Changing Your Car Oil Filter

Engine oil is essential to properly lubricate all the car’s moving parts, as it keeps those mechanical components cool and debris-free.

The oil picks up dirt, metal fragments and combustion by-products, which it then transports to the oil filter, where they are contained and kept out of the rest of the car engine.

However, over time, all that foreign material can accumulate to a point where it prevents even the best car oil filter from doing its job. The built-in filter bypass mechanism of the oil system ignores the clogged filter in such a situation. Thus, the moving elements of the engine come into contact with the heated oil containing foreign matter and dirt — which you’d want to avoid.

With foreign material contaminating the oil (because of the unclean, clogged car oil filter), it won’t reach vital engine components required for lubrication. When this occurs, the metal-to-metal contact between the moving parts will lead to rapid wear and tear and the possible fusion of the overheating components, which can cause your engine to stop working.

A regular car oil filter change can avoid this problem and prevent a costly engine replacement.

The need to change car oil filters

To keep your engine running smoothly, have a car oil filter change each time you add new engine oil. All you need to complete the task is an oil pan, a replacement car oil filter and some oil.

Below are some easy steps you can follow to change your car oil filter:

1. Place a drain pan beneath the oil drain plug — The drain plug is a nut usually found on the oil pan under the engine. Ensure the engine is off and your car is parked on a level surface, with the parking brake engaged. If the engine is hot, wait about half an hour before starting the process.
    
2. Drain the oil — To allow the oil to drain, unscrew the oil drain plug in a counterclockwise direction with a spanner that fits. The oil will start flowing as soon as you remove these, so withdraw your hand swiftly after unscrewing the cap. Use disposable gloves to prevent your hands from coming into contact with the oil.
    
3. Return the oil drain plug — Once the oil has completely drained, you can re-screw the oil drain plug back, being careful not to cross-thread it.
    
4. Locate the oil filter — Locate the oil filter on your car's engine block. Consult the owner’s manual if you’re unclear about the location of your car oil filter.
    
5. Place the oil drain pan directly underneath the oil filter — Put some old newspapers or paper bags under and around the drain pan to catch errant drops of oil.
    
6. Remove the oil filter — To remove the filter, grab it and twist it. Use a car oil filter removal tool, such as an oil filter wrench or even a basic pipe wrench, to remove the filter if you see it is stuck. Remember that you can only unscrew it (using a car oil filter removal tool) by turning it counterclockwise. Once you remove the filter, expect more oil to flow out, so be prepared for this. 
    
7. Clean the filter’s surface — Wipe off the mounting surface using a clean cloth.
    
8. Lubricate the gasket — Apply fresh motor oil around the gasket or rubber O-ring to lubricate it before replacing the old filter. Doing so ensures the new filter will fit snugly without being over-tightened, reducing friction.
    
9. Secure the car oil filter — Screw on the car oil filter using only your hand. Tighten it until it comes into contact with the engine block and feels snug (but not overly so). Do not use a wrench to tighten it further. Again, make sure not to over-tighten it.
    
10. Add new engine oil — Use a clean funnel to add the right amount of brand-new oil to the engine.
     
11. Check your oil level — In the coming days, check the oil level, the oil filter and the drain plug for any leaks.

Car oil filter change frequency

How frequently should oil filters be changed? Although this appears to be a simple question, there are usually various opinions regarding the number of times to replace car oil filters.

However, automotive manufacturers advise replacing oil filters along with engine oil. There’s also a consensus among manufacturers regarding changing the engine oil and the components every 4,828 to 8,046 kilometres.

Some auto mechanics advise more frequent oil and filter changes, especially if the car is usually driven in harsh conditions or extreme temperatures or is used for towing heavy loads regularly.

It can be difficult to tell when an oil filter is malfunctioning, which is why it is recommended that you replace it regularly before you experience any problems. However, if your engine starts acting strangely, begins to overheat, has low oil pressure, or you notice oil leaks, it’s probably time to check or change your oil filter.

A good rule of thumb is to change car oil filters every three to six months. However, keep in mind that the frequency of the oil filter changes also depends on the type of engine oil and filter you use. Ensure you consult the car manufacturer’s recommendations to learn about proper oil filter servicing intervals.

Care for your oil filter

Just like your air, fuel, and cabin air filters, you must change your oil filters periodically to keep your automobile operating efficiently.

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