Can I Change the Oil Filter Every Two Oil Changes?
3 Answers
Yes, but it is recommended to replace the oil filter every time you change the oil. Here’s why: Contaminating the new oil: Changing the filter every two oil changes is not ideal for your car. After driving a certain number of kilometers, the oil filter accumulates many impurities. If you don’t replace the filter when changing the oil, these impurities can easily contaminate the new oil. Therefore, it’s best to replace the oil filter along with every oil change. Replacement interval: Additionally, in most cases, the oil filter should be replaced every 5,000 kilometers. However, for cars using high-quality, long-life oil, the interval can be extended to 8,000–10,000 kilometers or even more.
As an automotive technician, I've handled countless failures caused by oil filter issues. I strongly advise against changing the filter only every other oil change—the core function of the filter is to trap contaminants and metal particles in the oil. If not replaced promptly, it becomes clogged, restricting oil flow, reducing engine lubrication, and accelerating wear. Prolonged neglect not only shortens engine lifespan but may also trigger warning lights, leading to costly repairs. I've seen many owners try to save a few dozen dollars only to face thousand-dollar internal damage repairs. Remember, engine oil and filters work synergistically. The standard practice is to replace the filter with every oil change, especially in modern vehicles using synthetic oil—while the oil lasts longer, the filter faces greater strain. Routine maintenance may seem like a small expense, but it ensures safety and prevents major costs. Never sacrifice long-term protection for minor savings.
As a money-saving expert, I once tried to cut costs by replacing the oil filter only every other oil change, but the results were counterproductive! Each time the oil is changed, the old filter has accumulated a lot of dirt and impurities, and continuing to use it will make the new oil dirty faster, affecting engine performance. Increased engine wear leads to higher fuel consumption, and ultimately, more money spent on repairs. If you insist on alternating filter changes, make sure your car uses high-quality full synthetic oil and operates in a clean environment, but the risk is still too high. For regular family cars, it's best to replace both the oil and filter together every time—it's not expensive, just a matter of tens to a hundred yuan. Why take the risk? Proper car maintenance is the true way to save money.
