Keeping your vehicle running at peak performance requires some basic maintenance. Changing your oil filter is one of those routine jobs that pays big dividends.

Your car’s oil filter removes dirt and contaminants from the motor oil, preventing the particles from reaching your vehicle’s engine where they could cause damage to the engine. Don’t wait for your oil light to come on; staying on a routine maintenance program will keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.

Your vehicle’s manual will give recommendations on how often to change your oil filter. Your driving habits have an impact on when you should change the oil filter. If you do lots of short trips or city driving, you might need to change your oil filter more often than someone who does mostly highway driving.

When looking for a replacement oil filter, choose a Champion oil filter. Champion provides advanced protection with maximum filtration to help extend engine life and performance. A number of advancement like high-capacity filtration designs, rigid core structures, double seam seal and safety bypass valve make a Champion oil filter the best choice for your vehicle.

Grab a high quality Champion oil filter and let’s get down to business. Read on to learn how to change your vehicle’s oil filter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One

Start by getting your car ready. Park your car on a level surface and set the parking brake. Place a block between the tires and the floor to make sure the car doesn’t roll. Be aware that engine oil can reach scalding temperatures, so allow ample time for the engine oil to cool down.  

Step Two

Next, it is time to pop the hood open and find the oil filter. Look around the sides and rear of the engine. You are looking for a round object, about the size of a can of soup, sticking out of the lower part of the engine.

Now that you have found the oil filter, you need to decide how you are going to get to it. You may be able to reach it from the top but on some vehicles, the only way to get to it is from underneath. If you don’t have enough clearance, you’ll need ramps to boost the car up.

Step Three

Time to remove the old oil filter. Put newspaper underneath where you are going to remove it. If you want to keep your hands clean, put on some latex gloves. Clean off the filter using a rag – this will keep it from being to slippery. Unscrew the filter with an oil filter wrench. As you are loosening the filter, be sure not to let the oil spill out. Put the old filter in a plastic bag and secure it. Set it aside for recycling.

Step Four

Now it is time to install the new oil filter. At one end of the filter, there is a large hole – take the quart of oil and pour oil into it until it is ¾ full. There is a rubber O-ring around the hole, spread some oil on it with your finger.

Place the new oil filter in the same place where you removed the old filter. Gently tighten by hand until it seats properly and then turn it another ¼ to ½ turn. That’s all there is to it! You have successfully changed your oil filter.

Learn more about quality oil filters, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto part today.

The content contained in this article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.