If your oil filter has got stuck and you are looking for how to remove it, never worry as we have designed this post to work you through the process of removing stuck oil filter. Before we get to that point, let’s briefly consider what an oil filter is and the work it does in the car.
What Is an Oil Filter?
An oil filter is a black cylinder-shaped component that may be found in all cars. Some older motorcycles may have a filter insert in the engine. The position of the oil filter is nearly always the same. It is usually found on the front end of the engine, near the bottom. It is best accessed from the front of a car.
The functioning principle of an oil filter is pretty straightforward. It has a mesh composed of industrial paper with very small holes in it. The oil will be filtered after being forced through the mesh. As a result, all particles, sludge, and metal fragments are caught within a filter. Clean oil is returned to the engine, where it can continue to lubricate the engine’s moving parts. Regardless of size, form, or shape, all oil filters function the same way.
The oil filter’s filtration capabilities will eventually be lost. As a result of the microscopic particles and dirt being trapped, this happens. The oil filter will not be as effective as it should be if this occurs. It refers to the engine’s failure to filter the oil completely, resulting in unclean oil circulating throughout the engine. Friction particles will affect moving parts and may cause harm if this happens.
With every oil change, an oil filter should be replaced. It can come with the kit, or you’ll have to buy one separately. Always use an oil filter that the car manufacturer recommends in both circumstances. It provides the highest level of filtration and protection.
It’s also worth noting that if your automobile has had a significant or minor engine failure involving broken parts and small metal particles, you’ll need to change the filter after the problem has been resolved. Otherwise, those particles will block the filter, rendering it ineffective. You also risk causing significant engine damage. In addition, the oil must be replaced. Remember that if the coolant reaches the cylinders due to a head gasket failure, you must first correct the problem before replacing the oil filter and changing the oil. The oil gets contaminated in the event of a failure, resulting in even more harm.
Read also: How To Change Oil Filter In Cars
How Often Should I change an Oil Filter?
Each automobile manufacturer provides advice on how often oil filters should be changed and what type of oil should be used in their vehicles. If you don’t have your car’s handbook, you can simply get it on the manufacturer’s website or on a user forum. You should remain with it after you’ve found it.
You can choose higher-quality filters and oils to extend the time between changes, but sticking with the calculations of several engineers who spent hours, days, and even years designing the model and its motor and are far more informed about it than anybody else is the best option. Better grade oils (with the same metrics as 5w30, 10w40, and so on) will extend the life of an oil filter, but follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions.
An oil filter usually has a range of 5 to 8 thousand miles of service life. Some people suggest changing the oil filter every 10,000 miles, but it is a bit excessive for most cars. Oil filters and oils had to be replaced every 3,000 miles not long ago. However, technology has progressed in this as well as in other aspect, and we no longer have to go through the hassle as frequently. Newer versions include built-in technologies that alert you when it’s time to change your oil filter. Check your vehicle’s manual to discover if such a system is available for your particular model. A light on the dashboard should be provided for it.
Every car has an oil signaling bulb, but keep in mind that it is usually built in to warn you if you unexpectedly lose oil pressure, in which case you should stop right away. So, to answer the question “How often should an oil filter be changed?” we can simply respond that an oil filter change and an oil change should be scheduled simultaneously every 5-8 thousand miles.
Ways On How To Remove a Stuck Oil Filter
If you follow the steps below, you should be able to remove a stuck oil filter:
Lift Up The Front End Of The Car
We’ll start by saying that removing oil filters without a wrench is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible in some circumstances. But first, let’s go through everything. The first step is to raise the vehicle’s front end. The oil filter is often found on the front side of the engine, at the bottom. You won’t be able to remove the oil filter without a carjack since you won’t be able to reach it.
Lift the automobile using the car jack in the area designated by the manufacturer. You can also make use of a hydraulic automobile jack. Secure the vehicle after you’ve finished. It will not fall on your head if you use virtually anything to secure it.
