Is It Okay to Replace the Oil Filter Every Other Oil Change?

[Camille]

Replacing the oil filter every other oil change is not ideal for your vehicle. After driving a certain number of kilometers, the oil filter accumulates a significant amount of debris. If you add new oil without replacing the filter, it can quickly contaminate the fresh oil. Therefore, it's best to replace the oil filter each time you change the oil. Additionally, in most cases, the oil filter should be replaced every 5,000 kilometers. However, vehicles using high-quality, long-life oil may extend this interval to 8,000-10,000 kilometers or even more.

[McRyan]

I've seen some friends asking whether they can change the oil filter every other oil change. Honestly, with over 30 years of car ownership experience, I can say it's really not worth saving that little money. When I was younger, I also skipped changing the filter during oil changes to cut corners. The result? The filter got clogged, oil circulation was poor, and the engine overheated once, costing me over 5,000 yuan in major repairs—a total disaster. You should replace the oil filter with every oil change because it's specifically designed to filter out metal particles and impurities from the oil. Over time, too much buildup can actually reduce the oil's cleanliness, accelerate engine wear, and even leave your car unable to run smoothly. Remember, maintenance is like taking care of your health—skimping on small costs leads to big troubles. My habit now is to strictly follow the manual and never cut corners.

[RuthRose]

If you're trying to save some money by changing the oil filter every other oil change, I've tried it but regretted it. Back when my old car had high mileage, skipping the filter change noticeably increased fuel consumption, and the engine shook so badly it was scary. Upon inspection, I found the oil turned black much faster, with dirt clogging the filter, which could even worsen piston ring sealing. Crunching the numbers, a filter costs just a few dozen bucks at most—it's so convenient to replace it during an oil change. But if problems arise, repair costs can easily exceed a thousand. So don't cut corners on this small saving; safety comes first. It's much wiser to replace the filter with every oil change. Especially when driving on highways—imagine how dangerous an engine stall could be.

[Alivia]

Not replacing the oil filter during an oil change poses significant risks. The filter is designed to last only one oil change cycle. Using it for two cycles allows more contaminants to accumulate in the oil. When the filter becomes clogged, oil pressure drops, leading to insufficient engine lubrication, which can cause cylinder scuffing or carbon buildup. Saving a few dozen bucks might seem like a good idea, but it can result in much higher repair costs later. Replacing the filter during an oil change also saves time and is the best way to ensure optimal vehicle performance.