Technically speaking, changing the oil filter doesn’t have to be done every time. However, it is recommended.
In the engine, the oil filter removes the larger contaminants from the oil and, at the same time, it is replaced with fresh oil to ensure that all the parts are working smoothly and efficiently. In the sense that oil changes themselves are simple, filters are quite difficult.
You can change the filter without changing your engine oil. This is possible but not always recommended.
What Is the Purpose of Your Oil Filter?
To keep the engine running, engine oil is essential. The oil is used to lubricate engine components, extending engine life and performance. However, you may not know that clean oil filters are crucial for this process to work properly.
As its name implies, oil filters are responsible for removing grit, debris, and metal particles. If particles do not filter out before entering the engine, the engine components will be scratched and scraped, and the system may become clogged. As a result, the engine will have a shorter service life, and you will have to pay more for maintenance in the future. Maintaining a good oil filter ensures the engine’s moving parts receive only clean oil. A dirty filter is not good for your car at all and will cause more harm than good.
Every time the oil filter is changed, standard procedure dictates that the oil filter be changed.
Do I Have to Drain the Oil to Change the Oil Filter?
No, you do not need to empty your oil when changing your oil filter. Oil placement is actually unaffected by filter changes. If oil leaks from the filter, it will only be what has been trapped within the filter above the anti-drain-back gasket. As you change the filter, the amount you lose can range from half a quart to a full one, but this will be determined by your car type. Doing this is not a problem, and it has no adverse effects.
Is There a Right Way to Do This?
A vehicle’s oil pan is where oil is stored, and the plug is the only way to empty it. It has been estimated that 70 to 80 percent of the car’s oil is stored in its oil pan. In addition, filters and oil galleys are filled with residual oil. This oil will escape from the drain when you change the oil filter.
It is important to remember that when you replace your filters, only a small amount of oil is lost. There is no harm in losing this amount of oil; it shouldn’t increase the need for an oil change. If you lose this small amount of oil, all that needs to be done is to top it up with a suitable gear4wheels1-20nt. By using the dipstick, you can ensure that the levels are correct. You should be able to start the vehicle after you have checked for leaks and confirmed that there are none.
Is It Possible to Skip Changing the Oil Filter?
It’s not strictly necessary to change the oil filter every time at an oil change, but it’s a good idea. Oil filters ensure that contaminants can be removed from the engine’s oil and keep the oil flowing smoothly.
Do I Need to Replace the Oil Filter Every Time I Change the Oil Filter?
You might be tempted to choose the cheaper option to maintain your car regularly or wonder if certain parts need to be replaced as often as recommended.
In most cases, you should replace the filter every 6,000-10,000 miles or when the oil needs to be changed. In addition, you may be recommended to change the engine fuel filter every time you change the oil by the technician performing the change.
Your driving habits and the frequency of filter gear4wheels1-20nts will determine how often you need to replace them. The filter should be changed every 7,500 miles for most drivers but every 3,000 miles for drivers who experience extreme driving conditions. Extreme driving conditions include:
- Bad road conditions driving on muddy or dusty roads
- Your vehicle drives in extreme temperatures
- Heavy traffic with many stop-and-go
- Heavy objects are often towed
Everybody agrees that when it comes to replacing the oil filter, spend a little more and try to replace it often as opposed to waiting until it runs out. Have you changed your vehicle’s oil filter recently? It might be time to do so.
Removing the Old Filter
- To loosen the oil filter, use the oil filter torque wrench. Drain the oil from it before removing it.
- In order to remove the oil filter, drain all the oil out and then carefully remove it with the oil wrench.
- Cleaning the engine’s mounting surface with a rag is recommended. It ensures that no old gasket is left in the filter after it is removed.
- Certain areas can be hot, so wearing protective gloves is a good idea.
- Take your good quality filter (avoid a cheap filter; they don’t last long), and apply fresh oil to its seal to lubricate it. Approximately 1/2 quart of oil should be filled into the new filter before starting the engine.
- Hand-tighten the new filter, then tighten it one more time for no more than 1/4 or 1/2 turns. Overtightening the new filter can cause a leak. The heavy rubber gasket can easily crack if overtightened.
If you are unsure how to do this, you can seek assistance from a professional at an auto shop who can do the job for you. Many mechanics will do the filter and complete the oil change at the same time. This is fairly routine. Be sure to mention to your mechanic that you don’t want the oil change if you decide to go that way.
Conclusion
While you can change your oil filter without an oil change, doing both at the same time if possible is still recommended; it is better for your car. It is also ok to skip changing the oil with the filter every now and again. Changing oil and filter is best if your car is running rough or hasn’t had many oil changes.