We can only think of one situation where you would consider changing your car’s engine’s oil filter without changing the oil. Routine maintenance usually requires changing the oil and oil filter, since skipping one or the other is virtually useless. First, engine oil turns black as it begins to degrade, especially after absorbing dust, dirt, and contaminants that can damage the engine. For this reason, regular oil changes are necessary, and you should consider the time and mileage between service intervals to keep your engine smooth, clean-burning, and efficient.
As the oil degrades, so does the oil filter. The inside of a typical oil filter is cellulose or synthetic fibers that trap dirt and metal shavings, preventing these nasty things from recirculating inside the oil pan and engine. Obviously you can just change the oil filter and leave the oil in the crankcase unchanged, but that depends on the condition of the oil. If the oil is dirty or has been sitting around for months or years (oil can go bad even when you’re not driving), it’s prudent to replace it along with the oil filter.
However, what if you finally convince yourself to do a DIY oil change and forget to buy a new oil filter, and you’ve already filled your engine with fresh oil? In this case, you can replace the oil filter later without draining all the oil. Then again, this isn’t the only thing you need to do, as missing a critical step can increase wear and tear on your car’s engine internals.
Read more: Never start your Hyundai without checking these things first
How to change the oil filter without draining the oil
Mechanic refueling car engine – Emils Vanags/Getty Images
Changing the oil filter without draining the oil is better than not changing the filter at all, and it doesn’t create as much of a mess. The oil is in the oil pan and the drain plug needs to be removed to drain the oil. The oil filter, on the other hand, is in a different location and removing it will not drain the oil.
However, while replacing the oil filter won’t significantly affect the oil level, you can expect to drain about a half or up to a quart of oil when you remove the old filter. The oil that leaks or drains when the filter is removed does not come from the oil pan, but from the bypass valve and oil passage. Therefore, the engine will lose some oil if the filter is removed, and topping up the oil level ensures that the oil pressure remains stable to lubricate all the moving parts of the engine.
After installing your new oil filter, be sure to check and double-check the oil level by checking the dipstick. If the oil level is a little low, add a quarter or a half quart of oil and check again. If convenient, we recommend pre-filling the new filter with oil before installation, as it can replenish some of the lost oil while helping to establish ideal oil pressure after starting the engine.
Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest automotive news delivered straight to your inbox and add us as your preferred search source on Google.
Read the original article on Jalopnik.