How Often Should the Engine Oil Filter Be Replaced?
3 Answers
The engine oil filter should be replaced every 5,000 kilometers, the air filter every 15,000 kilometers, and the cabin air filter every 20,000 kilometers. Additional details about filters are as follows: 1. The engine oil filter removes harmful impurities from the oil, ensuring clean oil is supplied to moving parts such as the crankshaft, connecting rod, camshaft, turbocharger, and piston rings, providing lubrication, cooling, and cleaning functions, thereby extending the lifespan of these components. 2. The cabin air filter ensures that the air entering the car's air conditioning system is filtered. If not replaced regularly, impurities can lead to odors and mold entering the vehicle. 3. The air filter primarily prevents dust and particles from being sucked into the engine during the intake process. Excessive or insufficient air impurities can affect combustion efficiency, leading to issues such as engine carbon buildup.
I always replace the oil filter along with the regular oil change, every 8,000 kilometers or six months, which suits my city driving habits. In the city, there's a lot of traffic congestion, frequent engine start-stop cycles, and the oil tends to accumulate dust and carbon particles. A clogged oil filter increases pressure and can damage the lubrication system. Once, I delayed the change until 10,000 kilometers, and the engine noise became louder with sluggish acceleration. At the repair shop, the filter was found almost completely black, nearly ruining the turbocharger, costing me a fortune. Now, I stick to replacing both during the oil maintenance period—it's convenient and cost-effective. I recommend adjusting the frequency based on driving conditions, such as more frequent changes for long-distance trips or dusty roads. Regular maintenance extends engine life, improves fuel efficiency, and offers peace of mind with a small investment, keeping the car running smoothly.
I determine the oil filter replacement interval based on actual road conditions. Having driven various car models, I generally change the oil filter every 10,000 km. But if frequently driving on dusty rural dirt roads, I'll advance it to 7,000 km. The key is monitoring the oil condition - if the oil is clean, the filter can wait. DIY replacement is simple: just buy a compatible filter and unscrew the old one, saving both time and money. A dirty filter accelerates engine wear, increases fuel consumption and noise - the gains don't outweigh the losses. New cars using synthetic oil can extend the interval slightly, but older vehicles should stick to more frequent changes. Regular filter replacement protects core components, ensuring smoother operation with fewer breakdowns and more controllable maintenance costs.
