I know that this filter has been in the car for atleast a minimum of 10,000 miles b/c I bought her 10k ago and the filter has not been changed since. Is this what a dirty filter that needs changing looks like or should it get more life?

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man that thing is done, go ahead and change it its only like $15

 

You should also check your interior cabin air filter as well. Here is mine at 15k:

 

I changed both at 20 and they needed it. If you go through a dust storm.... well you know it really depends on where you drive.

 

HAHA! You think that is bad. This is what mine look like when I got it. Needless to say I swap'd out as much stuff as i could after I got the car. I still need to do the cabin filter because I doubt that has been done

 

To the OP: Yours could've gone another 10K.

Only the one from the last poster's picture needed a change.

The OP's air filter is now loaded with dirt, but is operating more efficiently than before due to the lower air flow. Only when its physically caked with dirt, like Meek's does it need replacement.

 

i changed the cabin filter as well. it was filled with bird feathers and other garbage. your right, its only 15 bucks for the filter so i changed it anyway.

 

May be a silly question but I don;t have the manuel for the car, how do you get to the cabin air filter?

 

Yup. It's like having a high efficiency 'cartridge' filter on the furnace in your house. The brand new ones let a lot more stuff through. Once they get a little clogged up, they clean the air better.

 

Hitlayers, check the 3G Garage/ run a search for on this forum for "cabin filter", and you will find the info you need. You have two types you can purchase, particulate (normal) or charcoal activated (to remove odors besides the normal debris.

You can order the OEM from your dealer, or one of the online ones (acuraoemparts.com, acuraparts247.com). You can pick up one of the aftermarket ones in your local auto store (or have them order it), or online, rockauto.com has a few to choose from. Avoid the BOSCH filters, as I recently discovered they don't actually make one for the 3gTL even though their web site says so.

 

Get a K&N filter

 

I had the dealer just change my air filter and a/c filter at 28,000 miles. The parts were $25 each but they charged a ton for labor. (And no, I don't want to DIY) Only regret, maybe I should have got K&N air filter like I did for my Legend 10 years ago. No biggie though.

 

Meek32v6,

Which aftermarket brand of replacement filter is that in the picture?

 

where is everyone buying thier air filter from, one in engine

 

I quoted filter
Acura - $32
Fram - $26
K&N - $75

I guess I will go with K&N and make my money within 2 extra changes.
I'm not as bad as second person but dirtier than OP

 

Anyone just blow it out?

Really, they don't need changing if they aren't torn/ripped.