Tips for Replacing ANY Car's Air Filter

Have you ever wondered how to replace your car's engine air filter? You do not have to be a professional mechanic to do some simple maintenance on your car. In this video I will show you how to replace the air filter on a VR6 GTI. But I will also teach you how to think about how to start thinking about fixing cars, not just replacing parts.
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Join me today as we learn:
~Why this is NOT a DIY video
~Replacing air filters on a MK3 VW
~how to find an air filter
~inspecting an air filter
~removing the air filter box
~cleaning the air filter housing
~Do you NEED an engine air filter
~installing the air filter
~Why air filters are important
~installing an engine air filter
~and more
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[@flyweightrn476]

Iv'e never seen anyone post your main idea of a universal way of looking at how to fix things vs step by step. Thats what ive been waiting for someone to do. Great job!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you. I appreciate that

[@holidayhouse03]

Don't forget to grab your sharpie and write the date/mileage on the new filter. Nice video...your spot on about those clips...I'm very gentle with the clips on my cars.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+holidayhouse03 That is an AWESOME idea. I am adding that to the list for my next video.

[@falxonPSN]

Great video. May also be worth mentioning that some cars have 2 filters in case people don't realize it.

[@ExaltedDuck]

I miss the old ring shaped filters on top of the engine. There's a certain charm that's just not matched by a square thing tucked in a box or even those fancy CAI cone shaped jobs.

[@Dreccomel193]

Thank you for the cool video. I like the philosophy of teaching how to do it regardless of what type of vehicle it is, there isn't much quality information out there and I am sold with your channel, I enjoy it and I'll sure to practice the philosophy moving forward.

[@rudolfhuijs4526]

Indeed, in a Passat B5.5 it's a nightmare and located away from the throttle body. Quite different from this VR6, although the filter is almost identical in shape. Thanks for the pro tips.

[@Itsallastunt]

Great video, so informative.

[@mikemaveety932]

Awesome thanks for your help today appreciate it 👍

[@LynxStarAuto]

Saw your piece on the Techshop magazine. Congrats Charles.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Lynx Star Automotive (Gabe V) Thanks! They are great to work with . :)

[@firstname405]

I love the car art at 1:54

[@PeterEndelt]

Nice DIY

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@pandakso3365]

If you can remove the lid to access the filter without unscrewing from airflow meter, is that better? To avoid incorrectly replacing the filter lid. Thanks.

[@johnbrooks8647]

Nice SAI delete - I found a nice bottle cork/cap at my local beer brewery store that fit perfectly.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks. :) off road use only of course.

[@utku8233]

What's the circular part with bolts and a spring on it that's across the tiny mesh screen at 6:08? What's it called and what's its purpose?

[@Ajicles]

Nice caulk board in the background ;D

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahah thanks. At least she has a VR6 too.

[@blackpandatto6863]

Only thing i would like to know and is something that no video explains, what happens if the airflow sensor socket is in the top of the airbox, i cant do a pod filter change?

[@robertphillips9833]

After I go offroading I always blow out my air filter and the about of dust that comes out is outstanding. I guess thats just a part of life in Texas.

[@DanteTheAbyssalBeing]

Bloody hell, your beard is fantastic. I'm jealous :)

[@waynerhea6649]

this is random but wherever you get a new car its good to line the bottom with spray on bed liner not only will it pertect from corrosion but it will also make the under side of the car look nicer and well maintained.

[@volpswagen_marco]

Hey Charles, have you ever thought about getting and filming your videos with a 360° camera? How awesome would that be for us viewers to be able to see the whole shop while you're talking? It's just a thought lol! Love your shows!

[@HumbleMechanic]

It never crossed my mind. But that would be freaking cool as hell!!

[@edcivicsi3435]

Hey humbleMechanic I have a question I have a 2006 vw gli and would like to but a vr6 engine the newer ones how hard is to do that swap is there any modifications or is a bolt on ? Or R32 is that hard too??

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Edisimo 96 the chassis should support the engine/trans swap bolt in. You may need to find proper axles especially if you want a manual transmission

[@johnferguson7235]

I wish that you would give some advice about choosing a replacement filter. How do I tell the difference between a OEM replacement and a poor quality filter? Am I paying too much or too little? Companies will not supply information on the particulate size the filter screens and how much it restricts the airflow.

[@fruitygranulizer540]

ik this comment is really old, but just based on the brand. OEM from the original auto manufacturer's store is a safe option. high quality brands are also safe options (such as K&N air filters)

[@goldilockz6517]

@@fruitygranulizer540what’s o e m?

[@ozzyo6733]

filter didn't need replaced at all.. but nice idea for a video.

[@HumbleMechanic]

No it didn't. I didn't check it before the video. I am sure this is not the last time it will happen. Hahah

[@alanack67]

He replaced a junk parts house filter with a OEM filter. Notice how it was smaller than the New one? That was probably letting dust through and thats a No-no... I also suggest cleaning the MAF thats very expensive on these cars.

[@johnharrington4757]

the new air filter I bought had like white fiber glued to the bottom I removed it because the old filter did not have one? i would think it would be to restrictive to leave it on.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Some have that from the factory. The TDI is the one that comes to mind

[@alisaid5675]

How do i know the size of the filter?

