Should the Oil Filter Be Replaced When Changing Engine Oil?
4 Answers
When changing engine oil, it is necessary to replace the oil filter. The method for changing engine oil is as follows: 1. Lift the vehicle, remove the undercover, and place a container beneath the oil drain plug; 2. Loosen the oil drain plug, use an air gun to blow for two minutes at the oil filler port, then tighten the oil drain plug after draining and wipe it with a tissue to check for leaks; 3. Reinstall the undercover and lower the vehicle, then add new oil through the filler port. Precautions for changing engine oil: 1. Perform the change when the engine is warm to ensure the old oil is thoroughly drained; 2. Add the new oil and ensure the amount is appropriate; 3. After adding the oil, start the engine and check all components for leaks. Run the engine for 3 minutes to confirm the oil level reaches the normal mark.
When changing the engine oil, it's best to replace the oil filter as well. In my over ten years of driving, I've never skipped replacing the oil filter during maintenance. The oil filter, or oil cleaner, is specifically designed to trap dust and metal particles in the oil. Over time, it gets clogged with dirt. If you only change the oil but not the filter, the old filter will contaminate the new oil and affect lubrication. It's like putting on new clothes but wearing an old coat over them—they'll get dirty right away. The last time I only changed the oil and not the filter, after a week, the engine noise became louder, and upon checking, the oil had turned black again. Later, I had to spend more money cleaning the oil passages. Remember, oil filters are not expensive, usually costing just a few dozen yuan. The oil change interval is every 5,000 kilometers or six months, and doing both at the same time is the most hassle-free approach. This reduces engine wear and can extend its lifespan by several years.
As a novice driver, I initially didn't understand why changing the oil required replacing the oil filter, but I learned the reason later. The oil filter removes impurities from the oil; if you don't replace it, the debris trapped in the old filter will contaminate the new oil, rendering it ineffective at protecting the engine. I once tried to save money by only changing the oil, but my car's fuel consumption increased, and minor wear was detected. The mechanic advised me to always replace the filter along with the oil because a failing filter causes the new oil to get dirty faster, shortening its lifespan. Now, during my biannual maintenance, I make sure to replace both—it only costs a little extra, but the engine runs much smoother. In the long run, this prevents major repairs, such as engine overheating or damage, which would be far more expensive.
Changing the oil filter along with the oil is standard practice. After prolonged filtration of impurities, the oil filter's efficiency declines, and new oil flowing through it can become contaminated again. This affects lubrication performance and may accelerate engine wear. I always recommend synchronizing both during maintenance, such as replacing them every 5,000 kilometers for most vehicle models. If not synchronized, oil pressure may become unstable, leading to increased component wear. To ensure smooth vehicle operation, don't skimp on the cost of the filter.
