How Often Should I Change an Oil Filter?
As a car owner, you probably know that changing your engine oil regularly is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. But what about the oil filter? How often should you change it? In this article, we'll explore the factors that influence oil filter lifespan and help you determine the right time to change your oil filter.
First, let's start with the basics: what does an oil filter do, and why is it important?
What does an oil filter do?
The oil filter is a critical component in your vehicle's engine. Over time, the motor oil accumulates dirt, debris, and other contaminants, which can cause damage to the engine's internal components. The oil filter works to remove such contaminants from the engine oil. This ensures that the oil flows freely and efficiently lubricates the engine's internal components, which is vital for maintaining the overall performance and health of your vehicle.
Why is it important to change your oil filter?
Over its service life, the filter media inside the oil filter becomes saturated with contaminants, reducing its ability to effectively filter the oil. If left unchanged, the filter will continue to allow oil to pass through, but its ability to clean the oil of dirt and other debris will allow contaminants to flow through the engine oil causing performance and durability problems.
That's why it's crucial to change your oil filter regularly. Several factors can influence how long an oil filter lasts. These include:
- Driving conditions: If you frequently drive off-road or in dusty rural environments, your oil filter will have to work harder to remove contaminants from the oil, so it requires more frequent changes than a filter operating under normal conditions.
- Type of filter: There are two main types of oil filters: cartridge and spin-on filters. Some oil filters have a longer lifespan than others, depending on their design and construction. They also offer varying levels of filtration efficiency and durability.
- Type of oil: The type of engine oil you use can also impact your oil filter's lifespan. Synthetic oils, for example, tend to hold contaminants in suspension better than conventional oils, which can extend the oil and the filter's lifespan.
- Vehicle make and model: Some vehicles' oil distribution systems have different oil flow characteristics, or are designed to be more efficient than others. Any of these changes can impact or extend your filter's lifespan.
How often should you change your oil filter?
In general, it is recommended to change your oil filter every time the oil is changed. This prevents the possibility of getting contaminants from an older oil filter into new oil. If you frequently drive in dusty or dirty environments, you may need to change your oil filter more frequently. On the other hand, if you primarily drive on the highway or in clean conditions, you may be able to extend the filter's lifespan.
To determine the right time to change your oil filter, you can also check your vehicle's owner's manual or consult with a trusted mechanic. They can advise you on the best oil filter for your vehicle and recommend a maintenance schedule that takes into account your driving habits and the specific needs of your car.
Replacing the oil filter is a fairly easy task that you can do yourself. Here is a guide that will teach you how to change your oil filter.
Benefits of changing your oil filter
Changing your oil filter regularly offers several benefits, including:
1. Protecting your engine: A clean oil filter ensures that the engine oil is free of contaminants, protecting the engine's internal components and extending its lifespan.
2. Improving engine performance: Clean oil and a clean oil filter can improve engine performance, helping your car run more smoothly and efficiently.
3. Preventing breakdowns: A clogged oil filter can reduce oil pressure, leading to engine damage and potentially expensive repairs.
4. Saving money: Regularly changing your oil filter can help you avoid costly engine repairs and extend the lifespan of your vehicle.
Maximize Engine Performance with FRAM
FRAM offers a wide range of oil filters for all types of vehicle models and driving conditions. In addition, most FRAM filters are designed with a silicone anti-drain back valve. This valve prevents the oil from draining out of the filter and back into the engine when the car is turned off, reducing engine wear at startup. FRAM filters also use a high-density filter media that captures and holds more contaminants than standard filters, ensuring that the oil flowing through your engine is clean and effective at lubricating internal components. Trust FRAM to deliver reliable and high-quality oil filters that safeguard your engine's longevity and performance.
Questions? We're here to help. Reach out the FRAM specialists for product and maintenance support.
FAQs
Usually, your car owner's manual book would be the best guide to tell you how often you should change your oil filter. Many oil and parts manufacturers would advise that you replace your oil filter every time you change oil, which usually occurs every three months or 3,000 miles (depending on which comes first).
