Original Toyota Air Filters

Air Filters: Everything You Need to Know

How Many and What Kinds There are

Whether you drive a Toyota or a Scion, your vehicle has two -- an engine air filter and a cabin air filter.

What They Do

They capture contaminants in the air. That means dirt and debris from the road, sand from the shoulder, pollen during the spring and summer months, mold spores during them all, even things like insects. The engine filter keeps them out of the air intake and off the rest of the motor. The cabin filter keeps them out of the ducts and off the vents in the heating and air conditioning systems.

What They're Made of

Materials include synthetic paper, foam, cotton, and metal. The media are often pleated to make trapping things easier. Plus, they're either flat, circular, or cylinder-shaped. Some billed "permanent," you can even wash and reuse many times before replacement is required.

The Signs They're Going Bad

There are many. Look for clogged filters leading to airflow obstructions, for instance. Also, check the filter media for overall wear and damage. You may also notice your gas mileage getting worse, black smoke coming out of the exhaust, and a Check Engine and/or other warnings lighting up on the dashboard.

Other symptoms include loss of engine power, your engine misfiring, and other unusual engine noises, along with having more trouble than usual speeding up. You may even hear whistling and/or other abnormal sounds coming from the vents in your cabin, accompanied by a dirty or stale smell.

When They Should be Replaced

Once a year -- namely, every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Don't let the change go any longer than 30,000 miles. Otherwise, when you see said signs. For more info, plus further instructions, check the air filter maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, but before ordering new air filters, make sure they're genuine.

Why Buy Genuine OEM Air Filters

Your brand guarantees them compatible with the car, truck, SUV, or van you drive. That's not always the case for aftermarket air filters.

Where to Order Toyota & Scion Air Filters

At our online auto parts store. Find what fits your vehicle more easily by browsing our catalog by make, model, and model year. Buy now to enjoy three benefits of shopping with us: affordable prices, fast shipping, and direct-to-your-door delivery.