The air filters in your Kia vehicle need to be replaced frequently enough (yearly, every 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers), and they can go bad (clog or wear out) easily enough, that the cost of replacing them can really start to add up.

On average, they can run you anywhere from $83 to $120 CAD. You might luck out driving a mid-size car like Kia Optima, for instance -- its average air filter replacement costs are closer to $96. If you drive a bigger minivan like Kia Carnival, though, replacing its air filters can run you a whopping $162 CAD.

Put simply, you'll want to avoid that kind of bill as long as you can. To do that, you'll need to take the best possible care of the air filters that you can. It'll even help you avoid costlier engine, heater, and AC problems and repairs in the long run.

Here's how.

1. Gather What You'll Need

Aside from safety gear (protective gloves, and either goggles or a face mask), that includes a:

Screwdriver and wrench

Work surface

Trash bag or trash can

Vacuum

Air filter cleaning spray (or a combo of water and laundry detergent/dish soap in a spray bottle)

Soft-bristle brush

Source of running water (e.g., a garden hose or faucet)

Note: If your engine air filter's oil-coated, you'll want to have some specialty oil for it on hand, too.

2. Take Out the Old Air Filters

You'll find the engine filter on either the top of the engine or the side of it. The cabin air filter should be right behind the glovebox. Consult your owner's manual for location specifics; they can vary by Kia model.

To take out the engine filter: pop your hood, find the engine filter's housing, take off the top of it, and remove the filter. To take out the cabin filter: open the glove compartment, find and take out the pin and screw that hold it up, lower the box, pull the cabin filter cover off, and take the filter out. Use the screwdriver and/or wrench if needed.

3. Clean the Filters

Holding the filters over the trash can or bag, shake as much dust, dirt, and debris as you can out of them, and vacuum out any detritus that remains. Then, spray the air filters with the cleaning solution and let them sit a few minutes. Use the brush to scrub the filters gently but firmly (you can also use an old toothbrush to get in any crevices). Then, rinse the cleaner off completely with your running water source. (Keep the water at a low pressure to avoid damaging the filters.)

4. Dry the Filters

Dump any excess water out of the filters, then set them aside to drip-dry. Note: for oil-coated filters, apply an even layer of specialty oil and let it seep in for a few minutes.

5. Replace the Filters

Put the housings and filters back in, then use your hand tools to reassemble everything.

Unsure about how to do any of this? You can always have a Kia dealer take care of things.

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