Car regular maintenance is crucial as it improves driving performance in general. Many parts need to be routinely checked and prepared to extend the car’s life and performance.
In particular, the filter is one of the parts that requires examination and replacement when needed.
In this blog, we’d like to answer the typical question “Can You Change Oil Filter Without Changing Oil?” and other common questions about the engine oil filter and its importance to the car’s performance.
What Is An Oil Filter?
Definition
The oil filter appears as a crucial part of the car. About the appearance, it is a cylinder metal can with small holes at the endpoint.
Besides, a central threaded hole is designed to connect with the engine block. This filter has numerous components inside to strain out contaminants, pollutants, and dust.
There are various types of filters in the market. Depending on the car’s type and conditions, we would choose the appropriate one!
Functions
The main mission of the engine fuel filter is to block the dirt and unwanted metal bits circulating in the car’s engine. Without it, the metal particles may get into the engine, which causes various levels of damage to the car because of clogs or debris. Severe cases can lead to motionless vehicles.
As the lubrication substance is clean, the engine will work smoothly and effectively. In other words, there are no obstacles to the engine lubrication substance circulating progress. Besides, removing contaminants will also enhance fuel consumption efficiency.
Why Do We Have To Change Filter?
During use, it’s unavoidable that the filter would gradually be obstructed as there are lots of specks of dirt, metal bits, etc. Like the sewer or water pipes, if there are too many scraps or grime stuck in the pipelines, it’s difficult for the water to pass through. This clog would gradually get bigger and may damage the whole drainage system.
So, the filter used for a long time also gets into similar trouble. Oil filter clogging reduces the amount of lubrication substance streaming through it. At this point, we should change that filter to make the fuel pass easily and effectively.
Besides, when the fuel filter is full of dirt and debris, it decreases the cleanness of the engine lubrication substance. This dirt would somehow stick into the oil passing through, decreasing cooling, lubricating, and performance in general.
Can You Replace Oil Filter Without Changing Oil?
Technically, the possibility would depend on the placement or position of the filter. As there are different types and models, the placement of the engine fuel filter may be divergent. Usually, it is installed underneath the car or on the engine.
If the filter is positioned beneath the automobile, it will be challenging to change it without draining some oil.
There probably will be a fuel leak. In this case, we can reduce the quantity of fuel lost if we act quickly enough. However, we will almost certainly need to add additional to compensate for the leaked drops.
Can you change your car oil filter without draining it? For the latter situation, the lubrication substance will also spill when we change the filter on the top of the engine, although not nearly as much.
In this case, the lubrication substance in the filter will be the only thing that spills out. We’ll probably need to top off fuel when installing the new filter to compensate for the amount lost in the prior one.
However, lubrication substance does not generally lose as much as the first position case.
In short, we can change a car oil filter without draining oil. However, two elements are frequently replaced together to boost efficiency.
Although the engine fuel filter is already changed, the old oil may create heat and decrease lubrication. Therefore, we should consider the realistic conditions for choosing a suitable strategy.
FAQs
What Are The Signs To Replace Oil Filter?
We need to know that there is no warning signal light for replacing the oil filter valve.
In addition, the engine filter is quite hard for us to look inside and inspect how much dust or grime is stuck to figure out the appropriate time to replace it. So, the oil change interval is not fixed.
However, if there are some symptoms in the car, we can take a look to determine a clogged or poor fuel strainer. For example:
- Strange sound from the engine (such as a metallic one)
- Lubrication pressure is dropped
- Engine sputtering
- The burning smells affect driving habits
- Black, grimy and dirty exhaust when on the road
Owners should contact an auto shop to determine the problem as soon as possible to protect themselves and their cars.
How Much Does An Filter Replacement Cost?
Based on the models or types, the price varies. Usually, a routine filter replacement in a car shop can cost $20 – $125.
This cost of replacement will be made up of three distinct charges, including:
- A new type of filter
- Engine lubrication substance (varies based on the types used in the automobile, such as synthetic or ordinary)
- The labor price that works for our cars
Note:
- Additional service fees may apply if the technician discovers other issues, such as engine wear or a cracked pan.
- Before replacing the strainer part, consult the vehicle’s manufacturers’ handbook to determine the suggested replacement time. In some cases, thanks to reading the manual, we won’t have to pay for the unnecessary replacement.
Can You Change Your Oil Without Changing The Filter?
Yes! It’s optional to change the lubrication strainer part when changing the oil pump. In short, lubrication is considered the blood of the car. It keeps other parts lubricated, cooled, and smoothly operated.
After a long use time, you will encounter an ineffective and dirty filter. If we don’t replace it, it will influence the engine’s life and the car’s performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question can you change oil filter without changing oil depends on the location of the strainer part.
Because of its important role in the car, we should pay attention to this metal part.
In general, it’s unavoidable to spill out some lubrication during replacement.
However, it’s recommendable that we change them together to maximize the efficiency of fuel consumption and original engine life.
Hope that after reading this blog, we all know how to deal with our cars!