How Often Should the Oil Filter Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Oil filter should be replaced every 5,000 kilometers or every six months. Oil Filter: The oil filter, also known as the oil cleaner, filters out impurities, gum, and moisture from the oil, delivering clean oil to various lubrication points. It should be replaced regularly and on time. Function of the Oil Filter: The oil filter can purify the engine oil. As the oil circulates within the engine, it inevitably picks up some impurities and particles. The oil filter removes these contaminants from the oil. Without an oil filter, particles in the oil would continuously circulate within the engine, accelerating engine wear. The oil filter maintains the cleanliness of the oil, ensuring it provides adequate lubrication to the engine. This affects the oil change interval. Prolonged failure to change the oil can increase engine wear. Therefore, the oil filter must be replaced every time the oil is changed.
I recommend changing the oil filter along with the oil, typically every six months or every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers, depending on your driving habits and environment. For someone like me who often gets stuck in city traffic with lots of dust, the filter clogs up faster, so I change it more frequently, around every 5,000 kilometers. A clogged filter restricts oil flow, leading to insufficient lubrication of engine components, which accelerates wear and can even cause overheating and damage. You can check it yourself—if the oil looks very black when you unscrew the oil cap or the filter appears dirty, it's time for a replacement. The filter is inexpensive, just a few dozen yuan each, and if you're handy, replacing it yourself is simple and saves on labor costs. Sticking to this frequency keeps the engine running smoothly for longer and avoids much higher repair costs down the line if problems escalate.
