When your fuel economy starts to drop, or you’re noticing your engine isn’t performing at the level it should, it may be time to replace the Jeep Wrangler air filter on your vehicle. Finding the right air filter to buy can seem a bit challenging initially.
What’s the best air filter for a 2020 Jeep Wrangler?
You can pick up a genuine factory air filter for about $27 at MoparOnlineParts.com. If you’re okay with purchasing an aftermarket filter, you can pick up a performance K&N filter on Amazon for about $60 for a Jeep Wrangler.
Which air filter is the right one for you? Is an aftermarket filter really a big deal? You may also be interested in determining if you should buy more than one air filter if these are to be replaced often. Here are the insights you need about these filters.
How Often Should You Change the Air Filter on Your 2020 Jeep Wrangler?
Jeep recommends changing the engine air filter on the Wrangler every 30,000 miles. That information is in the car’s owner’s manual. Be sure to look at your owner’s manual for any specific differences, as various engines may have different requirements.
It’s also wise to change your air filter more often in some cases. If you are driving on dusty or dirt roads (and you just cannot skip your off-road adventure), then you should change it more frequently. Doing so may help to protect your engine from particles getting into it.
Make sure you don’t skip the air filter replacement. Doing so may mean engine problems, and if you fail to maintain your car properly, that may play a role in your warranty covering that damage. It’s an inexpensive change you probably need to do a couple of times a year.
Can You Change the Air Filter in a Jeep Wrangler On Your Own?
The quick answer to this question is yes! If you have a few minutes and you’re handy enough, you can change out the air filter on your Jeep Wrangler rather easily. Here’s a video from Quadratec that provides step-by-step instructions. Your vehicle may be a bit different.
The folks at Quadratec suggest inspecting the air filter at each oil change, which you can also do on your own or turn to a professional to do. It’s not always necessary to change it at every oil change. (Don’t get ripped off like that!)
The engine air filter is located toward the front passenger side of the car under the hood. You’ll need a socket wrench to remove the compartment. You’ll need to remove the fastener and then the screws around the air box (the rectangular-shaped compartment).
The lid comes right off and pulls out of the intake tube. The air filter comes right out. Follow the same steps in reverse order to replace it. It’s a project that only takes a few minutes and basic hand tools to complete.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Air Filter in a 2020 Jeep Wrangler?
If you are purchasing your Jeep Wrangler air filter and doing the work on your own, you’ll pay between $30 and $60 for an air filter. There are some priced higher than this. Look at the reviews of the products available to ensure there’s some benefit for paying more.
A high-performance engine air filter is well worth the investment. Some are designed to provide improved airflow over those that use paper filters. This helps to ensure more power to the engine, which converts it into better acceleration. You’ll also find these are better for the environment.
If paying a professional to replace the engine air filter, you’ll pay between $20 and $50 an hour for the work. (It should not take long to do. If this is the route you’re taking, find a technician who’s willing to do it as a part of the oil change.
Can You Choose the Aftermarket Air Filter? Are There Differences in Quality?
The other thing to consider when it comes to replacing the air filter on the 2020 Jeep Wrangler is the type of filter. It’s always recommended to purchase the original equipment manufacturer air filter if there are any concerns with warranty or specs. However, that filter is a basic model.
You can upgrade to an aftermarket air filter (yes, upgrade to a higher quality and more expensive model). One way to upgrade is to purchase a washable and reusable type of air filter. It will cost a bit more to do this (but generally only a small amount more).
What’s most important is to purchase quality. This is a simple-to-replace component, but it can play a significant role in the life span of your vehicle’s engine. Don’t go cheap here. (You’ll have to replace it much more often anyway!)