Locate The Oil Filter
You can see the oil filter if you look closely at the engine. It is usually spherical and black or blue. If your car lacks such a component, you can have a cartridge that is totally covered. In any case, look for the word “oil” printed on a component, which will most likely be black.
Changing oil and oil filters every 5000 miles is part of routine car maintenance. We suppose you already know where the oil filter is located if you are a true car enthusiast who enjoys servicing your vehicle. You can proceed to the next step if you’re one of them. If you aren’t sure where it is, look it up on the internet.
Clean The Oil Filter
Cleaning the oil filter and surrounding region is recommended before moving on to the next step. It makes no difference if the oil filter is clogged with grease. Only the top component that connects to the engine should be cleaned. This is necessary since you don’t want debris or dirt to go into the new oil filter or the engine. You don’t need to clean it for any other reason.
Remember to do this before removing the old oil filter. You risk contaminating the new oil and oil filter if you remove it and then clean it, which you should avoid. Move on to the following stage when you’re ready and the surfaces are clean.
Use Oil Filter Pliers
Using oil filter pliers is the first step in actually removing the jammed oil filter. They’re the cheapest option, and they resemble regular pliers with two spikes. You’ll be able to twist them around the oil filter. Take your time and make sure you have a lot of grips. This will usually suffice, and you will be able to remove the oil filter without difficulty. Remember that you can replace it and change the oil once you’ve finished.
This step’s most appealing feature is its adaptability. Oil filters of all sizes may be removed with the pliers we specified, and they will survive for decades. The only disadvantage is that the pliers won’t have enough grip to twist the oil filter. Continue to the following step if you are still unable to remove the old oil filter.
If your oil filters do not have a square end on the bottom, you can use this method as well. It can’t be used with the oil filter cup, thus pliers are required. This section is present in almost all current filters, but some do not. It’s impossible to generalize about the situation.
Using Filter Cup Wrench
You will receive a case with various cups as part of the Tools set. Each cup is designed to fit a specific size oil filter, and you’ll have no trouble finding the one that’s perfect for you. When removing the oil filter with the wrench, you may apply a lot more force. This is the primary reason why this strategy works in the vast majority of circumstances, and even when no other options are available.
You may use the case for a variety of cars and vehicles because it comes with different cups. It’s crucial to understand that oil filters come in a variety of sizes. They must not be mixed up, and a larger cup must not be used. You won’t be able to remove the oil filter because of the damage. The cup is placed on the bottom half of the oil filter, and you can see the oil filter’s form has changed to accommodate the cup. This is present in the majority of filters, and it is utilized for this purpose.
It is unnecessary to state that this oil filter removal tool will be used to remove the oil filter. It’s an exceptionally cost-effective and useful tool package that you should have. As previously said, they come in a case that may be conveniently stored or carried in your trunk. Remember that you can use it for numerous tools, and you’ll need the set if you have a workshop. Make certain that the device you want is constructed of metal rather than a softer substance.
You can acquire a complete set, which we recommend, or just a single cup when purchasing this type of item. Although a single cup is plainly less expensive, it can only be used with one-size oil filters. The most expensive option is to buy all the ups separately and put together your own set.
Use three leg oil filter adapter wrench
You can’t get to an oil filter cartridge from the outside. This means you’ve got a big cover with some threads on it. Three-legged oil filter adapter is required to remove it and gain access to the oil filter cartridge. It appears to be what you may expect, and it will assist you in removing the problematic oil filter. You can still use it with standard oil filters, but that isn’t its primary use.
It’s also worth noting that if the oil filter won’t come out, you should inspect the condition of the upper component as well. It’s possible there’s a flaw or an extra screw holding it in place. In any case, you may remove any oil filter you choose using these instructions, and there will be no issues.
These tools are divided into two groups. The first is a fixed kind, which cannot be modified and is only suitable for a single size of oil filter. The second version allows you to alter the leg width and use it with various sized oil filters. We favor the second type since it is more practical and versatile.