Is it necessary to replace the oil filter?
2 Answers
The oil filter must be replaced. The replacement method is as follows: 1. Preheat the engine; 2. Use a machine to extract the original oil; 3. Remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one; 4. Add new oil. The oil filter is also known as the oil purifier. Its function is to filter out impurities, gum, and moisture from the oil, delivering clean oil to various lubrication points. The steps to replace the oil filter are: 1. Drain the old oil by placing a waste oil pan and unscrewing the oil drain plug counterclockwise with a wrench to let the old oil drip out; 2. Open the engine oil cap and loosen the oil filter counterclockwise with a filter wrench; 3. Place a sealing ring over the oil outlet and slowly screw the new oil filter into place, tightening it by hand and then using a wrench for an additional 3 to 4 turns; 5. Fill the oil tank with new oil.
When I first bought a car, I didn’t understand the importance of the oil filter and thought changing the engine oil was enough. As a result, I didn’t replace the filter, and within less than 10,000 kilometers, the engine started making loud noises. I had to spend thousands at the repair shop to replace parts. Now I realize the oil filter plays a huge role—it traps contaminants in the oil, including metal particles and dust. If it gets clogged, oil flow is restricted, accelerating engine wear and increasing the risk of overheating. So now, I always replace the filter whenever I change the oil, doing it every 5,000 to 7,500 kilometers or every six months. Skipping the filter is like breathing through a dirty mask—it strains your lungs, and the same goes for your car’s engine. A veteran driver taught me to regularly check the filter’s color; if it’s black or feels heavy, replace it immediately—it saves money and hassle. Car maintenance requires the same attention as caring for a child—don’t cut corners, or you’ll regret it when breakdowns strike.
