Do Engine Oil and Oil Filter Need to Be Replaced Together?

[JamesMarie]

Engine oil and oil filter must be replaced together. The reasons for replacing engine oil and oil filter together are as follows: 1. Not replacing the oil filter will cause it to clog due to sediment buildup, allowing contaminants to enter the engine directly and accelerating component wear. 2. Replacing only the engine oil without replacing the oil filter will allow contaminants from the old filter to re-enter the fresh oil circulation, rendering the oil change meaningless. The functions of the oil filter are as follows: 1. The oil filter's role is to filter out impurities in the engine oil circulating through the lubrication system. 2. The replacement cycle for the oil filter is approximately 5,000 km. During vehicle use, if mineral oil is used, it should be replaced along with the engine oil. If the filter does not have excessive contaminants, the usage cycle can be considered for extension.

[DiBethany]

As a regular car owner with ten years of daily driving experience, I believe that changing the engine oil and oil filter should be done together. The engine oil lubricates internal engine components, reducing friction and wear, while the oil filter removes impurities and debris from the oil. If you only change the oil without replacing the filter, the accumulated dirt in the old filter will contaminate the fresh oil, causing it to turn black and thicken quickly, significantly reducing its protective effect. I learned this the hard way—once, to save money, I only changed the oil, and within just a few days, the engine noise increased dramatically, and fuel consumption rose. Upon inspection, I found the new oil had already been contaminated by the old filter. Now, during every maintenance session, I insist on replacing both every 5,000 kilometers. The oil filter itself is inexpensive, costing just a few dozen yuan, and saving that small amount could lead to major engine repairs due to increased wear. In dusty or high-temperature driving conditions, the filter is more prone to clogging, so regular synchronized replacement ensures smooth operation and extends the car's lifespan. Additionally, changing both during cold starts makes the car run more smoothly and reduces risks.

[CaliFitz]

From a maintenance technical perspective, changing engine oil and the oil filter must be performed together. The oil filter is responsible for filtering out metal particles and impurities in the oil. If new oil is added to the engine without replacing the old filter, those residues will directly contaminate the new oil, accelerating oil degradation and affecting lubrication performance. Over time, this may increase engine friction and even lead to oil pressure drop failures. I recommend following the manual's recommended intervals for synchronized replacement, typically every 5,000 kilometers or six months. Special circumstances, such as having just replaced the filter recently, can be exceptions but are not ideal. In the long run, changing both together is more efficient and ensures the integrity of the cleaning system. Neglecting the oil filter may shorten oil life, increase fuel consumption risks, and raise maintenance costs, ultimately not saving money. Regularly checking oil levels but insisting on paired replacement operations is a wise practice to avoid turning minor issues into major ones.

[IsaacMarie]

I'm someone who loves doing car maintenance at home, and every time I change the oil, I always replace the oil filter as well. The process is simple and quick: drain the old oil, remove the old filter, install the new filter, and add fresh oil—all in one go. I once tried just changing the oil to save time, but the new oil turned dirty within two weeks, and the oil light flashed, indicating a filtration issue. Since then, I've stuck to replacing both simultaneously, and the engine runs quieter and smoother. Oil filters are inexpensive, and buying a DIY kit costs less than 100 yuan, saving on external repair fees. Performing this routine every 5,000 kilometers protects the engine from impurity buildup and maintains optimal vehicle performance. The only tools needed are a wrench—it's easy to get started, safe, and cost-effective. Making it a regular habit keeps the car running smoothly with fewer issues.