How to Replace an Oil Filter
Oil changes may seem cheap, but if you calculate the cost of every oil change you’ve had at a gas station or a garage, you’ll have big savings if you do it on your own. Changing your oil filter may sound to be a job for a gasoline station attendant or a professional mechanic, but you can replace this component in the comfort of your own garage. With the right tools and steps, you can replace your oil filter in - literally - a snap.
Tools
Replacement oil filter. Make sure that the oil filter is of the same size and specifications as the original oil filter installed in your car.
Oil filter wrench. An oil filter wrench is an adjustable strap or loop with a handle, and is made either from plastic or chain. A cheap oil filter wrench may save you a few dollars, but it will not give you the necessary leverage to remove the oil filter from the socket.
Steps
Changing your oil filter is part of an oil change. Drain all the oil from the vehicle before replacing the oil filter. Wait for the oil to drain completely before changing the oil filter.
oil filter
Lift up the car on jacks or axle stands.
The oil filter is found underneath the car, and looks like a round tin can. Check to see if you can remove this with your hands first; if you can, the oil filter was improperly installed.
The oil filter is screwed very tightly on the receptacle, and you cannot remove it with your bare hands. To remove the oil filter, clasp the oil filter wrench around the body of the oil filter, and loosen the device from the receptacle. Make sure to keep a safe distance to avoid oil from coming into contact with your skin or clothes.
Wipe a small amount of oil or lubricant on the rubber rim or gasket of the new oil filter. The fluid will give the device enough surface tension to attach firmly, securely, and perfectly on the receptacle.
Screw the new oil filter back into the receptacle, and tighten it as far as your hands can. Remember that an oil filter wrench will not help you attach an oil filter, but can only help you remove it.
Fill the car with oil, and take it for a test drive. Make sure that you don’t have leaks or excessive noise from friction.
Replacing your oil filter every six months, or every oil change, can greatly increase the lifespan of your engine. With these steps to help you replace your oil filter, you don’t have to pay a few extra dollars for someone to perform a maintenance task that you can do on your own.