Engine air filters needed replacement at 19K

[jmess]

I checked my filters last week and was surprised at how dirty they were. I haven't driven in any dusty conditions. Anyway I had some Nissan filters that I had purchased online for $30 in anticipation of replacing them. So I installed the new filters (anyone can do this task in 5 minutes). As soon as I drove the car I could feel the engine liked the clean filters. It was a little more snappy than it had been before.

[SteveTheTech]

The owners manual suggests every 1year or 15k and that typically works. Buying in bulk is the way to go since they need two at a time and a little goes a long way when it comes to fuel economy (slightly decreased load on the engine yadda yadda) and overall happiness of the owner and car.

19k is a long time to go without a replacement I bet you did notice a big difference. This should be on your six month inspection regiment, or if you pay someone to change the oil. How long are you going between oil changes?

[jmess]

The owners manual suggests every 1year or 15k and that typically works. Buying in bulk is the way to go since they need two at a time and a little goes a long way when it comes to fuel economy (slightly decreased load on the engine yadda yadda) and overall happiness of the owner and car.

19k is a long time to go without a replacement I bet you did notice a big difference. This should be on your six month inspection regiment, or if you pay someone to change the oil. How long are you going between oil changes?

For schedules I & II the filter change interval is 2 years or 30K. There is no engine air filter inspection prior to 30K for schedules I or II. So based upon the 2 year parameter my car was due for a filter change at the end of March.

I was surprised not see a brake fluid change interval listed in the factory service schedules. Many MFGs recommend 24-36 month change intervals.
Modified by jmess at 9:59 PM 2/27/2010

[EXceptional]

I just put new Air Filters in the EX and washed the Filter in my Truck.

What a breath of Fresh Air they both must be taking in now.

[SteveTheTech]

Time/mileage schedules are only a rough guideline of when things should get changed. Everything is in 5,000km intervals and many of the items get regular inspections. Air filters are one of the simplest things that an owner can check and resolve. Brake fluid in these cars is not like that in Hondas where they turn awful colors yearly, however the fluid is still hydroscopic and should be replaced regularly.

For most cars like this I tend to recommend a flush when the first set of brakes gets replaced. Some people change them others pass on the service. Things like alignments and rotations and balancing should be done yearly regardless of mileage.