A vehicle's air filter should be replaced every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Failure to replace your air filter regularly can have an adverse effect on your gas mileage and can lead to a dirty engine, which may affect the performance of your vehicle. Some mechanics will charge up to $30 over the cost of the air filter to replace it, but you can save cash by changing it yourself.

• Replacement air filter
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Wrench

1. When your car's engine is cool, open the hood and prop it up.

2. Locate the air filter on your engine; it will be the largest, non-metal engine part that is connected with a black plastic hose. When in doubt, refer to your car's owner's manual.

3. Remove the filter casing by taking off the metal clips and/or screws holding it in place with the appropriate screwdriver. You can slide your flat head under the metal clips to pry them open. Keep the screws in a safe place for later.

4. If your filter casing is round, it will also be held in place with a nut; remove this nut with  your wrench.

5. Take off the filter casing and set it aside.

6. Gently lift the old air filter out of the engine without letting debris get inside. Make note of how it fits so you can easily put in the new filter.

1. Put the new air filter in and replace the casing.

2. Replace the nut, metal clips and/or screws with the appropriate tools.

3. Close the hood of your car and you're ready to roll!