Changing the oil filter

Can I change the oil filter myself?

Changing the oil filter is not particularly difficult. However, you”ll have to crawl under the car to change the oil filter and engine oil, and you”ll probably get pretty dirty in the process. So if you know little about cars or are mildly claustrophobic and don”t like crawling under cars, you should take your car to a service center for a filter and oil change.

What should you pay attention to when changing the oil filter?

When changing the oil filter, you need to pay attention to two things: The old oil must be collected and disposed of properly. In no case should it be simply thrown away! This would violate the law on environmental protection. In addition, before buying a new oil, you must read your car”s owner”s manual to find out what viscosity the oil must have for your car. It varies from car to car. When buying an oil filter, you also need to make sure it matches your car model, as there are differences here too.

Why is it important to replace the oil filter?

Changing the oil filter The oil filter has the task of filtering dirt particles such as dust or metal residues found in the oil. After a while, more and more dirt particles are deposited, so that the filter can no longer work properly. In the worst case, the bypass valve is opened to keep the engine supplied with oil. However, it now enters the engine unfiltered, so it is increasingly polluted with dirt particles, which leads to engine wear and lower engine performance. Changing the oil filter is relatively inexpensive compared to changing the oil, so it should simply be done with every oil change.

What preparations should be made before changing the oil filter?

The car should be slightly warm when changing the oil and oil filter to make the oil more fluid. Therefore, you should run the engine for a few minutes before changing the oil filter.

What tools and materials are needed to change the oil filter?

To change the oil filter, you need a suitable wrench (usually a size 17 or 19 socket wrench), as well as a right-hand ratchet, a proper oil filter wrench, and a cloth or kitchen towel to wipe off the oil residue. In addition, there is, of course, the right oil filter and engine oil of the appropriate viscosity.