Do You Need to Lift the Car to Replace the Oil Filter?
4 Answers
Replacing the oil filter requires lifting the car. The oil filter is designed to remove debris, gum, and moisture from the engine oil, delivering clean oil to various lubrication points. To reduce friction between moving engine components and minimize wear, oil is continuously supplied to the friction surfaces, forming a lubricating film. The steps for replacing the oil are as follows: 1. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature. Then, use a jack to lift the vehicle, engage the handbrake, and secure the front wheels with wooden wedges. 2. Drain the oil. Locate the oil drain plug underneath the vehicle, unscrew it, and allow the oil to flow out. Observe the oil color—normal oil should be translucent, while blackened oil indicates the need for immediate replacement. 3. Unscrew the oil filter. Once the oil flow slows, remove the oil filter for secondary drainage. Removing the filter can be challenging and requires a specialized filter wrench. Ensure all residual oil in the compartment drains completely. 4. After all the oil has drained, replace the oil filter. Use the filter wrench to install the new filter, tighten it, then securely fasten the drain plug. Finally, lower the vehicle.
Changing the oil filter does usually require lifting the car, as I remember encountering this issue last time I did an oil change myself. The filter is typically installed next to or underneath the engine, in a very tight space—especially for sedans with low ground clearance. Trying to crawl under directly can strain your back and might even get you splashed with oil. I used a household jack to safely lift both sides of the car, ensuring stability before sliding underneath to remove and install the filter. Some folks opt for ramp tools instead, but you’ve got to watch out for slipping risks. During routine maintenance, don’t forget to check other oil line connections, since filter replacement is part of regular upkeep—roughly every 5,000 miles. DIY saves money but takes effort, especially with larger SUVs. Safety first—don’t skip steps.
As a frequent driver, I believe it's best to lift the car when changing the oil filter for practical convenience. For example, with my compact car, the chassis is very close to the ground, making it impossible to reach and unscrew the filter housing without lifting it, and it also gets clothes dirty. At repair shops, they simply use a lift to raise the car, saving time and effort. If you prefer DIY, you can use wheel ramps to elevate the front wheels or a jack to steadily lift the suspension points. The filter location varies by vehicle: SUVs might have it higher up for easier access, but compact cars definitely need lifting. A quick reminder—drain the old oil first and check the oil pan for any signs of leakage to prevent future engine issues and ensure driving safety.
Simply put, changing the oil filter usually requires lifting the car because the filter is located underneath the vehicle near the bottom of the engine, and there's not enough space to work without raising it. I've tried doing it without lifting the car, and it was a huge hassle with oil leaking everywhere. You can use a jack tool to lift it, just make sure it's stable to prevent slipping and causing injury. The exact position varies by car, so remember to do it during regular maintenance.
