If the oil filter is not changed periodically, the filter can become severely clogged, reducing the volume of oil passing through the filter and into your engine. Without this oil, your engine can suffer severe damage. However, the oil would be dirty, unfiltered oil that has bypassed the oil filter.

Yes, you can absolutely change your oil filter without emptying the oil. The placement of the oil is actually untouched by a filter change. If any oil comes out, it is only what is trapped beyond your anti-drainback gasket inside the filter.

Every reputable oil filter is designed to seal for tens of thousands of miles with no more than a good hand-tightening. You don’t need a wrench unless you have one of those deeply recessed filters with no space around it for your hands. Then use the wrench to tighten a half-turn more.

• As a lot of people wrote, use a strap wrench.
• Or a strap wrench that goes on a ratchet.
• And if you don’t have either one, put a strap in the jaws of a pair of Vice Grips, wrap the strap around the filter, and twist. The strap will wind around the pliers, tighten on the filter and twist it off.
• These work well also.

combination wrench

Changing your own oil allows for you to perform some quality control, ensuring the proper oil, equipment, and tools are used on your big investment. Many people also find the confidence to start performing more repairs and changes to their vehicles after mastering an oil change.

In addition to oil, you’ll need an oil filter, an oil-filter removal wrench, a wrench to remove the drain plug, a funnel, a drain pan and some gloves. You may also need to raise the car to gain access, in which case you’ll need a floor jack and safety stands, or a pair of purpose-made steel ramps.

If you have an SUV, pickup truck, or other big vehicles, a strap wrench is useful because the oil filters tend to be larger (up to 6 inches in diameter). You’ll need a 1/2-inch square drive tool to turn the bar that tightens the strap that firmly holds the filter.

1. Editor’s Pick: TEKTON Oil Filter Pliers.
2. Neiko Two-Way Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench.
3. Craftsman 2-Piece Rubber Strap Wrench Set.
4. Innovant Adjustable 3-Jaw Oil Filter Wrench.
5. Motivx Tools Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench.
6. GEARWRENCH Heavy Duty Oil Filter Wrench.
7. Channellock 9″ Oil Filter & PVC Pliers.

A cap type tool has a metal or plastic cup (shaped like a socket) which is placed on the end of the filter and connects with the knurling. You can then use a socket wrench to loosen the filter. The cap type tool can be used on oil filters of different sizes.

The Oil Filter Removal Direction These doubts need to be discarded because it is generally accepted that the oil filter in almost all cars (including Ford, Toyota, Mazda, and GM) is unscrewed counterclockwise. This means that you must turn the filter in the left way to remove it from the engine.

Get a new oil filter with every oil change. Most vehicles require an oil change every three to six months. Some manufacturers recommend replacing the filter with every other oil change, and doing so with each appointment prevents it from clogging prematurely.

Best Oil Filters 2021