Can I Replace the Oil Filter Myself?
2 Answers
You can replace the oil filter yourself. Here’s how to replace the oil filter: 1. Drain the old oil by placing an oil drain pan underneath and loosening the drain plug with a wrench in a counterclockwise direction to let the old oil flow out; 2. After the old oil has completely drained, open the engine oil cap, use an oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter in a counterclockwise direction, and remove it from the engine compartment; 3. Before installing the new oil filter, place a sealing ring over the oil outlet, then slowly screw the new filter into place. Do not overtighten the filter—hand-tighten it first, then use a wrench to turn it an additional 3-4 turns; 5. Finally, add new oil to the engine oil tank.
As an experienced car enthusiast who frequently tinkers with vehicles, I believe changing the oil filter by myself is completely doable—I've done it countless times. You'll need to prepare the tools: an oil filter wrench, a new filter, fresh engine oil, and either a jack or a pit to prevent scraping the undercarriage. When performing the operation, ensure the car is turned off and cooled down—never work on a hot engine, safety first. After lifting the car, drain the old oil first, then use the wrench to remove the old filter, which might require some effort—don’t rush. Before installing the new filter, apply a bit of fresh oil on the sealing ring to prevent leaks. Then refill with new oil according to the manual’s specified quantity—never overfill or underfill. Doing it myself saves me 30-40 bucks each time, plus I pick up some skills. Remember to dispose of the old oil properly to avoid environmental contamination. Having a friend assist makes it more stable, and tools can be bought cheaply online. If it’s your first time, try practicing over the weekend with an old car. In the long run, regularly replacing the filter protects the engine and extends its lifespan, saving both hassle and money.
