A mechanic quotes a man $140 to replace the cabin and engine air filter, but the customer decides to check the retail price before giving the mechanic the green light. What he discovered about the retail price led him to realize that a DIY replacement was a smart financial move.
In a TikTok, J Sam (@jjaronn_) reveals that the AutoZone price was significantly lower than the mechanic's charge, yet viewers still believed he overpaid. As of this writing, the TikTok has over 5,820 views.
“So I scheduled to get my car serviced, and out of the list of suggestions, they said, ‘Oh, we can change your cabin air filter and engine air filter for $140,’” he begins.
The man had a laundry list of other maintenance tasks to perform, so he decided to go to AutoZone, get the parts, and do the engine and cabin air filter replacements himself. “I got both for $25 total, and I can just do it myself in five minutes,” he says.
Considering the mechanic quoted $140 to replace both air filters, getting both for $25 is a major savings.
His laundry list of other maintenance included ball joints, a coolant flush, spark plugs, an oil change, new tires, and a possible alignment. “That’s a lot of money I have to spend,” he says. ”If I can take 140 bucks off of it, I absolutely will.”
Car Guys Chime In
Viewers went to the comments section to reveal that the mechanic's laundry list of suggestions can easily be done at home.
“So they gave you a list of fun weekend projects to do? A lot of that stuff is pretty easy,” one shared.
“Brother change that oil yourself,” another commented.
“I’m no car guy. Definitely don’t have the tools for it either lol,” the man replied.
How Did The Air Filter Replacement Go?
In a follow-up TikTok, J Sam showcases the replacement process with both the cabin air filter and engine filter.
He first begins with the cabin air filter in the glovebox. He disassembles the glovebox to access the air filter, pulls out the dirty filter, and compares it with the new one. The old filter was covered in dirt and debris.
“Oh my gosh. Yep, that’s pretty bad,” he says.
He slides the new filter in and moves on to the engine air filter. He pops the hood and removes the engine air filter cover with a few clicks. He discovers the dirty filter and proceeds to replace it. Both repairs went smoothly and seamlessly.
“And we’re done,” he concludes. Within minutes, both filters are replaced, saving him over $100 in labor costs. “Good man,” one commenter approved.
Does AutoZone Overcharge For Air Filters?
While the man believed he scored a big-time savings by buying both filters for $25, one viewer recommended avoiding buying air filters at AutoZone.
“$8 each online btw don’t go to autozone for filters,” one TikTok commenter said.
He’s not the only one who went to AutoZone and got air filters for $25. A Hyundai driver went to AutoZone after the dealership tried to charge her $87 to replace the filters. Technically, both the man and the Hyundai driver saved significantly compared to what they were quoted for the service; it may just not have been the full savings potential. Buying air filters online can be as low as $7.
While yes, both drivers could’ve scored even more savings, they didn’t necessarily overpay either.
On average, cabin air filter replacements can cost between $10 and $30. Basic engine air filters cost between $10 and $20 for the part itself.
Looking at the averages, the $25 price point for both filters falls within the parts' average price range. All in all, both drivers saved money by buying the parts themselves and installing them themselves.
When Should I Change My Air Filters?
According to AutoZone, air filters need to be changed regularly. The general rule of thumb is every 12,000 miles or once a year for engine air filters. Similar intervals apply for cabin air filters as well. It’s essential to replace these filters regularly, as dirt, debris, pollen, and more can build up and get inside your vehicle.
Motor1 has contacted J Sam via TikTok direct message and commented on the post. We will update the story if he responds.
@jjaronn_ I’m no car guy #cars #service #carproblems #savemoneytips #saving ♬ original sound - J Sam
