How long can an engine oil filter last?
Every vehicle comes with an owner’s manual, which would specify how often the filter needs to be changed for that particular model. However, on an average, oil filters need to be changed anytime after 8,000 to 25,000 Kilometers, depending on the various factors.
An engine oil filter needs to be changed every once in a while because it can get clogged with the dirt, grime and pollutants that it filters out of the engine oil. The change interval of a filter depends on the frequency and ease at which it gets clogged. This, in turn, is determined by a number of factors like the type, model and quality of the filter, the type of oil used in the engine, the frequency of oil change, the age of the engine itself, etc.
How often should the oil filter be changed for synthetic oil?
It is recommended to change oil filter after every 10,000 to 25,000 Kilmetres of use for engines with Synthetic Oil.
Synthetic oil is much more refined and processed than conventional oil and it also has a lot more additives that make it more efficient. Because of these additives and processing, synthetic oil does not get contaminated as easily or quickly as other types of oil.
Thus, the oil filter used to filter synthetic oil does not collect dirt as fast or get clogged quickly and thus, the filter can go longer without being changed. That being said, it is not wise to keep the oil filter unchanged for too long, even with synthetic oil.
How often should the oil filter be changed for conventional oil?
It is recommended to change the oil filter every 5,000 to 10,000 Kilomtres, if it is being used to filter conventional oil.
Conventional oil, when compared to synthetic oil, is not very processed or refined. It also does not have as many additives and is not engineered specifically for protecting an engine.
Thus, it is less efficient than synthetic oil. This means that conventional oil gets contaminated much faster than synthetic oil and thus needs more filtration. The oil filter used to filter conventional oil therefore, collects more dirt than that used for synthetic oil and can get clogged faster.
Can I change the oil filter without changing oil?
Yes, In case you forget to change the filter with the oil or are unable to do so for some other reason, you can always change just the oil filter later on. The process is simple and simply involves removing the filter, installing a new one, and topping up the engine oil if needed.
It is usually recommended to change the oil filter while doing the engine oil change, since that is easier to do and also helps the owner keep track of when the filter and oil has been changed. However, it is not necessary for the oil and the filter to be changed at the same time.
How long can an oil filter be reused?
Oil filters can either be reusable or disposable. In case you have one that is reusable, it can be cleaned out and used again and again. Since it is engineered for reuse, it generally lasts the lifetime of the vehicle.
However, if your filter is disposable, then it is not meant to be reused and thus, it should be changed and replaced with a new one every time you change the engine oil, or at least every alternate oil change.
Trying to reuse disposable filters can lead to a lot of serious engine issues and it is never recommended to reuse disposable filters.
How long does it take for the oil filter to be changed?
The whole process of changing oil filters should take about 15 to 20 minutes
Changing the oil filter and engine oil is a very basic automotive process, which is not too complex and can also be done at home. This process involves draining the old oil and replacing it with new oil, while also removing the old oil filter and installing a new one in its place. If you are changing the oil filter and the engine oil, then the time taken will be within 25 to 30 minutes.
