When you have a fresh air filter installed, your Toyota Corolla’s engine gets maximum airflow to use in the combustion cycle. Over time, the filter element traps tons of debris, necessitating its prompt replacement. Luckily, you can do that rather easily with the correct part on hand.
What’s the best air filter for the 2020 Toyota Corolla?
You can get an original equipment manufacturer Toyota air filter for your 2020 Corolla for under $25 from the parts department. If you want an aftermarket air filter, you can go with K&N for about $48.
Should you stick with OEM, or are aftermarket filters worth the extra cost? What’s the recommended air filter replacement service interval? Are filters hard to change? If you want the answers, you’ll have to stick around and read this guide to learn all you need to know.
When to Change the Air Filter in Your 2020 Corolla
Under typical driving conditions, Toyota recommends that you change the air filter in your 2020 Corolla about every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Extreme conditions, such as constantly driving on dusty roads, decrease that service interval to 10,000 miles or 12 months.
You can ensure your engine air filter gets changed when it’s dirty by checking it at every oil change. Your auto tech can tell you if the filter is in need of replacement at that time.
If you’re savvy with hand tools and comfortable under the hood, you can also inspect and change your own filter by following these steps:
- Unhook the clips all around the edge of the airbox.
- Lift off the lid and pull out the old air filter.
- Put the new filter in the airbox and reattach the lid.
It’s really as easy as that. With the new filter installed, take your Corolla for a spin and see how it drives. If you notice anything seems awry, pull over and check the airbox and filter to verify everything is correctly installed.
Aftermarket vs. OEM: Which is Better for Your Corolla?
When you get an OEM engine air filter for your 2020 Corolla, you just know it’ll fit perfectly in the airbox. You can also rest assured that it will provide the optimal amount of airflow to your engine.
For even better airflow, you can go aftermarket by picking up a K&N filter for about $50. Although it costs a bit more than the $24 OEM filter, it’s reusable with just a brief cleaning at every service interval.
For that reason, OEM filters are endlessly easier to change. You just have to whip out that old filter and put in a new one, which takes all of five seconds to do. Cleaning your reusable aftermarket filter can take hours, since it requires a whole lot of drying time.
First, you have to pull the filter out and thoroughly clean it to remove all the dirt and debris in the pleated element. Then, you must let it air dry all the way, so you can apply oil to its pleats. Only once it’s had enough time to sit can you reinstall it and drive your car.
Although that’s a whole lot of work, you basically never have to buy an air filter again once you go with a K&N. The company provides a 10-year or 1 million mile limited warranty, ensuring that your filter will likely outlast your car.
In the end, the choice between an aftermarket and OEM air filter for your 2020 Corolla is a truly personal one. You simply have to reflect on your budget and preferences to find the best option for your needs.
Want to Know More about the 2020 Corolla?
If you would like to know every last fact about your 2020 Toyota Corolla, simply look to Vehicle History for help. At each visit, you can dig through the owner reviews, check out what the experts have to say, and even look up the history of your own car.
Photos: Toyota
