I've had my CAI for almost a year now. I was wondering when and how do I clean my filter? Do i just clean like every other filter.. Meaning taking it out from below my bumper (where the filter is located from cai) rinse it off and install it back on.... something like that... or do will it be time for a new one.... or whenever I get an oil change they check it... Just wondering if its any different from our stock ones...

thanks

 

Cotton gauze-type filters like the one that comes with the AEM CAI require some dirt on there to filter effectively.

I personally say every 15k miles or so.

To clean it, you must buy a cleaning kit. You can pick up a K&N cleaner kit for about 10-15 bucks at any auto parts stores, and it will last about 5 uses. The instructions come with it, and it's simple.

 

I've found it easier to buy 2 filters. Take the dirty one off, replace it with the clean one, then clean the dirty filter and store it for next time. That way your car is not sitting while the filter dries. This would be particularly true for CAIs that have the filter behind the bumper. What a pain. (That's why I bought an Icebox.)