When it comes to air filters, it's important to know the difference between disposable and reusable ones. Disposable filters should never be cleaned, as handling them can damage their integrity. Reusable filters, on the other hand, are designed to last for years if they are cleaned regularly. Cleaning and reusing a car's air filter is an acceptable practice, but it's important to know how to do it properly. Ideally, the air filter should be cleaned every 24,000 miles, or at most service intervals of 30,000 miles.
This time frame may vary depending on the type and condition of the filter, as well as the frequency with which it is used. If your environment is full of dust or you drive on unpaved roads during the summer season, for example, you may need to clean your reusable air filter more often. It is also important to know how to properly wash the reusable air filter so that it does not get damaged. If you use electrostatic filters for air conditioning or other air conditioning purposes, those filters can also be washed and reused. Cleaning your car's air filter is an acceptable practice, but it's not a substitute for replacement. Cleaning your car's air filter is probably one of the easiest jobs you can do and a fantastic introduction to car maintenance on your own.
You should avoid storing reusable air filters in a garage, shed, or other outdoor areas, as this will expose them to more dust and dirt. If the air filter is not cleaned properly, a premature failure of the turbocharger will result, and that is quite expensive. If you won't be using the reusable filter for an extended period (at least a few months), it's best to remove dust or debris from the filter before storing it. My father had his own auto repair business, and when I was a child, cleaning the air filter was one of my areas of expertise.
