What is the method for replacing the oil filter?
3 Answers
Replacing the oil filter involves the following steps: 1. Place a waste oil pan, use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug screw, and drain the old oil; 2. After draining the old oil, open the oil cap, use an oil filter wrench to unscrew the oil filter counterclockwise, and remove the oil filter from the engine compartment; 3. Install a sealing ring at the oil outlet, replace with a new oil filter, and do not overtighten the filter—tighten it 3 to 4 turns with a wrench; 4. Add new oil to the oil tank. The oil filter, also known as the oil cleaner, functions to filter out impurities, gums, and moisture from the oil, delivering clean oil to various lubrication points. To reduce friction between moving parts in the engine and minimize wear, oil is continuously supplied to the friction surfaces of moving components, forming a lubricating oil film for lubrication.
Changing the oil filter is actually quite simple. I usually wait half an hour after the engine is turned off to start the operation, as it's safer when the engine has cooled down a bit. First, crawl under the car and place a pan to catch the used oil, then use a wrench to loosen the drain plug and let the old oil flow out completely. Locate the oil filter position and use a specialized wrench to turn it counterclockwise to remove it, but be careful as sometimes the filter can be stuck very tightly. Before installing the new filter, remember to apply a bit of new oil on the rubber seal for better sealing and to prevent damage when tightening. Tighten it clockwise but not too forcefully – about a quarter turn after hand-tight is sufficient. When adding new oil, I always check around the filter for any leaks. The whole process takes about twenty minutes, and the only thing to be cautious about is wearing gloves to prevent burns. The used oil should be collected in a bottle and taken to a repair shop for recycling. Doing it yourself can save around a hundred bucks, which is much more cost-effective than going to a 4S shop.
When changing the oil filter yourself, I believe the most crucial part is preparing the tools: filter wrench, oil drain pan, new filter, and fresh oil. First, park the car on level ground and engage the parking brake, then wait for the engine to cool down before starting. When draining the old oil, remember to remove the oil pan drain plug and don't forget to inspect the drain plug washer. You might encounter resistance when removing the old filter - gently tapping its edges or wrapping a rubber band around it for extra grip can help. I always mark the replacement date on the filter housing for easy reference during next maintenance. Before installing the new filter, clean the mounting surface thoroughly as residual grime could compromise the seal. After adding new oil, start the engine to check for leaks, then wait a few minutes before checking the dipstick. The most time-consuming part is waiting for all the old oil to drain completely, which typically takes about ten minutes. If the filter is located inside the engine compartment, you may need to remove protective panels for access.
