Every time a vehicle's driver presses the gas pedal, they are controlling how much air and fuel enters the engine. The Engine Air Filtration system aids in filtering the air's contaminants and helps to ensure the correct air/fuel mixture.
The Engine Air Filtration System may consist of the following components:
- Engine Air Filter
- Breather Element, if equipped
- PCV Valve, if equipped
The Engine Air Filter reduces harmful dirt particles from entering the engine's air intake system where they may cause engine damage.
The Breather Element helps filter the air pulled into the engine crankcase by the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system or a metered orifice.
The PCV Valve or metered orifice regulates the flow of crankcase fumes into the intake manifold so they can be burned and help maintain proper cankcase pressure.
As Engine Air Filtration components become restricted, airflow is reduced, which could lead to poor acceleration, reduced engine performance, reduced fuel economy, oil leaks as well as other issues.
As part of the Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, we visually inspect the Engine Air Filtration System components and recommend replacement, as necessary.
This service is available at these Jiffy Lube locations in Utah. Visit our locations page for specific addresses, phone numbers and links to maps and list of services.
Josh has been paying $30 extra to change out the air filter each time he brings his car to Jiffy Lube for an oil change. This time, to save money, he decided to do it himself—and that’s when he discovered that Jiffy Lube lied to him about the filter.
I don’t know a lot about cars but every time I go to get my oil changed I am asked if I need to get my air filter replaced. Normally I say yes, and deal with the extra 30 dollar charge, but today I was watching my spending and had to decline.
In order to better sell their point, the salesman show me a pitch black SQUARE air filter, covered with leaves and oil, claiming it was mine. I recalled getting my air filter changed the last time my oil filter was, so immediately my suspicions were raised. I had to stop at a parts store and pick up some coolant for my car anyway, so I figured I could buy a new air filter and change it out myself.
When I went to store I was immediately suspicious of the service I had received at Jiffy Lube. The filter I was shown by the mechanic was SQUARE, but the air filter I purchased (the only kind that would work for my car) for my car was RECTANGULAR. When I got home I was certain that Jiffy Lube had been trying to rip me off. The ‘filthy’ air filter was in fact only slightly yellow in color (not black,) and nothing at all like the one they showed me.
The Jiffy Lube repairman lied to me in order to sell me a new air filter. Jiffy Lube should be ashamed, and I don’t think I will ever get my oil changed there again. This is exactly the kind of cheating that turns people off to hiring a mechanic in the first place.
Maybe the mechanic meant “this is your filter in theory,” right? Then why wasn’t he more specific? Hmm, unless he wanted the customer to confuse the issue and assume that it was literally his car’s filter, and then fearfully pay a premium for the service. (We’re suspicious of Jiffy Lube because Jiffy Lube has a long history of shenanigans. )
Luckily for you, it’s very easy to change your own air filter. The guys at Car Talk equate it with being able to hang a picture on the wall, and you won’t have to deal with the extra labor charges from a place like Jiffy Lube.
As far as when to replace it, we’ve seen a wide range of suggestions, including “every 15,000 miles,” “every time you change your oil,” “every 3-4,000 miles,” “check your car’s manual,” and “when it’s dirty.” So while Jiffy Lube may have been right to suggest replacing the filter, it’s such an easy thing to do that you’ll save money by doing it yourself.
“How To Change Your Car’s Filters” [Edmunds]
“Car Talk Service Advice: Air Filters” [Car Talk]
(Photo: Karen Eliot)
Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.
Automotive Tips
Over time, the engine’s air filter may become clogged and restrict the amount of air able to enter the engine, causing the vehicle to underperform. A dirty air filter may also be unable to stop dust, dirt, and other abrasive particles from entering the engine and wearing away at metal parts like piston rings and cylinders. At some point, an old engine air filter will need to be replaced with a new one.
The frequency of replacing an engine air filter depends largely on where you drive. If you usually travel in dusty conditions, on gravel roads, in the city, or in construction zones, you will need to replace your air filter more often than if most of your driving is on clean, paved, and modern highways.
Jiffy Lube recommends checking your vehicle owner’s manual for specific air filter guidelines while keeping in mind that the areas where you drive may necessitate making a change sooner rather than later. Most experts agree that it’s a good idea to inspect your air filter every 6,000-12,000 miles or during every other oil change.
Jiffy Lube performs an engine air filtration inspection with every oil change. Air filtration services are available separately and include removal of the old engine air filter and installation of a new, clean one if necessary. As an additional service, the passenger cabin air filter that removes dust, pollen, mold and other contaminants from air inside the vehicle may need to be replaced. Jiffy Lube’s air filtration services provide a breath of fresh air for both you and your vehicle’s engine.
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