What is the method for removing an oil filter?
2 Answers
The method for replacing an oil filter is as follows: 1. Drain the old oil by placing an oil drain pan underneath and using a wrench to loosen the drain plug screw counterclockwise, allowing the old oil to drip out; 2. Remove the oil filter after the old oil has been completely drained, open the engine oil cap, and use an oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter counterclockwise, then unscrew the oil filter from the engine compartment; 3. Reinstall the oil filter by first placing a sealing ring over the oil outlet, then slowly screwing the new oil filter into place. Do not overtighten the oil filter—generally, hand-tighten it first, then use a wrench to tighten it an additional 3 to 4 turns; 4. Finally, add new oil to the engine oil tank.
I often do car maintenance myself, and changing the oil filter requires proper preparation. First, wait until the engine has completely cooled down—working on a hot engine can burn your hands. Place a pan under the filter to catch the old oil that leaks out, otherwise, it’ll make a mess that’s hard to clean up. An oil filter wrench is a must—choose between a socket-type, chain-type, or three-claw wrench based on your car’s filter model. I usually start by fitting the wrench and turning it counterclockwise slowly. If it’s too tight, I gently tap the wrench handle with a rubber mallet—never force it. Once loosened, I unscrew it by hand, letting the old oil drain into the pan. After removing the filter, I clean the mounting surface thoroughly to prevent leaks when installing the new one. The whole process requires care and patience. Doing it yourself not only saves on repair costs but also helps you understand your beloved car better.
