Do You Need to Change Oil Filter Every Time? The Truth

You don’t necessarily need to change your oil filter every single time you change your engine oil. While it’s a common practice, the truth is that with modern advancements in filter technology and synthetic oils, many manufacturers now recommend changing the filter every other oil change, or at specific intervals. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the definitive schedule to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.

Do You Need to Change Oil Filter Every Time? The Truth

Hey there, fellow car enthusiast (or just someone who wants to keep their ride running smoothly)! It’s a common question that pops up in conversations about car maintenance: do you need to change oil filter every time you change your engine oil? And I get it – sometimes it feels like just another thing to buy, another step in the process.

Let me cut straight to the chase from my years of experience: yes, you absolutely should change your oil filter every single time you change your engine oil. Think of it as a dynamic duo; they work best when they’re both fresh and ready to protect your engine. Skipping the filter change is like taking a shower and then putting on dirty clothes – it just defeats the purpose!

So, do you really need to change oil filter every time you change your car’s oil?

My short answer, based on countless oil changes and a deep understanding of how engines work, is a resounding yes. And here’s why it’s such a vital part of your car’s health, shared with a little bit of my own perspective.

When you change your engine oil, you’re removing the old, dirty oil that’s been circulating through your engine, picking up all sorts of nasty stuff. Now, what does the oil filter do? Its job is to catch all that grit, metal shavings, carbon deposits, and other contaminants before they can circulate and damage your engine’s delicate internal parts. Imagine a tiny sieve, working tirelessly to keep your oil clean.

If you put fresh, clean oil into your engine but leave an old, clogged oil filter in place, two things can happen. First, that filter is already packed with dirt from the previous oil cycle. It can’t effectively filter the new oil, meaning your fresh oil immediately starts getting contaminated. Second, and perhaps even more serious, a truly clogged filter can restrict oil flow. Most filters have a bypass valve. If the filter is too restricted, this valve opens, allowing unfiltered oil to circulate. Unfiltered oil is basically abrasive liquid, causing premature wear on your engine. Trust me, you don’t want that! I’ve seen firsthand the damage that can be caused by neglecting this simple, inexpensive component.

Even with today’s amazing synthetic oils that allow for longer oil change intervals, the filter’s job becomes even more critical. It’s working harder, longer. A filter designed for 7,500 or 10,000 miles is holding a lot of trapped particles by the end of that period. Skipping its replacement when you put in new oil just doesn’t make sense from an engineering or cost perspective.

Here’s some practical advice I’ve picked up along the way:

• It’s Cheap Insurance: A good quality oil filter costs less than a fancy coffee. Compare that to the thousands it costs for major engine repairs. It’s a no-brainer. I always buy a reputable brand; it’s not an area to cut corners.
• Make it a Routine: Just consider the oil and filter change as one single task. When you gather your new oil, grab a new filter. It becomes second nature.
• Check Your Manual, But Still Change It: Your car’s owner’s manual will always recommend a filter change with the oil. Follow that guidance, but know that the “every time” rule is generally true even if the manual doesn’t explicitly state it in every single service interval line.
• Proper Disposal: Remember to dispose of your old oil and filter responsibly. Most auto parts stores will take them for recycling, which is great for the environment.

So, whether your car has a traditional spin-on filter or a cartridge-style filter, the principle remains the same. Don’t let a small saving now lead to a huge headache (and bill!) later. Changing your oil filter every time you change your oil is a small, easy step that makes a massive difference in protecting your engine and extending the life of your vehicle.

In short, for the health and longevity of your engine, making the filter change part of every oil change is one of the best habits you can adopt. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to show your car some love and ensure it keeps running smoothly for years to come. Your engine will thank you!