A clean air filter allows air to freely flow to the engine, thus improving gas mileage and increasing engine life. Change the air filter every 3,000 miles when the vehicle is driven under extremely dusty conditions, or every 30,000 for normal driving conditions. Replacing an air filter in a Nissan Altima will take the average person 10 minutes or less.
Turn the Altima off. Keep the car off while servicing the air filter as it acts as it is the protection against engine backfires.
Lift the hood of the Nissan. Locate the air filter housing unit on the driver's side of the car. Look along the center along the side of the engine compartment.
Open the lid on the air filter housing unit by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Lift the lid off of the unit.
Remove the old filter from the housing unit by pulling it out. Clean any remaining debris out of the air filter unit. Use a damp cloth to wipe both the interior and exterior of the unit.
Place the new air filter in the housing unit. Use a K&N air filter, part number 33-2374, for a Nissan Altima that was manufactured between 1993 and 2008.
Close the lid on the housing unit. Secure the lid in place by tightening all of the screws.
