How to Change Your Oil Filter Yourself

What You'll Need Before You Start

Changing your oil filter is a task you can do at home with a few basic tools. Before you begin, gather these items:

• A new oil filter (the right size for your vehicle)
• An oil filter wrench
• A drain pan or container
• Jack and jack stands (if you need to lift your vehicle)
• Ramps (an alternative to a jack)
• Wrenches or sockets
• Clean rags or paper towels
• Work gloves
• A flashlight (helpful for seeing under the engine)

Check your vehicle's owner's manual to find the exact location of your oil filter and what size you need. The manual will tell you the filter model number so you can buy the correct replacement. Having the right filter is important because filters come in different sizes and thread patterns.

You may also want to wear old clothes when doing this job, since oil can stain. Keep newspaper or cardboard on the ground under your work area to catch any spills and make cleanup easier.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Start by warming up your engine for a few minutes. Warm oil flows more easily than cold oil, which makes the job go faster and helps you drain more of the old oil out. Then turn off the engine and let it sit for a minute or two so it cools slightly—you don't want to burn yourself on hot oil or hot engine parts.

If needed, use a jack and jack stands to lift your vehicle so you can reach the filter. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands for safety. If your vehicle is low to the ground, you might use ramps instead, which are often safer and easier to use than a jack.

Locate your oil filter. It's usually a cylindrical canister on the side of the engine. Look for a metal can about the size of a soda can. If you can't find it, your owner's manual will show you exactly where it is. Some filters are easier to reach than others depending on your vehicle's design.

Remove the Old Filter

Place your drain pan underneath the filter to catch any oil that spills out. Position the pan so it sits directly under the filter—you want to catch all the dripping oil. If you don't have a drain pan, you can use any shallow container like a baking pan or old plastic storage tub.

Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. Once it's loose enough, you can unscrew it by hand. Be careful—there will still be oil inside, and it may still be warm. The wrench gives you the leverage you need to break the filter loose from the engine.

Slowly unscrew the filter the rest of the way, tilting it so the remaining oil drains into your pan. Let it drain for a minute or two. Tilt the filter so the opening faces down into the pan. This prevents oil from spilling all over the engine and your work area.

Install the New Filter

Before installing the new filter, wipe the filter mounting surface on your engine with a clean rag. Remove any dirt or old rubber from the old filter's gasket. The gasket is the rubber ring that was on the old filter. If any of it stays behind, it can prevent the new filter from sealing properly and cause leaks.

Apply a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter. This helps create a good seal and makes it easier to remove the filter the next time you change it. Use just a little bit of oil—you don't need to soak the gasket, just coat it lightly with your finger.

Screw the new filter on by hand. Turn it until the gasket touches the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarters of a turn. Don't use the wrench to tighten it—hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening can damage the filter and make it hard to remove next time. You want it snug but not forced.

Check Your Work

Lower your vehicle back to the ground if you lifted it. Make sure your jack stands are removed and your vehicle is sitting on level, solid ground before you move it or start the engine.

Start your engine and let it run for a minute. Watch for any leaks around the new filter. If you see oil dripping, turn off the engine and tighten the filter a bit more. This is an important step because it tells you whether your filter is sealed properly. A small drip might mean the filter isn't tight enough.

Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes. Check the oil level with your dipstick and top it off if needed. When you change the filter, you may lose a little oil, so topping it off keeps your engine protected.

Dispose of the Old Filter

Don't throw your old oil filter in the trash. Take it to an auto parts store, recycling center, or service station. Many places will take it for free. Some will even take your used oil. Oil filters contain metal and oil that can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill.

Keep the drain pan and dispose of the old oil properly as well. Never pour it down a drain or on the ground. Used oil is toxic and can pollute water supplies. Most auto parts stores and service stations will take used oil for free or for a small fee.

When to Change Your Filter

Most vehicles need an oil filter change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your car and the type of oil you use. Check your owner's manual for the recommended interval for your vehicle. Some newer cars with synthetic oil can go longer between changes.

Many people change their oil filter at the same time they change their oil. If you're just changing the filter without changing the oil, you can do that too. Some people prefer to change the filter more often than the oil for extra engine protection.

Key Takeaways

Changing your oil filter is a task most car owners can do themselves with basic tools and a little time. The most important steps are using the correct filter size, warming up your engine first, draining the old oil completely, and not over-tightening the new filter. Always dispose of your old filter and oil at a proper recycling location. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's specific filter location and recommended change interval. Taking care of this simple maintenance task helps keep your engine running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size oil filter my vehicle needs?

Check your vehicle's owner's manual—it will list the correct filter model number. You can also ask at an auto parts store. Tell them your vehicle's year, make, and model, and they can look up the right filter for you. Using the wrong size filter can cause leaks or poor engine protection.

Can I change my oil filter without changing the oil?

Yes, you can change just the filter without changing the oil. Some people do this between full oil changes for extra engine protection. However, many experts recommend changing both at the same time since the filter and oil work together to keep your engine clean. Check your owner's manual for guidance on your specific vehicle.

What should I do if my new filter leaks?

If you notice oil dripping from the new filter after you start the engine, turn off the engine and let it cool for a few minutes. Then try tightening the filter a bit more by hand. Make sure the gasket on the filter is seated properly against the mounting surface. If it still leaks, remove the filter and check that the mounting surface is clean and free of debris from the old filter's gasket.

Can I reuse my old oil filter?

No, oil filters are designed to be used once and then replaced. A used filter is full of dirt and contaminants and won't protect your engine properly. Always install a new filter. Old filters should be recycled at an auto parts store or service station.