Oil filter replacement
Its function is to ensure that the lubricant circulates free of impurities, and replacing it regularly is essential to prevent engine damage.
The oil filter is one of the most important parts of the engine. It helps keep the engine clean and protected by filtering out impurities, metal particles, soot, and combustion residues suspended in the oil before it recirculates.
It prevents premature wear on internal moving parts, ensuring optimal performance and extending the engine’s lifespan. Despite its importance in preventive maintenance, it remains one of the components most often overlooked by drivers.
It should be replaced whenever the engine oil is changed typically at intervals of 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers (or once a year), depending on your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Prepare your car
Park on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Ensure the vehicle is stationary and allow sufficient time for it to cool down.
Locate the oil filter
It is usually found on the engine. Depending on the model, it may be a screw-on metal canister filter or a paper cartridge housed inside a plastic casing. Consult your manual to locate it precisely.
Remove the old filter
Place a container underneath the area where you will be removing it. Unscrew the filter using a wrench. Be careful to avoid oil spills and set the filter aside for recycling.
Prepare the new oil filter
There is a large opening at one end of the filter; pour in oil until it is three quarters full. There is a rubber O-ring around the opening; coat the gasket with oil using your finger.
Install the new oil filter
Once prepared, place the new filter in the same spot where the old one was removed. Tighten it by hand until it is snug, then turn it another quarter to half a turn to ensure it is perfectly secure. Replacing the filter regularly ensures your safety. If you have any doubts, consult a trusted mechanic.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations
Replacing the filter regularly ensures your safety. If you have any doubts, consult a trusted mechanic.
