How to Change an Oil Filter

The oil filter should be changed every time the oil is changed. If you are lucky or have strong hands, you can even loosen the oil filter by hand. Of course, only if the oil filter is not burned onto the engine block.

Safety first

  • Be careful when removing the oil filter, as it may still be full of old, hot oil.
  • Oil and heat resistant gloves are recommended.
  • You should place a clean cloth under and around the oil filter. This will catch any oil that may spill when the filter is removed.
  • Throughout the whole job, take extra care to avoid getting any dirt into the engine through the oil filler.

Removing the old oil filter

  • If your hand is strong, you can loosen the old oil filter even with your hands. This is the easiest and quickest method if the oil filter is not burnt onto the engine blocks.
  • Unfortunately, in most cases, manual unscrewing of the oil filter is not possible. In this case, oil filter pliers must be used.
  • Loosen the oil filter with the oil filter pliers. Usually, after a quarter of a turn, the filter can be easily removed by hand.
  • Once removed, wipe the immediate area around the oil filter clean. It is important that the rubber ring area is also clean and free of dirt.

Installing a new oil filter

  • Remove the new oil filter from its packaging. If not pre-lubricated at the factory, apply a few drops of fresh engine oil to the rubber ring. The rubber ring area on the engine block also deserves a few drops of fresh oil. This prevents it from wrinkling in contact with the engine block and makes it easier to loosen at the next oil change.
  • Carefully screw on the new filter until it hits, but no further.
  • On the oil filter box, and often on the oil filter itself, it is indicated how much tightening is required after the rubber ring meets the engine block to ensure a perfect seal.
  • Screw the new oil filter into place by hand.
  • And we are ready. A new oil filter has replaced the old one.

 

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