Can I change the engine oil without replacing the oil filter for a small car?

[CalebDella]

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.

[HZoe]

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.

[SanJasmine]

I've been driving my old car for years. Once when I was short on cash, I only changed the oil but skipped the filter. At first, everything seemed fine, but after a few hundred kilometers, the oil turned pitch black, oil pressure became unstable, and the engine started making strange noises. After checking, I found out that the old filter was clogged with metal shavings and dust, rendering the new oil useless. In the end, I had to spend hundreds more on repairs. It's really not worth the risk just to save a few bucks. Think about it—the filter only costs a few dozen yuan, and you've already spent hundreds on the oil change. Why skimp on that? The risk is too high; if the engine fails on the highway, it could be dangerous. I've learned my lesson now—I always check and replace the filter during every maintenance service.

[ColtonAnn]

After seeing friends' old cars break down, I finally understood that oil and filters must be changed together. Simply put, a clogged filter contaminates the new oil, reducing lubrication and accelerating engine wear. It might work temporarily, especially for older cars, but not in the long run. My advice: make it a habit—change the filter with every oil change, like keeping a washbasin clean for washing your face. Saving small money now leads to bigger losses later. Before doing it yourself, check the car manual or ask a mechanic.

[Luna]

When I DIY car maintenance, I found that the oil filter is a core component. If you only change the oil without replacing it, residual impurities are like polluted water—the cleanliness of the new oil degrades quickly, oil pressure becomes unstable, and engine efficiency drops. Especially in hot weather or during long trips, wear accelerates. Once, I was lazy and reused the filter twice, resulting in severe oil oxidation before even 5,000 kilometers. Now I remember: replace the filter regularly to extend the car's lifespan and ensure safety. Follow the maintenance schedule—don’t lose big for small savings.

[LincolnFitz]

Once I was careless and forgot to replace the oil filter while only changing the oil. Soon after, the dashboard warning light came on. After sending it for repairs, I found the filter completely clogged, nearly causing oil passage blockage that could have destroyed the engine. Not only did it cost money to fix, but it also caused delays. From this lesson, I learned that even though the filter seems small, it's essential—it filters out impurities from the oil to protect the engine. Whether it's a new or old car, it might hold up temporarily, but the accumulated risks come with a high price. My advice: don't skimp on this small expense. Replace the filter every time you change the oil to ensure safety.