Why Oilfilters need to be Replaced
The engine of a vehicle needs to be lubricated. It helps reduce friction and prevents the engine from overheating. The lubricant that is used is motor oil. As the oil travels through the engine it collects debris, dirt and random particles. The oil filter is used to remove these dangerous items as they cycle through the filter. When the filter gets too many particles the filter clogs and a bypass is created. This quickly causes more wear and tear on the engine than necessary.
It is essential to check yourowners manualto make certain you are using the proper filter and the right oil. Some filters are harder than others to reach and change. So check the manual and assemble all the items needed before you begin the process.
Park the vehicle so the oil drain plug is on the lower end of the oil pan. You may want to jack up the car slightly. Do it safely.
It is a good idea to do a quick warm up of the engine. It shouldn’t be more than three minutes. You don’t want the oil to be too hot.
Locate the large nut or plug under the oil pan. Use a wrench to loosen, not remove the plug.
It is important to collect all the used oil and dispose of it in a proper and legal manner. The catch basin should be big enough to catch all the oil, even if it veers off in another direction. For easier disposal and clean up line the catch basin with a heavy plastic bag. Once the basin is in place it is time to remove the plug and drain the oil. Protect your hands with gloves or a shop rag. Pull away quickly and allow the oil pan to drain.
Locate the oil filter. It looks like a can that is attached to the motor. Refer to the pictures in the manual. An oil filter wrench can help if its too tight. There will be oil in the filter, so be prepared. check for remnants of the old rubber seals that may be on the engine. This needs to be removed with care. Make certain nothing falls into the engine.
Punch a hole in the oil filter so that the oil will drain into the catch basin. When the filter is completely drained it can be wrapped in newspaper and taken to the disposal site.
The gasket that is in place will hold the new filter in place and prevent the filer from leaking. If there is any damage to the gasket replace it. Moisten the gasket with some of the new oil. Turn the filter gently until it is in place. After checking the gasket, do an additional three quarter turn. The goal is a tight fit without crushing the gasket.
Some vehicles come with a gasket around the drain plug. These should be replaced every time the oil is changed. A good rule of thumb is any time the oil is changed, the oil filter and air filter should be replaced. Put the plug back in.
Take all but one quart of the new oil and put it in the oil filter. Use a funnel. Run the engine for about 60 seconds and check for leaks. Watch to see if the gauges begin to respond.
Turn the engine off and wait about 10 minutes. This will give the oil time to run through the filter and settle in the oil pan so it can be checked with the dip stick. Add oil until it reads full.
Thegeneral guidelineis to change the oil at least every 3000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. It is important to keep good records and use the recommended products. Even if someone else does the work, it is important to understand the process.
