The Ultimate Guide To Oil And Fuel Filter Changes

Changing the oil and fuel filter is an important part of vehicle maintenance. The fuel filter is positioned between the fuel pump and the fuel injectors, and it filters out rust, dirt, and other impurities from the fuel. This protects the fuel injectors and other components from contamination. Similarly, the oil filter sifts out contaminants from the engine oil, which can accumulate over time and cause wear and tear on vital components. Regularly changing the fuel and oil filters is, therefore, essential for optimal engine performance and longevity. While changing the oil and fuel filter can be done at home, it is recommended to consult a professional technician if you are not comfortable with the process.

Relieve pressure in the fuel system

Relieving the pressure in the fuel system is an important step before changing the fuel filter. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Locate the fuse box:

Use your vehicle's owner's manual to locate the appropriate fuse box. Most vehicles have a fuse box in the interior and under the hood. The fuse for the fuel pump is typically located in the fuse box inside the vehicle.

Remove the fuel pump fuse:

Once you've located the correct fuse box, use the diagram provided on the fuse box cover or in the owner's manual to identify the fuse that powers the fuel pump. Use needle-nose pliers or plastic tweezers to remove the fuse. With the fuse removed, the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine.

Ensure the vehicle is not in gear:

Make sure automatic vehicles are in park, and vehicles with a standard transmission are in neutral with the parking brake engaged. This is important for safety, as the engine will still have enough fuel to start and run briefly.

Start the engine:

Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to start the engine. Allow the engine to run for a minute or two. The engine should start easily and expend the remaining fuel in the system. If the engine dies, the fuel pressure will be sufficiently relieved.

Re-insert the fuel pump fuse:

Turn off the engine and re-insert the fuse that powers the fuel pump. Place the cover back on the fuse box and return any pieces of the trim that you may have removed to access it. Do not start the engine again after inserting the fuel pump fuse.

Additional tips:

• It is recommended to work on relieving the fuel pressure when your fuel tank is less than a quarter full. This will make removing pressure from the fuel line easier.
• Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling combustible fumes.
• When removing the fuel pump fuse or relay, refer to your owner's manual and/or look under the lid of the fuse box to find its exact location.
• After relieving the pressure, you can proceed with removing the old fuel filter and installing a new one.

Remove the old oil filter

To remove the old oil filter, you will need to locate it first. It is usually a metal cylinder attached to the engine block. Check your vehicle's manual if you are unsure where the oil filter is located. Once you have located the oil filter, place an oil drain pan directly underneath it to catch any oil that drains out when you remove the filter.

Now, you can start to remove the oil filter. First, try to unscrew the oil filter by hand, turning it counter-clockwise. If you are unable to do this, use a filter wrench to loosen it by turning it counter-clockwise. Once you have loosened it, continue to unscrew the oil filter by hand. Be prepared for oil to start leaking out when you take off the filter.

Put on some work gloves to keep your hands oil-free and position yourself so that the leaking oil won't spill down your arm. Once the oil filter is removed, place it face down in the oil drain pan and let it drain for 24 hours. You will then need to recycle the oil at a service station, mechanic shop, or recycling centre.

Prepare the new oil filter

To prepare a new oil filter, you must first locate the old one. Oil filters are usually black, white, blue, or orange and are attached to the engine block. They can be found on the top, bottom, or sides of the engine. Check your vehicle's manual if you are unsure. Once you have located the old oil filter, place an oil drain pan underneath it to catch any oil that drains out when you remove the filter.

The next step is to remove the old oil filter. Screw off the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise. You can do this by hand or with a filter wrench if the filter is too tight. After removing the old oil filter, let it drain for 24 hours to ensure that all the old oil has drained out. Then, throw it away in the regular trash.

Now you are ready to install the new oil filter. First, lubricate the gasket on the new oil filter with fresh motor oil. Dip your fingers into some new motor oil and rub it onto the rubber ring around the base of the new oil filter. This will help create a tight seal and prevent leaks.

