Sometimes your car just doesn't drive as well as you know it should. Maybe it sounds a little rough or isn't pulling the way it normally does. You've changed the oil, or it's had a recent service but it just isn't right.

Chances are the air filter needs changing. The telltale sign is sluggish acceleration. This can happen if the filter is clogged stopping the engine from getting enough air to work at optimum level, the air filter keeps the engine free of dust and insects.

Generally speaking the filter should be replaced roughly every 15,000 miles or each year. It may sound daunting but it's an easy task to complete even for the most novice of DIY mechanics.

To change the filter, park the car on level ground and ensure the handbrake is on. Put the car into first gear or park if it's an automatic and turn off the ignition.

Open the bonnet and locate the air filter unit. The air filter unit is usually situated on top of the engine. On older cars with carburettors the filter is usually under a bulky, round cover made of plastic or metal; fuel-injected cars tend to have a square or rectangular air filter housing which can be found slightly off centre between the front grille and the engine. Consult your manual if you're not sure.

Remove the cover by loosen the hose clamp that seals the air conduct. Undo all the screws holding the air filter cover. Some models have wing nuts, other air filters are just clamped on with a quick release system. Keep screws and other parts in a safe location so you can find them later. Pull the cover out of the air conduct and lift it up so it comes off the lower part of the housing.

Now you can see a round or rectangular filter made of cotton, paper or gauze. In 4x 4 vehicles the more complex filter is usually a double unit consisting of both an oil soaked and a dry filter element. Filters have a rubber rim that seals off the unit's interior. Simply lift the filter out of the housing.

At this stage it's a good idea to clean the air filter housing. Seal the air conduct with adhesive tape to ensure you don't get any dirt into the engine whilst cleaning. Use a compressed air cleaner to blow out the dust if you can get one or alternatively use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt.

Now replace the old filter with a new one. Simply insert it into the housing with the rubber rim facing up making sure the edges are sealed by the rubber rim.

Carefully insert the cover back into the air conduct and then press the entire piece down onto the lower half of the air filter unit. Make sure it's on straight, if it isn't it will effect performance levels.

Tighten all the screws or clamps and finally check that you have put everything firmly back together by slightly rocking the unit with both hands.

Alternatively you can clean the old filter as long as the material isn't torn, cracked or oil stained. Use a light to check if it is oily inside. Hold a lamp behind it and see if the light gets blocked out by oil, continue only if the light can be seen. Now blow out the dust with compressed air if you have it, or else vacuum it up. Turn the air filter around so you are cleaning both sides.

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