Engine oil is crucial for your car's moving parts because it helps lubricate those mechanical components, keeping them cool and free from debris. The oil absorbs dirt, metal fragments, and combustion by-products, carrying them to the engine oil filter, where they get captured and prevented from reaching the rest of the car's engine.
Over time, foreign materials can accumulate, hindering even the most effective engine oil filter kits from functioning properly. In such cases, the oil system's built-in filter bypass mechanism kicks in, bypassing the clogged filter. As a result, the engine's moving parts might encounter heated oil contaminated with foreign substances and dirt, a situation you'd want to avoid.
When foreign material contaminates the oil due to a dirty, clogged engine oil filter, it fails to reach essential engine components needed for lubrication. This leads to increased wear and tear through metal-to-metal contact between moving parts, potentially causing overheating and component failure, which could stop the engine from running.
Changing the engine oil filter at appropriate intervals can prevent this issue and avoid costly engine replacements.
Why You Need to Regularly Change Car Engine Oil Filters?
It's crucial to change your car's engine oil filter whenever you replace the engine oil to maintain engine efficiency and longevity. This maintenance task is essential for effectively filtering out contaminants and preserving engine health.
Here are the Steps to Change Your Car's Engine Oil Filter:
Prepare for the Task
Place a drain pan under the oil drain plug.
Ensure the engine is off, and the car is parked on a level surface with the parking brake engaged.
If the engine is hot, wait for thirty minutes before beginning the process.
Drain the Oil
Unscrew the oil drain plug counterclockwise to allow the oil to drain. Oil will start flowing as soon as you remove these, so pull your hand back quickly after unscrewing the cap.
Use disposable gloves to avoid oil contact.
Replace the Oil Drain Plug
Once the oil has completely drained, carefully re-screw the oil drain plug without cross-threading it.
Locate the Engine Oil Filter
You'll find the engine oil filter on the engine block. If you can't easily locate it, refer to the owner's manual for guidance.
Position the Drain Pan
Place the drain pan directly under the engine oil filter to catch any spills. Use old newspapers or paper bags under and around the drain pan to catch any stray oil drops.
Remove the Engine Oil Filter
Grab the filter, twist it, and remove it by hand. Alternatively, use an oil filter removal tool and turn it counterclockwise if it's stuck.
Expect some additional oil to drain out during removal.
Clean the Filter's Surface
Use a clean cloth to wipe off the mounting surface.
Lubricate the Gasket
Before installing the new filter, lubricate the gasket or rubber O-ring with fresh motor oil. This step ensures a tight fit for the new filter without the risk of over-tightening, reducing friction.
Install the New Engine Oil Filter
Hand-tighten the new engine oil filter until it snugly fits against the engine block, avoiding excessive force. Don't over-tighten it.
Add Fresh Engine Oil
Use a clean funnel to pour the correct new oil into the engine.
Check for Leaks
After completing the task, monitor the oil level, engine oil filter, and oil drain plug for any signs of leaks in the following days.