You car's air filter is very important since it maintains some parts of your car system clean and free of dirt. If your air filter doesn't work properly and dirt enters your car this might make it go through different problems, and therefore it is important that you check the filter and change it when necessary. Your mechanic can do it for you although it is very easy and you could do it yourself as well.

It is recommended that you change your car's air filter once a year or every 15.000 miles if you live in an averagely dusty area. But, if you can check it once in a while and replace it as soon as it needs it this would be much better. Checking it is a very easy thing to do and replace it is not complicated once you learn how to do it.

If you wish to check your car's air filter yourself and in an easy way, you can do so by using a light from inside pointing outside and check how bright it looks through it. If you see the light clearly, then your air filter is still good, but if you can't see much of the light then it indicates the filter needs to be changed.

Newer cars have different air filters than older ones. If your car is rather new, its air filter is probably rectangular and you might find it located under the hood, near the radiator area or the fender wells. In order to change it, you must open it and take the actual air filter from it, replacing it by the new and then closing it again.

If your car is older, then the air filter will probably be of a big round shape and located near the engine area. It might probably be screwed, and all you might need to do is to unscrew the cover, let the air filter come out, and place the new one instead of it. You must pay attention in case it has any other attachment mechanisms such as clips which you would need to take off as well.

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Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.comPlease visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

Maintaining your vehicle is essential to help ensure that it is roadworthy, safe to drive or ride, fuel efficient, less polluting and not a danger to passengers, pedestrians and other road users. Vehicle maintenance ranges from cleaning your vehicle and conducting weekly checks through to full servicing and repair.

New practical driving or riding test
The new practical driving or riding test now requires you to know how to carry out basic maintenance of your vehicle. Candidates are required to answer questions on basic safety checks to ensure the vehicle is safe for use.

Weekly checks for all vehicles

1) washing and cleaning your vehicle, particularly in winter, to ensure the windows, lights and door mirrors are clean
2) checking and topping up fluid levels such as engine coolant, engine oil and brake fluid
3) checking the condition of the vehicles tyres for damage, air pressure and tread
4) checking that all lights work and light correctly
5) ensuring wiper blades are in good order and the windscreen washer fluid bottle is full
6) checking the exhaust system is in sound working order

Weekly checks for motorcycles
In addition to the above, motorcycle owners should:

1) check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as ) specified in the machine’s handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure excessive wear does not take place
2) correct tyre pressure settings which can be found in owner’s manual
3) handle bars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control
4) cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts

Check the owner’s manual for your vehicle
Information on how to perform these tasks is contained in the vehicle owner’s manual supplied with the vehicle. This manual will also cover any other additional maintenance activities that are recommended for your vehicle.

Servicing your vehicle
The manufacturers routine service intervals. These vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and vehicle to vehicle, depending on type of vehicle and type of engine. Full details of the service requirements are normally detailed in the owner’s manual supplied with the vehicle.

MOT your vehicle
Taking the annual MOT test or goods vehicle test will ensure that your vehicle over a certain age is checked at least once a year to see that it complies with key roadworthiness and environmental requirements.

Environmental issues
After performing maintenance on your vehicle, you will need to consider how you will dispose of engine oil, other fluids, batteries, tyres and so on. Careless disposal of these items can cause pollution to the environment. Many local councils or authorities operate recycling facilities where oil, fluids and batteries can be collected and recycled. Contact your local authority or visit their website to find out your nearest recycling centre