How Often Do Oil Filters Need to be Replaced?

Oil is used to ensure smooth lubrication of your car’s engine, and the oil filter will play a vital role in ensuring your car can do this. Oil filters are designed to protect your engine from potential damage by removing contaminants such as dirt or metallic particles, that can accumulate in the motor oil due to engine wear.

If you want to extend the lifespan and effectiveness of your filter, you should use a synthetic motor oil which is more refined and distilled than regular oil, as it’s less likely to clog the filter.

How often should you replace oil filters?

Depending on who you ask, you will get a wide variety of answers to your simple question. Car manufacturers suggest changing oil filters every other time you have your oil changed. Most parts and oil manufacturers will tell you to replace oil filters with every oil change, which should be around 3,000 miles or 3 months, whatever comes first.

Changing your oil filter at the recommended intervals can help:

• Reduce engine wear and tear – as we mentioned, contaminations will build up in your filter and by changing your oil filter, this will help protect your engine from potential damage.
• Reduce maintenance costs – by changing your oil and oil filter at the same time, you reduce overall maintenance costs.
• Avoid soiling new oil – If you leave the old filter and only change the oil, the clean oil needs to go through the dirty filter. As soon as you start the engine, your clean engine will become soiled.

Signs you may need to change your oil filter earlier than recommended:

• Service engine light is on.
• Driving in severe conditions – stop and start traffic, towing heavy loads, or extreme weather.

How much does it cost to change an oil filter?

Oil filter replacements can cost anywhere between £30 - £90, it will all depend on the type of oil your car requires, labour costs etc. If you need to replace your oil filter, we can provide quotes from local, reputable mechanics in your area.

Get your quote today