Although air filters may seem simple, there are indeed some points to note when using and maintaining them to ensure that the engine can obtain clean and sufficient air, thereby guaranteeing its performance and lifespan. The following are some main usage precautions:

Regular inspection and replacement:
Importance: Air filters will adsorb a large amount of dust, sand particles, pollen and other impurities. As the usage time increases, the filter element will gradually clog, the filtration efficiency will decline, and the intake resistance will increase.
Frequency: Inspection and replacement should be carried out in accordance with the maintenance mileage or time interval recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (usually done together with oil maintenance). However, when driving in harsh environments (such as sandstorms, construction sites, and areas with severe smog), more frequent inspections and replacements may be required.
Judgment: You can regularly check it yourself. If you find that the color of the filter element has darkened or turned black, or if a large amount of dust falls off when gently tapped by hand, it is recommended to replace it in advance even if it has not yet reached the replacement cycle.

Select the appropriate filter:
Original factory or genuine product: Try to choose original factory parts or genuine filters from reputable brands. The filter paper of inferior filters is of poor quality, with overly large pore sizes and poor filtering effect, which may cause dust to enter the engine. Or the filter paper is too dense, resulting in excessive intake resistance and affecting the engine performance.
Model matching: Ensure that the selected filter model is exactly compatible with your vehicle to avoid installation difficulties or poor sealing due to size or interface discrepancies.

Correct installation
Clean the installation environment: Before replacing the filter, clean the interior of the air filter housing (box) first to ensure there is no residual dust or fragments of the old filter element.
Correct direction: Most air filters are directional. Pay attention to the arrow indication on the filter element (usually pointing in the direction of air flow) to ensure correct installation.
Good sealing: After installing the new filter, it is essential to ensure that the sealing ring (gasket) between the filter and the housing is properly installed, and that the housing cover is tightly fitted without any gaps. Poor sealing will cause unfiltered air to directly enter the engine and lose its filtering function.
Secure in place: Ensure that all fixing screws or clips are tightened correctly.

Avoid cleaning the filter element with water or oil (unless it is a specific type of filter) :
Paper filter element: Most common paper air filter elements are not washable. Washing with water will damage the structure of the filter paper and reduce the filtration effect. Similarly, it is not recommended to soak or apply it with ordinary engine oil or the like, unless it is a specially designed "oil bath" or "sponge oil immersion" filter (which is now less common in the intake air of passenger car engines).
Reusable type: There are also reusable air filters made of fabric or special paper on the market. They are usually designed with cleaning and re-oiling programs. If you use this type of filter, please operate strictly in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Pay attention to the working environment:
If you frequently drive in environments with extremely high dust levels (such as construction sites or rural dirt roads), in addition to shortening the replacement cycle, it is best to let the engine idle for a few minutes after driving before turning it off, allowing the engine to run at a lower load and reducing the possibility of inhaling a large amount of dust instantaneously. But this cannot replace regular replacement.
Observe the vehicle status:
Pay attention to whether the vehicle has any symptoms caused by air filter problems, such as weak acceleration, unstable idle speed, increased fuel consumption, and the engine warning light coming on. These symptoms may be related to a clogged or damaged air filter.

In conclusion, correctly selecting, installing and maintaining the air filter is one of the basic maintenance tasks for keeping the engine in good working condition and extending its service life. Don't ignore the function of this small component.