Should You Remove the Oil Filter or Drain the Oil First During an Oil Change?
2 Answers
When changing the oil, first drain the oil completely, then remove the oil filter. Standard procedure: Open the vehicle's hood, remove the oil filler cap, then lift the car or drive it onto a service pit. Place an oil drain pan underneath, unscrew the drain plug, and wait for the oil to fully drain. Afterward, remove the oil filter and directly screw on the new one, ensuring the tightness is appropriate. Final steps: Tighten the oil pan drain plug, then begin adding new oil. Fill to the upper limit on the dipstick, start the engine, and let it run for about 5 minutes. Check for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter, then inspect the oil level on the dipstick. Ensure there are no leaks and that the oil level is within the proper range.
I've done oil changes quite a few times. As someone who frequently maintains vehicles, I always instinctively drain the oil before removing the oil filter. The principle is simple: draining the oil through the drain plug hole at the bottom of the car removes most of the old oil, emptying the oil pan. Then, removing the oil filter prevents oil from splashing and dirtying the engine or yourself, as there's still residual oil in the filter. If you reverse the order and remove the oil filter first, oil droplets will spray everywhere, creating a mess! Before installing the new oil filter, I also wipe the connection area to prevent leaks. Remember to use a wrench carefully—simple tools but crucial. Following these steps makes the process smoother, protects the engine, and extends its lifespan. It's recommended to check every 5,000 kilometers, and using high-quality oil is even better.