[@Dragonk116]

Thanks, I'm stupid for this kind of stuff

[@Tobanda1]

Ein Mann Filter! Nice, really like your GTI. But it isn't a Jubi-Model, is it?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Tobanda1 Thank you . Not sure what a Jubi-Model is

[@Tobanda1]

+HumbleMechanic its the 20 year Model. Its called Jubiläums Modell or Jubiläum Modell here in Germany. I'm actually from Lower Saxony, near Wolfsburg :)

[@TheHappySmileyFace12]

what if you have a cold intake.. do you have to clean it?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Projex That would depend on the type of filter. You want to be sure to follow the manufacturer instructions. And don't put too much oil on it, if it's an oil filter.

[@ANTHARASxOVERLOAD]

Is taking out old air filter and blowing out all dust/dirt with compresor esentially cleaning it is a bad idea?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Vilandas Gaurilcikas Sure, just be careful not to blow the filter apart with compressed air.

[@mohammedrahman3447]

I would vacuum it myself if the filter isn't too dirty.

[@Kingston7591]

I bought a used car and wanted to change the air filter but the old air filter has a foam sheet mounted to it and the new one I bought doesn't have, so I haven't changed it yet and don't know what to do about it, searched the internet but haven't found anything about air filters with foam sheet attached to it. Any ideas? My car is a toyota Yaris 2005 model Europe (Scandinavian)

[@HumbleMechanic]

IT probably will be fine.

[@jsj297]

Abu Red you're worried about a 2005 Yaris? LoL

[@GarthGoldberg]

I've got some oil on my filter on my 2.8 VR6 Eurovan. Does this mean the PCV valve is bad?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Garth Goldberg That is traditionally what I have seen .

[@GarthGoldberg]

+HumbleMechanic Okay. Thanks I ordered one.

[@GarthGoldberg]

+HumbleMechanic You were right. I replaced the valve and hose assembly ($138 eeks!). A slight roughness at idle disappeared. The hoses were super dried out and there might have been a slight vacuum leak.

[@waynerhea6649]

while the black part is out its a good time to clean the outside and make it all nice and shiny.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Wayne Rhea very true. But mine would have not matched with the filthy underhood. HAHA

[@waynerhea6649]

+HumbleMechanic when i get my car i want to do a compleat deataol but by myself

[@johnferguson7235]

+HumbleMechanic Quick Tip: Write the date and vehicle mileage on the the side of the filter using a permanent ink marker (Sharpie) when you change the filter. That eliminates having to guess how long the filter has been in the car.

[@samharper5582]

I like the graphics on the other car

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks. It's actually chalk. I bought it when it was donated for a kids charity thing.

[@fartman10284]

Why not examine the MAF and give it a quick squirt of brake cleaner or MAF cleaner or electrical parts clear? (Not carb cleaner)?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Tan N I get REALLY nervous about that on a VW. Their MAF sensors are fussy at times, and spraying them with anything can make a sad MAF. On other cars, that may be a reasonable thing.

[@fartman10284]

the heated film wire type MAF VW can use, can become sad when it gets fouled. Had no issues cleaning the MAF on my old MK4 and B6 Passat. Also, on my old Toyotas, I used to also remove the intake accordion pipe from the throttle body and check for fouling. If there is fouling, then I would clean it (back when I had Toyotas, back then the Throttle body butterfly valve was cable operated)... definitely restored performance. these days, the induction add-on service would take care of that.

[@ianirizarry30]

i found a squirrels nest in one once complete with an acorn stash

[@alanack67]

Those bastards do that all the time where I live. I put a copper screen over the snorkel, it keeps them out

[@ianirizarry30]

Alan Ackaway does it hamper fuel economy or performance?

[@alanack67]

+Ian Irizarry my mk3 golf came with it stock. maybe if your pushing a ton of HP it might make a difference, in my stock car no change

[@solomonbrown469]

What does it mean if there is oil in my air filter?

[@solomonbrown469]

Like is it a really bad thing?

[@ak46snipes]

Turn English subtitles on and watch the first 5 seconds of the video

[@HumbleMechanic]

Every video. 😂😂😂🤷‍♂️

[@kathleenspears3952]

You can buy from this website:dooxi.com, they are real suppressors, just without the center holes. They work phenomenally.

[@alanzeppelin]

i think you meant to say "mas air flow" not air flow meter.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Alan Lefelman I use the term air flow meter. Generally anyway.

[@kellypatterson9456]

That’s what she said.

[@1dlb]

people replace them WAY too soon ... worst thing you can do is to keep cracking open your air filter box.

[@miragexl007]

Why? All the car places want to replace the air filter all the time. LOL

[@MiladCale]

Why don't you clean it instead of replacing it?

[@TampaAries]

Milad Kawas Cale Just replace it, air filters are only about 10-15$ at autozone.

[@charlesmickens9331]

OK WERE ALL ADULTS HERE... I DONT NEED A 2MIN INTRO WANING .....JUST GET TO THE POINT PLEASE......THANK YOU