An oil filter is responsible for removing dirt and particles from a car’s engine oil. It comes in different variations with perks like higher mileage, and regular mileage. They could also be disposable or reusable
Automobile manufacturers recommend that car owners change their oil filters each time the car’s engine oil is replaced. For the average car owner, this is 2 to 6 times yearly. Car owners must change their oil filters to prevent blockage from particles in their engine oil. If that happens, irreversible engine damage might happen.
It is important for every vehicle owner to be able to change their oil filter by themselves so they can save money and time. Here is how to get it done:
Tools Need To Change A Car Oil Filter
- Hand gloves
- Oil filter
- Funnel
- Oil filter wrench
- Small bucket
Warm the Engine
Allow the engine to run for 8 to 10 minutes. This heat from the engine will make the dirt and particles in the engine oil swim around instead of being static. Warm engine oil has a thicker consistency than cold engine oil so it aids in the quicker draining of dirt.
Do not leave the engine on for too long to avoid likely burns from the oil while draining it.
Prepare yourself
Safety is key to the success of this procedure. Make sure that you wear thick hand gloves before you begin handling the engine oil. For extra precaution, put a small bucket under the oil sump plug to take in the old oil while it drains.
Drain the Engine Oil
Use a wrench to loosen the sump plug then completely unknot and remove it using your hand. Start draining the oil immediately after that is done. Once you have ascertained that the old engine oil is completely drained, put the sump plug back in and knot it in with the wrench and your hand.
Replace the Oil Filter
It is time to change the filter. Do this by using the wrench to remove the old filter. Apply lubricant to the new filter by adding fresh engine oil to the seal. Put the new filter into place with your hand.
Replace Engine Oil
Open the bonnet of the car to add fresh engine oil. It is important any leakage is found at this stage. Start the car and let it run for 10 minutes to spot leaks. If you spot a leak, stop the engine to examine it. If you cannot fix it by yourself, reach out to your mechanic.
Always check the car’s oil level before you drive it, especially after an oil filter change. If the level is correct, it means that your oil filter change is complete.
Share this with car owners to help them save some money and take care of their cars.
