Cars are increasingly about software and less about mechanics, or so it seems. For example, the new DS 7 is graced with the brand’s Iris infotainment system and cameras galore that are even involved with the car’s adaptive suspension. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ new GLC gets an augmented-reality head-up display and other clever bits and pieces.
Strip away the refinement and modern additions and you’ll still find plenty of mechanical hardware, working in conjunction with electronics, even in electric vehicles.
In regards to ICE cars, some of the mechanical components are still able to be kept in good working order by the owner, which saves them time and money. Such DIY-friendly maintenance jobs include replacing windscreen wiper blades, topping up coolant, checking tyre pressure and tread depth, and of course engine oil.
As we pointed out in our guide to changing engine oil, a car does need a complete oil change occasionally, in addition to the more frequent task of topping it up. It’s still a job easily completed at home but does involve a few extra steps. One of these is changing the oil filter.
We covered the subject briefly in our guide to changing engine oil but thought we’d go into a bit more depth, so you understand exactly what an oil filter does, how to find the right replacement for your car and a more detailed explanation of how to change it.
What is an oil filter?
As with any filter, an oil filter removes contaminants that accumulate in a system. In this case, it’s a car’s lubrication system, which is where the engine oil flows. If it helps make the picture clearer, you can draw a parallel between filters and kidneys. Over time, the oil filter gets saturated with particles and becomes inefficient.
Keeping the engine oil at the correct level helps the whole system run smoothly. But every so often (i.e., every several thousand miles) engine oil needs a complete drain and replacement, which is a process that includes replacing the oil filter.
Finding the right replacement oil filter
There are a few options here and it’s important to get the right replacement oil filter because predictably, different cars use different filters.
Check your owner’s manual to find out what sort of oil filter your car uses. You can also find the correct range of replacement oil filters by using various online tools. One is Amazon Garage, where you enter your car’s details and find appropriate oil filters through a narrowed search.
Similar options exist elsewhere online too, such as Autodoc, the leading online retailer for auto parts in Europe. Likewise, with Amazon Garage, go to the Autodoc website and search for an oil filter via the model-specific filter.
In terms of brands of oil filters themselves, some of the most trusted on the market include Bosch, Mann, and Kamoka Auto Parts. You will come across two types of oil filter: screw-on metal ones that can be fastened and loosened by hand. There are also paper filters with a screw cap on top. In either case, they’re easy to fit and remove.
What you need for changing an oil filter
Oil: The type of oil varies depending on a car’s make and model, so check your car’s manual or online for what type you need. While regular oil alternatives are being looked into, a couple of popular and effective oils we recommend are Castrol Edge 5W30 and Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30.
Nitrile gloves: Always use nitrile gloves for changing your oil because they are durable and resistant to oil and fuel.
Oil pan: Essential for catching the old oil when it drains. We recommend Sealey’s Fluid Drain and Recycle Container (available in various volumes) because it’s enclosed and safely stores oil until you can take it somewhere for proper disposal.
Oil filter wrench: This may not be required, but an oil filter wrench is for loosening particularly stubborn or stuck oil filters. They should be screwed on by hand, but this doesn’t always happen and some are fastened too tightly.
Jack and jack stands: If your car’s oil filter is accessed underneath the car, you may need to raise the car. To do so securely, lift it with a jack and have it rest on jack stands that are rated to take your car’s weight. Don’t work under a car only being held up by a car jack. Recommended models: Einhell CCTJ 2000 Trolley Jack and Silverline 3000kg Axle Stands.
Ratchet with bits: Socket sets are the mechanic’s best friend. Our pick of the bunch is the Bahco S330 1/4 and 3/8-Inch 34-Piece Socket Set, because it’s great quality, great value, and contains the bits you really need.
Rags: Important for mopping up oil and keeping your work area clean. Use whatever you have at home, or you can often buy a bag of rags online or at your local hardware store.
How to access an oil filter
Here’s the fun bit. Oil filters on cars are accessed from one of two places: from underneath the car or from the engine bay. For the former, you will likely have to remove the protective undertray and the oil filter housing before you can access and unscrew the oil filter itself.
In the case of the latter, things are a bit easier because you don’t have to get underneath the car. Just pop the bonnet and access the housing and oil filter from there.
How to remove an oil filter
Bear in mind that before, you remove the oil filter housing and filter itself, have your oil pan in place and gloves on. Quite a lot of oil will probably come out with it. If working underneath the car, loosen the oil filter until oil starts to run out from it and is caught in the oil pan. Unscrew the oil filter once the flow has reduced.
In theory, oil filters don’t need any tools to remove. They can be unscrewed by hand. However, some can be stubborn, stuck, or overtightened by the person who fitted it. In this case, you may need to give it some more welly or use an oil filter tool.
Fitting a new oil filter
Likewise, with loosening, the replacement filter should be fastened by hand. Make sure it’s free from any dirt and give the rubber seal of the filter a light covering with clean oil. Screw on the filter, making sure not to cross-thread it.
Replace the filter cap, and the undertray if necessary. Clean your work area with rags (it also pays to do this as you go), and make sure the drained oil is stored safely in the container for when you next head to the tip to dispose of it properly. Then, check your oil level with the dipstick and top up with fresh oil as necessary.
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