find them for under $20 for the 2019 Chevy Cruze. You can upgrade to a higher quality product and spend around $60 on them. This is worthwhile in many situations.
If you were to pay a technician to do these repairs for you, it would cost substantially more. Though it would take you about 20 minutes or so to do this repair yourself, you’ll be charged between $20 and $50 an hour to have a tech do the same work.
If you don’t mind paying more, ask your vehicle technician to take a closer look at the engine air filter during your oil change. It doesn’t take long, but it will increase the costs.
Should You Choose an Aftermarket or OEM Air Filter for Your 2019 Chevy Cruze?
You have both options to choose from for the Chevy Cruze. Both of them are acceptable to you. You may find the OEM option is the best for those who want to just maintain the vehicle’s standards and want a lower price.
However, there is a significant benefit to upgrading to the premium aftermarket air filters for the Cruze. There are different options. Each is designed to function the same way, but they can pull more particles out of the air. Some are designed to improve acceleration.
A premium air filter’s key benefit is that it can significantly reduce the number of particles that make it into the engine. A dirty engine can reduce the length of time the engine functions at its best fuel economy. Over time, it can also lead to damage.
Photos: Chevrolet
