How often do oil filters need to be replaced?
Ask half a dozen car enthusiasts how often do oil filters need to be replaced, and you’ll hear at least half a dozen different answers. However, they would all agree it’s essential to change the filter. Why?
Why is Replacing Your Oil Filter So Important?
Oil lubricants the engine’s metal components so they won’t wear down excessively when engaging. As the oil finds its way in and around the metal parts, it picks up any tiny bits of metal that have flaked off.
The oil then carries the debris back to the oil filter, which captures the excess metal, keeping it from reentering circulation. Without the oil filter, the loose metal would cause additional engine wear and clog up the oil distribution system.
So, How Often Do Oil Filters Need to be Replaced?
The general recommendation is to replace your oil filter after 5,000 to 7,500 miles of use to keep your engine in peak condition. If you don't drive your car often, you should still replace the oil filter once a year.
But you may wonder why there’s a range of miles rather than a specific mileage for replacing oil filters. The lifespan of an oil filter depends on several factors, such as the car's design. Some vehicles have oil distribution systems that are engineered to be more efficient and less demanding than others.
The type of vehicle also matters. Off-road vehicles, for example, which often require new air filters, need oil filter replacements more often than highway vehicles.
The Benefits of Replacing Oil Filters
Replacing oil filters may seem like a minor task but, like changing air filters, it delivers massive benefits, including the following:
- Helps keep your car’s warranty valid
- Saves you money on repairs
- Protects expensive internal engine components
- Allows your engine to deliver a smoother performance
- Makes your vehicle more reliable
Ask half a dozen car enthusiasts how often do oil filters need to be replaced, and you’ll hear at least half a dozen different answers. However, they would all agree it’s essential to change the filter. Why?
Why is Replacing Your Oil Filter So Important?
Oil lubricants the engine’s metal components so they won’t wear down excessively when engaging. As the oil finds its way in and around the metal parts, it picks up any tiny bits of metal that have flaked off.
The oil then carries the debris back to the oil filter, which captures the excess metal, keeping it from reentering circulation. Without the oil filter, the loose metal would cause additional engine wear and clog up the oil distribution system.
So, How Often Do Oil Filters Need to be Replaced?
The general recommendation is to replace your oil filter after 5,000 to 7,500 miles of use to keep your engine in peak condition. If you don't drive your car often, you should still replace the oil filter once a year.
But you may wonder why there’s a range of miles rather than a specific mileage for replacing oil filters. The lifespan of an oil filter depends on several factors, such as the car's design. Some vehicles have oil distribution systems that are engineered to be more efficient and less demanding than others.
The type of vehicle also matters. Off-road vehicles, for example, which often require new air filters, need oil filter replacements more often than highway vehicles.
The Benefits of Replacing Oil Filters
Replacing oil filters may seem like a minor task but, like changing air filters, it delivers massive benefits, including the following:
- Helps keep your car’s warranty valid
- Saves you money on repairs
- Protects expensive internal engine components
- Allows your engine to deliver a smoother performance
- Makes your vehicle more reliable
