Is it okay to change engine oil without replacing the oil filter?
3 Answers
It is not okay to change engine oil without replacing the oil filter. The method for changing engine oil is: 1. Lift the vehicle, remove the protective plate, and place a container under the oil drain plug; 2. Unscrew the oil drain plug, use an air gun to blow for two minutes at the oil filler port, tighten the oil drain plug after draining, and wipe it with a tissue to check for oil leaks; 3. Reinstall the protective plate, lower the vehicle, and add oil at the filler port. The functions of engine oil are: 1. To alleviate friction and high temperatures; 2. To reduce gas leakage and prevent external pollutants; 3. To prevent contact between water, air, acidic harmful gases, and parts; 4. To buffer the pressure rise at the engine cylinder port; 5. To flush away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts.
It's absolutely not recommended to change the engine oil without replacing the oil filter. Having driven for over a decade, I initially thought it would save trouble, but ended up creating more issues. The filter is full of contaminants left by the old oil, which immediately mix and pollute the new oil once added. Within less than a month, the oil turns black and thickens, and the engine noise increases. Upon inspection, I found increased cylinder wear, and later spent thousands on repairs—costing me more in the end. There's a reason why car manufacturers design the oil filter to be replaced with every oil change: it effectively filters out metal particles and dirt, protecting the engine. Developing the good habit of regular replacements extends your car's lifespan and makes driving much more worry-free. Don't risk big problems to save small money.
As a technician who frequently deals with similar issues, I must emphasize the importance of oil filters. During every oil change, the old filter is saturated with contaminants. If not replaced, these impurities can flow back and contaminate the new oil, compromising lubrication effectiveness, causing unstable oil pressure, and leading to internal engine wear. Over time, this may result in seizure failures and shorten the engine's lifespan. It's strongly recommended to replace the filter simultaneously with oil changes as specified in the maintenance manual. Though inexpensive, this provides strong protection and is a crucial step in basic maintenance. Neglecting it equates to damaging the entire system, reducing both safety and performance. Having your car break down mid-drive due to this oversight would be a major hassle.
