By replacing Toyota air filter at regular intervals, you can ensure your engine gets the perfect amount of fresh, clean air. Otherwise, airflow could diminish, leaving your engine running rich and prone to damage. But never fear, changing the filter is easy as long as you have the right one.
What’s the best air filter for 2020 Toyota vehicles?
For most 2020 models, you can get an OEM air filter for $26 from the Toyota Parts Center Online, while an aftermarket K&N filter is $57 from Amazon. For hybrids, OEM filters cost $24, while the K&N option is almost $50.
Are aftermarket and OEM air filters the same? How often should you change your air filter? You undoubtedly have a ton of questions. Thankfully, we are here to get to the bottom of this and help you learn all you need to know about Toyota air filters.
How Often to Change the Air Filter in Your 2020 Toyota
Depending on your Toyota’s model, you’ll want to change your engine air filter every 30,000 to 45,000 miles. In areas with lots of dust or other extreme conditions, you can drop the service interval time considerably. Even 10,000-mile filter changes are reasonable if the element looks dirty enough to warrant it.
Overall, it’s best to check the condition of your air filter every time you have the oil changed. The filter should look clean and in good shape, or it should be replaced with a new one. If you go with an aftermarket filter, you can clean it instead of replacing it.
You can either have your auto tech check and replace your air filter — or do it yourself by following these steps:
- Locate the airbox and remove the clips
- Lift the lid and pull the old filter out of the airbox
- Align the new filter with the tabs and put the lid back on
With those steps complete, you can test drive your car to make sure it’s just how you want it.
Aftermarket vs. OEM: Which is Better for Your Toyota?
For the 2020 model year, Toyota typically uses two different styles of air filters for their gas- and hybrid-powered vehicles. Each one has both OEM and aftermarket options available.
When you go with the OEM air filters, you get a precise fit and optimal airflow. The aftermarket filters from K&N fit quite well, too, and provide even better airflow to the engine.
K&N filters are reusable, too, which means you get a lot more for your initial $50 investment. Instead of tossing the $25+ dollar OEM filter each time, you just clean the aftermarket element, reoil it, and you’re good to go.
The cleaning process does take a bit more time and effort, however. And if you take your car into the shop for service, you could end up paying more than normal to have your filter changed.
Although they are a bit more trouble, K&N filters come with a limited 10-year, or 1-million mile, warranty. That means you’ll likely only have to buy that one air filter for the life of your vehicle, potentially saving you a lot of money through the years.
If you’re in the market for an engine air filter for your 2020 Toyota, you’ll have to reflect on your preferences to choose between the OEM and aftermarket options. Just remember that, in the end, all that really matters is that you get the highest quality products possible to keep your car in fantastic condition.