How often should you change your oil filter? ›
In general, most newer vehicles are designed to run on 6,000 or 7,500-mile cycles for oil changes (the old 3,000-mile cycle is a myth in terms of newer vehicles). Most mechanics agree that it's just a smart idea to have the filter swapped out every time you take your car in for an oil change.
How long before an oil filter goes bad? ›
Changing the oil filter every other oil change, or approximately every 3,000 – 10,000 miles, is a traditional guideline.
How often should you change your oil quizlet? ›
You should change your motor oil every three months or 3,000 miles, or whenever the oil level falls below the recommended level. Determine the amount of motor oil in your car by checking the oil level at the bottom of the dipstick.
How often must you check your oil filter miles? ›
For most cars, the oil filter change interval will be between 5,000 and 7,500 miles, and it should be changed once per year regardless of mileage.
How long is an oil filter good for? ›
In general, it is recommended to change your oil filter every time the oil is changed.
Is it okay to change oil but not filter? ›
While you can top off your engine oil if the existing filter is still good, it's not recommended to ignore an old filter and simply replace only the engine oil. Over time, filters become clogged with contaminants and debris that can damage your engine if left unchecked.
What are the signs of a dirty oil filter? ›
Here are 7 signs of a clogged filter you can check for if you suspect that might be the problem with your vehicle.
- Low oil pressure. Can a clogged oil filter cause low pressure? ...
- Sputtering engine. ...
- Overheating. ...
- A knocking sound in the engine. ...
- Dark exhaust fumes. ...
- Poor overall engine performance. ...
- Crackling noises.
Cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes. Continue reading to learn more about oil changes or skip to scheduling your oil change right here on our website.
How often should you change the oil and oil filter in your vehicle driver's ed? ›
Oil Change Schedule
You should generally change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or once a year.
To keep your engine in prime condition, make sure you're getting your oil changed every 3 months or 3,000 5,000 miles. Car maintenance doesn't take all that much time out of your day, but will help keep your car in good and engine in condition!
What's the longest you should go between oil changes? ›
How Often Should You Change Your Oil? In the past, cars typically needed an oil change every 3,000 miles, but modern lubricants now allow for a much longer interval between services — from 5,000 to 7,500 miles and even up to 15,000 miles if your car uses full-synthetic motor oil.
Can you really go 10,000 miles with synthetic oil? ›
In general, though, modern cars can manage 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. If your vehicle calls for a blended or full synthetic oil, you can push that to 10,000 miles.
Can fully synthetic oil last 2 years? ›
Most synthetic oils are rated to last between 10,000 to 15,000 miles, or six months to a year. Manufacturer recommended ratings are typically applied to "normal driving," and don't reflect severe driving conditions that may require more frequent oil changes.
Can I just add oil to my car? ›
Topping off the oil in your car is one way to avoid a conventional oil change (or any other kind of oil change). There is only one time this is a good idea, and that's when your oil is very low and you need to get to your auto shop right away. Other than that, it's best not to cut this particular corner.
Is it OK to not change oil filter? ›
Neglecting oil filter changes can wreak havoc on your ride. For a quick and easy way to help ensure your vehicle's engine remains in good health, stop by your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a full-service oil change.
Can an oil filter last 10,000 miles? ›
Original Equipment from the Manufacturer
BMW is just one of the many manufacturers choosing this option, and the OEM filters they supply to dealerships and approved repair shops last 10,000 miles or more as a standard feature.
Can I use the same oil filter twice? ›
Disposable oil filters are not designed to last for more than one oil change. Almost all disposable oil filters will get clogged before they make it to the second change. They're meant to be used only once. Reusing a disposable oil filter from the previous oil change may cause a lot of damage.
How long can you go without an oil and filter change? ›
However, engine technology has improved greatly over the years. Due to this, cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes.