Finally, screw on the new oil filter by hand. Spin the new oil filter on clockwise until you feel it stop turning easily. Only apply gentle pressure when screwing on the new filter to avoid cross-threading, which can damage the threads and be expensive to fix. Tighten the new filter by turning it an additional quarter to three-quarters of a turn by hand.

Drain the oil

Draining the oil is the first step in changing your oil filter. This process will differ depending on the make and model of your vehicle, so be sure to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions. That being said, here is a general guide on how to drain the oil:

First, loosen the oil fill cap to aid in the oil drainage. The oil fill cap is usually a round cover at the top of the engine, which can be loosened by twisting it counterclockwise. Make sure your vehicle's engine is off before you begin this procedure. If the engine is hot, wait at least 30 minutes before starting. If the engine is cold, let it run for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off.

Next, place an oil drain pan under the oil drain plug. The drain plug is typically a square nut located beneath the engine block at the lowest point of the oil pan attached to the underside of the engine block. It is usually either on the bottom or side of the oil pan. The drain plug may also be located near the crankshaft, which is the shaft connected directly to the underside of the engine block.

After locating the drain plug, use a square-end wrench to loosen and remove it. Allow the oil to drain into the pan until it stops flowing. This may take 10-30 minutes. Remember to replace the oil drain plug! If your oil drain plug has a gasket, replace it with a new one before reinserting the plug. This will ensure a tight seal.

Now, locate the oil filter. It is usually a metal cylinder attached to the engine block and can be found on the top, bottom, or sides of the engine. The filter is often black, white, blue, or orange and labelled as such. Check your vehicle's manual if you are unsure of its location. Once you have found the oil filter, move the oil drain pan underneath it to catch any oil that drains out when you remove the filter.

At this point, you can screw off the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise. Oil will likely begin to leak out when you remove the filter, so be prepared. Work gloves can help keep your hands clean during this process. If you are unable to loosen the oil filter by hand, try using a filter wrench. A filter wrench is designed to fit tightly around oil filters, and you can purchase one online or at an auto parts dealer.

Finally, put the old oil filter face down in the oil pan and let it drain for 24 hours. The old oil must be completely drained before disposal. After 24 hours, throw away the old filter and recycle the oil at a service station, mechanic shop, or recycling centre.

Refill the oil

Once you've drained the oil and removed the old filter, you can start to refill your engine with fresh motor oil.

First, check your owner's manual to find out the recommended grade and amount of oil for your vehicle. Then, lubricate the gasket on the new oil filter with fresh motor oil. Dip your fingers into some new motor oil and rub enough to cover the whole rubber ring around the base of the new oil filter. This will help it fit tightly and with no leaks to the engine block.

Next, screw on the filter by hand until you feel it make contact with the engine block. Spin the new oil filter on clockwise until you feel it stop turning easily. Only ever screw on a new oil filter by hand and wear gloves to protect your hands from oil.

Tighten the new filter by a quarter to three-quarters of a turn. Give the new filter another partial twist, no more than three-quarters of a twist, to finish tightening it. Only do this part by hand as well. If you notice the oil filter is still leaking after you tighten it, then give it a quarter of a turn more until it is leak-free.

Now, fill up the engine with fresh motor oil. Remove the oil fill cap and place a funnel into the hole. Pour in the recommended amount of oil into the funnel. Twist the oil fill cap back on when you're done. Make sure to use the oil recommended in your owner’s manual. Most standard engines won't benefit from more expensive premium oils, whereas high-performance engines won't react well to lower-grade oils.

Finally, run your engine for a few moments to allow the oil to circulate. The oil light should go out once the oil has moved around the engine and filled the new filter. Check for any leaks during this time. Stop the engine and allow a few moments for the oil to settle back into the sump, before checking your oil level to make sure you’ve put enough in. If your vehicle doesn’t have a dipstick under the bonnet, you can check the oil level display on your dashboard.

Frequently asked questions