What is the method for removing the oil filter?
3 Answers
The method for removing the oil filter is as follows: 1. Place the lift arms at the jacking points under the vehicle chassis and lift the vehicle; 2. Locate the oil filter position under the chassis; 3. Use an oil filter socket tool to secure the oil filter and tighten it with an iron rod; 4. Loosen the oil filter with a quick wrench or breaker bar by applying force counterclockwise; 5. Remove the socket, twist the oil filter by hand, and after the oil has drained, remove the oil filter completely. The replacement interval for the oil filter varies depending on the type of oil used: 1. For mineral oil, replace every 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers or every six months; 2. For semi-synthetic oil, replace every 5,000 to 6,000 kilometers or every six months; 3. For full synthetic oil, replace every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every eight months.
Removing the oil filter sounds simple, but I've had my share of struggles. Here are some tips: Make sure the engine is off and completely cooled to avoid burns or oil splashing. Use the right filter wrench to grip the old filter and turn it counterclockwise. If it's rusted, try penetrating oil or apply more force. Once loosened, oil will drain out—use a towel to catch it and clean the mounting base to prevent dust buildup. Apply a bit of fresh oil to the new filter's rubber gasket for lubrication and sealing. Align and screw it back clockwise, but don't over-tighten to avoid damaging it—I once overtightened and caused a leak. After installation, add new oil, start the engine, and check for leaks to finish. Regularly changing the filter yourself saves money and deepens your car knowledge. It takes about 20 minutes each time and helps prevent major repair costs—worth practicing a few times to get the hang of it.
I started learning to replace oil filters from scratch through trial and error: After parking and turning off the engine, wait for it to cool down to protect yourself. Prepare a filter wrench or universal tool to loosen the old filter counterclockwise without spilling oil everywhere. After removal, thoroughly clean the mounting surface to ensure no oil residue or debris remains for proper sealing of the new filter. Apply a thin layer of fresh oil to lubricate the new filter's rubber gasket before carefully installing and tightening it with moderate force—no need to overtighten. After adding new oil, run the engine for a few minutes to check for leaks. As a beginner, I recommend starting with simpler car models, wearing gloves for safety, and not rushing to avoid mistakes like forgetting to oil the gasket—which wastes time and resources. After several practices, my confidence grew, allowing me to independently handle various minor maintenance tasks easily and reliably.
