Engine Air Filter vs Cabin Air Filter vs Oil Filter?

Hey Mac, when you get your oil changed they are changing/replacing your oil filter. The air filter is super easy to change. Mac, now before someone else busts your chops use search for instructions on changing engine air filter or check out the good doc's post here on changing the filter: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...hooting/34437-changing-engine-air-filter.html. If you get 20 Priuschatters in a thread you'll have 30 different opinions on OEM vs. brand. I ordered OEM filters on line for not that much difference in price. You can buy an OEM cabin carbon air filter, don't have the lnk at work. Ryan

 

Your air filter is on top of the gas eng. in a square-black enclosure. Just pop the metal cilps off of the top with a flat head screwdriver & the top comes off. The air filter is under the plastic black top piece. It just lifts off. 2) The cabin filter is different- it's behind the bottom glove box-you can see 2 clips that hold it in. Just pop the metal clips & the cab. fil. slides out towards you. The new one just slides back in the same way. 3) Yes, usually the Toyota parts are best in most cases. I buy mine online from www.metrotpn.com. This is a Toyota dlr. but online the filters are discounted nicely.

I personaaly use full synthetic oil in my cars & I change it every 25,000 miles. I change the oil filter every 5,000 miles & rotate the tires. Hope this helps.

 

I noticed some instances in our 2010 Owners Manual and Supplement, expressions like "check air filter", where no clarification is made if they mean cabin or engine air filter. So Toyota is part of the confusion, I think.

Given that the filters are changed infrequently, I'd stick with Toyota filters.

 

In theory, the two air filters have the same schedule, so whenever you check one, check the other as well.

My dealer, in an effort to save me money, did not change the engine air filter until 35,000 and the cabin air filter until 55,000. so I am out of sync, but I get both checked every 5,000 miles anyway, when they are changing the oil and oil filter.

 

I have never changed my engine filter (60k). I asked the dealer to check it for me yesterday, and he said a new one would cost $38. I changed the cabin filter around 35k, and dealer said it doesn't need to be changed now. If changing it is this easy, may be I will buy the engine filter and do it myself.

 

That would be a good idea as the engine air filter is way past-due for replacement if in service for 60K miles. The dirty side of the filter is on the bottom.

When you hold a used engine air filter up to the sun, if you can see light coming through the filter is still OK for use. If it is dark then there is definitely too much dirt trapped in the paper element.

 

Get aftermarket air filters on Amazon. The TYC cabin air filter is only $5 -- incredible!

 

Cabin filters aren't so critical. For oil and engine air filters, get filters with a reputable brand name on them at the least.

 

For the engine air and oil filters I stay with the Toyota. For the cabin air filter I have replaced with Fram.

 

I just bought engine and cabin filters- ebay-OEM Toyota filters 2006- for $36 delivered.
It was from a Toyota dealer who always has those listings. It was $13.50 for engine+ $5 shipping
$15.50+6 for cabin -$4 combined shipping
Takes about 5 minutes to change both.
Charlie