It is recommended that you change your oil filter once every six months (or every 6000 miles, whichever of the two comes first). Failure to do so will have your engine run the risk of degradation and failure. Sadly, a large percentage of the motorists do not know how to change their oil filters. If you’re one of those people, here’s a simple do-it-yourself guide in changing oil filters.
Materials Needed
New oil
New oil filter
Wrench
Gloves
Container for the old oil
Depending on where your car’s engine is placed, you may need hydraulic jacks.
Procedure
Before everything else, there are some things you have to keep in mind first. Do not change oils and filters at least two hours after running your car. The oil will still be hot and you will run the risk of being scalded. The dipstick will also show incorrect readings. Ensure that the car is on a hard, flat surface. You may run the car for ten minutes
Open the hood and remove the oil-filler cap.
Find the oil drain plug located on the underside of the engine.
Put the container under the plug and then loosen the plug with a socket wrench. Remember that to remove the bolts, it’s counterclockwise.
Remove the plug by hand and drain the oil.
When the oil has finished draining, wipe off the drain plug as well as the plug opening.
Replace the drain plug gasket.
Reinstall the plug. Be sure not to overtighten it.
Locate the oil filter. Put the pan before it to catch any remaining oil.
Use an oil filter wrench to unscrew the old oil filter.
Using a rag, wipe the area where the filter mounts to the engine.
Screw the new filter in place.
Put in the new oil.