What filter do you change with oil change?
As a car owner, understanding the maintenance needs of your vehicle is crucial for its longevity and performance. One of the most common services performed is the oil change, which often involves changing a specific filter. In this article, we will explore the filter that should be changed during an oil change and why it is essential for your vehicle's health.
The Importance of the Oil Filter
When you change your oil, it is vital to also change the oil filter. The oil filter plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of your engine. Here’s why changing the oil filter is important:
- Removes Contaminants: The oil filter traps dirt, debris, and other contaminants that accumulate in the engine oil over time. If not changed, these contaminants can circulate back into the engine, causing wear and tear.
- Ensures Proper Lubrication: A clean oil filter allows for better oil flow, ensuring that all engine components receive adequate lubrication. This helps prevent overheating and reduces friction.
- Extends Engine Life: Regularly changing the oil filter along with the oil can significantly extend the life of your engine by preventing damage caused by dirty oil.
Steps to Change the Oil Filter
Changing the oil filter is a straightforward process that can be done during an oil change. Here are the steps to follow:
- Gather your tools: You'll need an oil filter wrench, a new oil filter, and a drain pan.
- Locate the oil filter: Depending on your vehicle, the oil filter may be located on the side or bottom of the engine.
- Remove the old oil filter: Use the oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter. Be prepared for some oil to spill out, so have your drain pan ready.
- Prepare the new oil filter: Before installing the new filter, apply a little new oil to the rubber gasket on the top of the filter. This helps create a better seal.
- Install the new oil filter: Screw the new filter into place by hand until it is snug, then give it a slight turn with the wrench to secure it.
- Complete the oil change: After replacing the oil filter, proceed with draining the old oil and adding new oil to your engine.
Conclusion
Changing the oil filter during an oil change is a critical step in maintaining your vehicle's engine health. By ensuring that your oil filter is clean and functioning properly, you can help extend the life of your engine and improve its performance. Regular maintenance, including oil and filter changes, is key to keeping your car running smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to change the filter with every oil change?
You MUST a change the oil filter every time, yes.
Do oil change places change cabin air filter?
Choose Your Local Jiffy Lube
When you suspect your vehicle needs a cabin air filter replacement, visit your local Jiffy Lube®. A trained professional will remove and inspect your cabin air filter and — if necessary and with your approval — will replace it with a new, clean filter.
Can you use the same filter after an oil change?
No! Since the old filter already has dirt particles in it, it's resistance to oil flow will be higher, meaning it will eventually stop up as it catches more contaminants and then the bypass valve will open...so the oil will no longer be filtered.
Is it OK to change oil but not filter?
While technically you don't have to get the oil filter changed with every oil replacement, it is still a good idea. The oil filter keeps the oil in your engine clear of larger contaminants and replacing it at the same time that you get an oil change makes sure that everything can run smoothly.
What oil filter should I use with synthetic oil?
You will want to check with your vehicle's manufacturer to make sure, but typically any automotive filters that are made for modern vehicles can be used with any type of oil. Every major motor oil manufacturer says you do not need a special or different oil filter when using synthetic oil.
What filters get changed in a service?
The service will also include changes to engine oil, oil filters, and air filters. During a full service, a mechanic will analyse all the vital parts of the car, along with the safety and mechanical systems.
What filters get changed during an oil change?
These are the:
- Air filter.
- Oil filter.
- Cabin filter.
Is air filter change with oil change?
In general, you should change your cabin air filter when you get an oil change. That's every six to 12 months depending on how much you drive, where you drive, and your vehicle's year, make, and model.
What usually comes with an oil change?
What Is Included in a Full-Service Oil Change? When you get a full-service change, an auto technician will change your car's motor oil with the type that it needs, which could be conventional, synthetic, synthetic blend, or high-mileage oil. You'll also have your used oil and oil filter replaced and recycled.
When to change air filter in car?
It's recommended that you replace your car's air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you drive in dusty conditions or on dirt roads frequently, it's best to check more often as this will increase the amount of debris entering into the engine.