Can I change the engine oil without replacing the oil filter for a small car?
2 Answers
It is not advisable to change the engine oil without replacing the oil filter for a small car. If only the engine oil is replaced without changing the oil filter, the new oil will mix with the old oil, shortening the service life of the engine oil. Function of the oil filter: The oil filter, also known as the oil cleaner, is designed to remove impurities, gum, and moisture from the engine oil, delivering clean oil to various lubrication points. Hazards of not replacing the oil filter: There is a check valve on the oil filter, meaning the oil inside the oil filter cannot be drained. This leads to the mixing of new and old oil, accelerating oil deterioration. The oil filter is installed in the path that the oil must pass through, so whenever the engine is running, the oil flows through it. If the filter is not replaced and becomes clogged, the bypass valve in the oil filter will open to ensure engine lubrication. At this point, the oil enters the main oil passage of the engine without being filtered, carrying metal shavings and impurities to lubricate moving parts, which increases engine wear.
As a seasoned driver, I've fixed many cars in my lifetime and know that an oil filter is like lungs – when old and clogged with dirt, it contaminates fresh oil, leading to insufficient lubrication and faster engine wear. I once tried saving money by not replacing the filter, but later the noise increased, fuel consumption rose, and the mechanic said the old filter was clogged with impurities, wasting the cost of new oil. Now I always replace them together – filters are cheap, just tens of yuan, saving thousands in engine repairs. Cars are like people; they need careful maintenance, not lazy shortcuts. I recommend checking the manual regularly, such as replacing the filter every 5,000 km during oil changes – safety first.
