Maintaining your car’s engine is a bit like taking care of your own health.
Just as you visit the doctor for check-ups and follow a balanced diet to stay fit, your vehicle’s engine needs regular attention to run smoothly and efficiently.
A crucial aspect of engine maintenance is changing the oil filter.
In this article, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of when and how to change your car’s oil filter, ensuring your engine remains in peak condition.
When is the right time for an oil filter change?
Your driving patterns, the kind of oil you use and the make and model of your vehicle all affect how often you should replace the oil filter.
On the advice of sparepartstore24.co.uk the oil filter should be kept clean and the oil changed every 3,000 miles or 5,000 miles.
However, modern vehicles and high-quality synthetic oils can extend these intervals, but regardless of your schedule, always remember to replace the oil filter during every oil change.
Investing in a top-notch oil filter can significantly contribute to your engine’s well-being.
A DIY guide to changing your oil filter
Changing the oil filter may seem daunting, but it’s a manageable task that many car owners take on themselves.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change your oil filter, demystifying the process:
1. Collect your supplies
You’ll need an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, a new oil filter, a funnel and a socket wrench.
2. Set the stage
Make sure your vehicle is in gear (for manual transmissions) or “Park” (for automatic transmissions) and engage the parking brake.
3. Locate the oil filter
Your car’s oil filter can usually be found underneath the engine.
4. Drain the old oil
Place the drain pan under the oil pan, remove the drain plug and allow the old oil to flow into the pan. This step minimises the mess when you remove the old oil filter.
5. Remove the old oil filter
Using an oil filter wrench, carefully unscrew the old oil filter in a anti-clockwise direction.
6. Prepare the new oil filter
Make sure to gently oil the rubber gasket on top of the new oil filter before installing it. That way, you know the seal is tight.
7. Install the new oil filter
Install the replacement oil filter on the engine by turning the screw clockwise. Turn the oil filter wrench a quarter turn after you’ve tightened it by hand.
8. Refill with fresh oil
Replace the old oil with the specified quantity of new oil using a funnel and the oil filler cap.
9. Check the oil level
Use the dipstick to see whether the oil level needs to be replenished, and do so.
10. Get rid of the used oil and filter
Properly dispose of the old oil and filter at a recycling centre or a car shop.
Wrapping up
Understanding when and how to change your car’s oil filter is a crucial part of engine maintenance.
By following these straightforward steps and paying attention to your filter’s condition, you can ensure that your car’s engine remains healthy and efficient.
