When it comes to your Saab, maintaining a clean exterior will protect the paintwork; maintaining a clean interior will make it a more pleasant place to be. Maintaining its performance and saving money can be achieved by keeping it clean under the hood.
If you would like to take your Saab’s cleanliness and efficiency to the next level, then you have to think about cleaning your air filter. To maintain the performance and efficiency of the engine, filter cleaning must be done frequently to prevent dust, dirt, and debris from being drawn into the engine through the air intake pipe.
Cleaning The Air Filter Of A Saab
A good understanding of the location of all the components under the hood of your automobile will make it easier to clean the air filter. Our step-by-step guides below show you how to accomplish this task with a couple of different methods:
Identifying the Air Filter: The air filter in your car is located on top of the engine, so it’s easy to access. Look in your car’s manual if you are unable to find it. It should list all the various components of the engine.
Can’t find your manual? There will likely be a digital version or a YouTube video demonstrating where you can find it. If you cannot do so, you may wish to ask a mechanic to mention it to you the next time your car requires service.
Air Filter Removal: The air filter is usually housed in a plastic or metal housing that must be removed before it can be removed. If you have an older SAAB, you may need to unscrew or unbolt a housing section to remove them. In newer cars, they are usually just clipped down, making it easy for you to remove them.
Once the air filter housing has been opened, you can easily pull it out.
Use A Vacuum Cleaner To Clean The Air Filter: A vacuum cleaner is the best tool for cleaning a SAAB air filter. Use your standard household vacuum with the hose attachment to get into the filter’s ridges.
Ensure that all visible dirt and debris is removed from both sides of the filter by vacuuming it for about two minutes. To determine whether or not you missed anything, hold the filter up to a bright light after you have finished cleaning it. Make sure to check the filter one last time before replacing it.
Use Water To Clean The Air Filter: Alternatively, if you have more time on your hands and your SAAB’s air filter is very dirty, you can clean it with water. Water will take a lot longer to clean an air filter, especially when you consider the drying time, but the results will be excellent.
It is important to remember that the filter must be completely dry before it can be replaced. It is possible for even slight moisture to cause serious engine problems, as dust and particles can adhere to it and block the flow of air through the engine.
Common Signs of A Dirty Air Filter
It’s crucial to keep air filters clean according to the manufacturer’s recommendations as part of regular maintenance. You might notice the following symptoms if your air filter is dirty:
- Increased fuel consumption
- A strange sound emanating from the engine
- Check-engine Light on
- Reduced power
- Emissions of black smoke
- Engine misfiring
- Upon starting the car, a strong smell of petrol or diesel can be detected
Swedish Auto Service Can Help
Whenever you experience any of the above symptoms 
and are unable to determine what the problem is, be sure to check the air filter. It may be as simple as cleaning it thoroughly, or it may be necessary to replace it. It is important to remember that if the filter is filthy, it is best to clean it with water rather than by vacuuming it. Make sure you allow the filter to dry completely before replacing it.
Keeping your SAAB clean, inside and out, is one of our passions at Swedish Auto Service. Visit the Swedish Auto Service center if you want assistance with thoroughly cleaning your air filter or completely replacing it if it’s in bad shape. We serve drivers in Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, and Austin, TX.
