I replaced my engine air filter at 15k and it was really dirty with black soot at the bottom. Same again at 30k. Anyone notice the engine air filter gets dirty easily or is it my driving conditions and location?

 

Definitely both contribute to it.

 

15k is not bad. With stock filter, the most I could go was 10k before the throttle response became unbearably dull. With K&N, I replace/refresh every 7k.

 

Good idea on every 10k. I notice the engine air filter is dirty when my MPG drops from 23.9 to 23.2 and I need to go to 2.5k rpm instead of 2k rpm when I accelerate to 45mph. I will try being more proactive. I was worry I was changing it too frequent as manufacturer says 30k miles which is when the notice pops up on the car.

 

Your location and conditions. Just changed mine after 10K - old one almost looked new. In dry dusty summer months, that when mine gets the most dirt. However, they are cheap on amazon to replace both the engine and air cabin filters. Add some injector cleaner to the gas twice a year too - that helps keep the injectors clean.

 

are you in CA or Canada around wildfires or something?

 

you are correct, sherlock holmes right here!

 

I clean and re-lube my K&N filter every 10 K..I live on the East Coast. This works perfect for where I live.

 

ok then, in that case Watson, to answer your question, it has everything to do with your location and environment.