Engine air filter dirty at 15k

[shellyg37]

I just went in for an oil change, tire rotaion, and in cabin filter change at 15k and the dealer told me the engine air filters were dirty and that my tires were at 5/32 50% life at 15k? Should I replace my engine air filter next oil change even though the service manual says 30k? I thought well cared for tires lasted like 40 to 50k??

[Towncivilian]

Leave your engine air filter alone until 30k as the service manual states. Just because a filter looks dirty doesn't mean it isn't filtering any more. All filters filter more efficiently as they load up with contamination. You can remove the filter and tap out any loose debris, but don't blow at it with compressed air or forcefully remove contaminants. Also, try to avoid checking the air filter excessively as constantly messing with the airbox and the filter can harm the filter's seal, and potentially introduce contaminants to the airbox housing.

[audtatious]

+1 ^^^

Tire life is dependent on the location and their use so it varies. I usually don't change tires until they feel unsafe or the wear bars are showing.

[telcoman]

Leave your engine air filter alone until 30k as the service manual states. Just because a filter looks dirty doesn't mean it isn't filtering any more. All filters filter more efficiently as they load up with contamination. You can remove the filter and tap out any loose debris, but don't blow at it with compressed air or forcefully remove contaminants. Also, try to avoid checking the air filter excessively as constantly messing with the airbox and the filter can harm the filter's seal, and potentially introduce contaminants to the airbox housing.

I disagree!

Here is a photo of my air filter with about 10,800 miles on my 06 G35 that I just traded in with 171796 miles. I've read many posts over the years with some having problems with a dirty MAF.





Air filters are cheaper than having to replace a MAF.
On my new G37 I have two air filters that are held in by 2 clips.



Very easy to change and do yourself.
I inspect mine after 5k miles and change them usually by 10k miles
The air in New Jersey is very dirty

Telcoman

[shellyg37]

Should I change mydirty air filters at 15k or wait until 30k??

[telcoman]

Should I change mydirty air filters at 15k or wait until 30k??

I would.

Do it yourself

[audtatious]

Gets expensive to change them at 15k on a dual-TB motor.

[SVTCOBRA]

You should replace your paper filter every 12 months or more often.
Use NAPA filters they are by WIX.....much cheaper than Nissan.

Tires depend on the brand and make....what are they??? Guessing RS-A

[kmckis1029]

what ever you do make sure you change the air filters your self... filters will be about $20 each from your local parts store VS. almost $100 for the dealer to do a 5 min job.

[SVTCOBRA]

NAPA...WIX filters 9 to 11 each depending on which you like. I normally go with the 9 dollar one since it looks just like the Nissan...I actually get a discount a NAPA, so it's less for me!

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Resul ... %2b2035026

Research filters a bit....if you do you will stay away from FRAM and you will be a bit pickier.

[shellyg37]

here are pics of my filters at 15k



http://www.photoshop.com/users/erandyan ... 423d48bd7a

http://www.photoshop.com/users/erandyan ... 5215951899

had a little trouble posting so i put links to the photos. What do you guys think do they really need to be replaced?/

[telcoman]

You need to host the photos on photobucket & copy the image code into your post

[SVTCOBRA]

Yep, dirty.
Looks like you've picked up some oily substance too, so I'm sure it's very restrictive.

Interesting....just googled and they say a new study says that on newer cars with fuel injection replacing a clogged filter doesn't improve MPG.....says it can improve acceleration time by 6 to 11 percent. (from fueleconomy.gov)

So, if you don't mind the drop in performance as the filter gets clogged go 30K miles and save a few $$$ for your 401K.
I'll continue to change mine every 12 months.....or when it gets dirty cause my engine is happiest with a clean filter!!!