Yes, oil filters are typically changed with every oil change. This is a standard practice recommended by most vehicle manufacturers and mechanics.
Why Change the Oil Filter with Every Oil Change?
The oil filter plays a crucial role in keeping your engine clean and functioning properly. It removes contaminants from the oil, preventing them from damaging engine components. Leaving the old, dirty filter in place defeats the purpose of the oil change, as the new oil will quickly become contaminated again.
Several sources reinforce this practice:
- Reference 1 & 7: Explicitly state that changing the oil filter is part of an oil change. The oil and filter work together to keep your engine healthy.
- Reference 2: Valvoline, an established oil change service, routinely changes the oil filter unless specifically requested otherwise.
- Reference 3, 4, 5, 8, 9: Multiple online forums and Q&A sites strongly advise changing the filter with every oil change. The consensus is that the small cost of a new filter is far outweighed by the potential damage from a clogged filter.
- Reference 10: Clearly explains the filter's role in trapping contaminants and its removal during the oil change procedure.
While some sources mention the possibility of changing the filter every other oil change (under certain conditions and with specific high-mileage filters), this is not the standard practice and is generally not recommended. The potential risks of engine damage outweigh the small cost savings.
In short: For optimal engine health and longevity, changing the oil filter with every oil change is the best practice.
