How often should you change oil filter?

The frequency at which you should change your oil filter depends on various factors, including the type of vehicle you have, your driving habits, and the type of oil filter you use. As a general guideline:

1. With Every Oil Change: It is common practice to change the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. This is typically recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil or up to 15,000 miles for some synthetic oils. Check your vehicle's owner's manual or consult the oil change interval recommended by the oil manufacturer for more specific guidance.

2. High-Performance or Synthetic Oil: If you are using high-performance or synthetic oil, you may have a longer oil change interval, but it is still recommended to change the oil filter with each oil change.

3. Severe Driving Conditions: If you drive in severe conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, towing heavy loads, or frequently driving in extreme temperatures, you may need to change both the oil and the oil filter more frequently.

4. Oil Change Reminder: Some modern vehicles have oil life monitoring systems that take various factors into account, including driving conditions, to determine when an oil change is needed. These systems may also recommend changing the oil filter at the same time.

Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals. The manual provides specific guidelines based on the make, model, and engine type of your vehicle.

Changing the oil filter regularly is important because it helps remove contaminants and debris from the engine oil, ensuring that the oil can effectively lubricate and protect the engine components. A clogged or dirty oil filter can reduce the efficiency of the oil and potentially lead to engine damage.

In summary, changing the oil filter with every oil change is a good practice to maintain the health and performance of your vehicle's engine.