Can the Oil Filter Be Reused?
3 Answers
The oil filter cannot be reused. The oil filter used in a car is designed to filter impurities from the engine oil. Every time you change the engine oil, you must also replace the oil filter. Reusing an oil filter can contaminate the newly replaced oil, which may cause some degree of damage to the engine. During the use of the oil filter, if the filter becomes clogged, the resistance of the filter will increase, leading to poor lubrication and affecting the normal operation of the engine. The oil filter has a replacement cycle, which depends on the quality of the oil used in the engine. If mineral oil is used, it is recommended to replace the oil filter every 5,000 kilometers; if semi-synthetic oil is used, replacement is advised around every 6,500 kilometers; and if full-synthetic oil is used, it is recommended to replace the oil filter every 10,000 kilometers.
As an experienced auto mechanic, I strongly advise against reusing oil filters. There's a small filter screen inside that accumulates metal shavings, dust, and other debris with each oil filtration. Reusing it can clog the screen, restricting oil flow and leaving the engine unlubricated, which accelerates part wear. I've seen countless cases in repairs where owners tried to save money by not replacing filters, resulting in engine overheating or sudden stalling – repairs that cost thousands. The standard practice is to replace the filter with every oil change, typically every 5,000 kilometers. A quality filter only costs around tens of yuan – a small price for peace of mind. Don't skimp on this routine maintenance; saving small money now could lead to major costly problems later.
Oh, I also made silly mistakes when I was younger, thinking I could save some money by cleaning and reusing the filter. Once after an oil change, I cleaned the filter myself with detergent and reinstalled it. But just two months later, the engine started making a clattering noise. After inspection, I found out the filter screen had torn, allowing debris to flow into the oil. Luckily, I was parked by the roadside and no accident happened, but the repair cost me over 800 yuan—a hard lesson learned. Now, I just obediently replace it with a new one every time I do maintenance. Oil filters aren't high-tech, but once they're dirty, they should be thrown away; reusing them is like gambling—you might get lucky, but if not, you'll end up needing a tow. Honestly, spending a little to protect your car is the wisest choice—don't be as foolish as I was back then.
