Updated at: 25-03-2022 - By: Lucas

This article contains affiliate links. Using any of the links on this page will allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

How often should I change my oil filter? is a common query among car owners. How many miles can I drive before I need to replace my car’s oil filter?

Every 3000 miles or during an oil change, drivers are generally encouraged to replace their car’s oil filter. These questions will be examined further in the next sections.

When it comes to replacing your car’s oil filter, no matter what questions you may have about the process, this article is here to answer them.’

What Is An Oil Filter and What Does It Do In A Car?

When Should I Change My Oil Filter-2

It’s easy to forget about the importance of the oil filter in an automobile. At the opening of your car’s engine, there is a little, inexpensive circular gear.

In order to keep contaminants from getting into the engine, an oil filter plays a vital role in the vehicle.

A dirty engine is one that can’t be cleaned. Combustion deposits carbon and other debris on engine surfaces, reducing efficiency.

When it comes to engine oils, however, their primary duty is to lubricate the engine and remove the carbon and filth that have built up on the engine’s components.

It will not efficiently clean an engine if the engine oil is polluted, though; instead, it will remove engine-generated dirt and dispose of it (it may have carried along through the pathway).

These oil-borne contaminants can build up inside the engine and prove lethal if they are present for an extended period of time.

The oil filter’s job is to keep contaminants out of the engine, and it does so effectively.

There are times when an engine breakdown can occur because the oil filter is old and weak (due to aging or heavy mileage) (as explained in the prev. paragraph above).

So, what are we saying here? Simply said, you need to replace your oil filter on a regular basis so that your car’s engine receives only pure engine oil. Car engines can be made to last longer and run more smoothly by performing this easy task (you should also clean the engine bay from time to time).

Even so, the age-old conundrum of how often to replace oil filters lingers.

Below, we’ll talk about that!

How Often Should I Change My Oil Filter?

Changing the air filter isn’t always specified in the owner’s manuals of all car manufacturers, but those that do normally encourage drivers to do so every 3000 miles or at an oil change.

Most mechanics, on the other hand, recommend that clients replace their oil filters every 7000 miles or two oil changes. There is a lot of conflicting information out there, so who should you trust?

Is it the automobile manufacturer or a skilled mechanic (likely your own) who should answer this question? That’s all we have to say for now.

When it comes to changing your oil filter, there are a few things to keep in mind. Oil filters aren’t expensive, but you should wait a while before replacing an old filter with a new one.

If you frequently drive in extreme weather conditions or transport big loads, you may need to change your vehicle’s air filter sooner than the manufacturer recommends.

The reason for this is that these scenarios require your engine to work harder, which necessitates frequent maintenance of the engine and its components.

Even if you’re an infrequent or conventional driver, you may not need to change your filter with each oil change. Every 7000 miles or so is a good rule of thumb for changing the oil filter in your car’s oil pan.

Should I Change The Oil Filter Every Oil Change?

As a general rule of thumb, you don’t need to change your oil filter every time you change your oil unless you’re a high-mileage driver or own an old car with an old engine that can’t effectively separate particles.

However, since oil filters can be purchased at a very minimal cost, you can still replace the oil filter each time you have your oil changed. Furthermore, if you have your vehicle’s oil changed by someone else, that individual may also replace the oil filter during the process (since it is inexpensive). Changing oil filters is still a good idea, and it’s safe to do so.

Some “very cautious” motorists continue to do so, and that’s perfectly OK!

In fact, some manufacturer-supplied owner’s manuals advise against performing a second oil change before changing the filter (we also recommend this). In other words, if you ride for 3000 miles between oil changes, you need replace your oil filter every 6000 miles. This is a reasonable assumption.

Can I Change Oil Without Changing Oil Filter?

Changing the oil filter while doing an oil change is quite similar to the procedure described above. Changing the oil filter while re-filling the engine is completely safe. However, if you don’t use the same engine oil every time (especially if you mix them), you need replace the filter.

Despite the fact that mixing engine oils is not harmful and appears to have no effect on the engine, it is typically not recommended.

You should always remember to change your oil filter sooner rather than later if you use a variety of oil brands or different types of oil, regardless of how many quarts of oil you use.

What Happens If You Change The Oil But Not The Filter?

We’ve been asked this question quite a few times by a variety of individuals. If you changed your oil filter during your last oil change, then your engine will not be harmed if you do not change your oil filter again at your next oil change. Oil filters don’t need to be changed frequently unless you drive vast distances on a regular basis.

As a result, if you wait too long to replace the oil filter, you could end up with a host of problems. A clogged oil filter can cause serious engine damage if it isn’t replaced as soon as possible, since it is nearly impossible to tell if a filter is clogged or not.

The following are some of the most costly consequences of failing to replace the oil filter when it is due.

When the oil filter is clogged and debris enters the engine, it can cause a variety of problems that can eventually lead to a total engine breakdown.

There’s some evidence that poor engine performance can be caused by dirty engines. Sludge may prevent the rotors from freely spinning, thus the problem.

Not changing the filter might also violate the car’s warranty in rare cases. Other engine-related issues may arise if the oil filter is left to deteriorate or be broken.

Despite their low cost, oil filters should not be cleaned and reused. While cleaning the filter, you may inadvertently harm it. However, if you are convinced that the oil filters are still in good condition, you can safely clean and reuse them.

The oil filter is expected to be replaced every 7000 miles on average. To ensure that your engine is running at its best, you should constantly make time for this procedure.

Does A Bad Oil Filter Show Any Sign?

An oil filter failure is not indicated by a dashboard trouble icon. Furthermore, a defective filter cannot be detected with a physical test. It’s impossible to tell if a filter has been damaged or if it’s faulty.

Only if your engine breaks down due to sludge will you know that your filter has been damaged.

Drivers are highly encouraged to change their filters on a regular basis because it is impossible to tell when a filter is bad. Changing your engine’s oil filter may be necessary if your dashboard’s check engine light comes on (notifying you to check your engine).

Summary

We’ve gone over a lot of ground when it comes to oil filter care and replacement. Please keep in mind that oil filters are different from gasoline filters, and they do a great job of keeping your engine clean and clear of debris.

So, the next time someone asks, “How often should I change my oil filter?” you’ll be prepared. Using the information in this post, you can respond to him or her.

Even if you don’t drive 7,000 miles since your last oil change, it’s fine to skip changing the filter for a while. Using an oil filter for an extended period of time can damage your engine.