How Often to Change an Engine Oil Filter

Everyone who owns a car is aware that you need to change your oil frequently (typically every 3,000 or 6,000 miles, depending on your vehicle), but few people are even aware that your system also contains an oil filter that has to be replaced. To prevent clogging and fouling, this crucial component of your engine filters away dirt and grease.

Changing your oil filter is typically a part of routine maintenance, but what happens when your warranty expires and you’re trying to figure out what to do and when? When performing preventative maintenance, a lot of drivers in Marlboro, Englishtown, Manalapan, and Freehold worry how frequently to change their oil filters. Find out how frequently to change your oil filter based on your car’s make and model, dash lights, how you drive, and other situations.

When Should I Change My Oil Filter?
The frequency of oil filter changes depends on a variety of variables. Many manufacturers advise replacing the oil filter every other time you get your oil changed. Therefore, if your filter has 3,000 miles on it, you should replace it every 6,000 miles; if it has 6,000 miles (as with most new vehicles), you should replace it every 12,000 miles. Other considerations do, however, come into play, and some mechanics advise replacing parts more frequently.

For Every Oil Change
In general, the majority of more recent automobiles are made to require an oil change every 6,000 to 7,500 miles (the old 3,000-mile cycle is a myth in terms of newer vehicles). The majority of mechanics concur that changing the filter every time you have your car’s oil changed is just a good idea. The cause of this is that modern engines—and, consequently, filters—are made to be exceedingly effective at removing particles, which causes the filters to clog more quickly.

Service Engine Light

A dirty oil filter can be the cause of your service engine light turning on while you’re driving. There are a number of potential causes for this light to turn on, so it is always a good idea to start by ruling out the easy and affordable possibilities. Replace the filter and check to see if the issue is resolved.

Harsh Driving
You may need to get your oil changed more frequently if you drive harshly often, such with hard braking and acceleration, stop-and-go driving in cities, or extensive travel in adverse weather. Your oil tends to grow dirty more rapidly when your engine has to work harder. As a result, your oil filter clogs up more quickly as a result.