Do You Need to Change the Oil Filter Every Time? A Brief Guide

That little oil change light comes on, and you know it’s time for a service visit. Simple enough, right? What most people don’t realize is that you should replace your oil filter with every oil change (opens in a new tab), too. Your oil filter keeps contaminants and dirt from cycling through the engine, which prevents breakdowns. We'll explain why filter changes matter and how Take 5 handles them, so you don't have to.

How Does an Oil Filter Work

Think of your oil filter like the coffee filter in your kitchen. Coffee grounds get trapped inside so only the clean coffee makes it into your cup. Your oil filter works the same way for your engine: it catches dirt, metal fragments, and other contaminants so only clean oil keeps circulating.

When there’s no filter and no clean oil, your engine pays for it. As your engine runs, the oil pump pushes oil through it to keep every moving part lubricated. Along the way, that oil picks up debris. Without something to strain it back out, that debris would just keep circulating and wear down your engine from the inside. The filter itself sits inside a small metal housing, sealed tight against the engine so nothing leaks out.

Oil flows in one side, passes through a straining material typically made from synthetic fibers or cellulose (similar to a coffee filter's paper), and comes out the other side clean. An anti-drain valve keeps a bit of oil sitting right at the filter so your engine isn't running dry for those first few seconds after you start it up.

You'll usually find the oil filter tucked underneath your car, near the engine block. You can consult your owner's manual or a mechanic to pinpoint the filter’s exact location on your car.

Should You Change the Oil Filter Every Oil Change?

Auto professionals recommend changing the oil filter every time you get an oil change. This means changing the filter every 3,000 miles, but you should consult the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual. Your driving conditions and vehicle usage matter, too. For example, replacing the oil filter more frequently is best if you regularly drive in severe weather conditions or on dusty roads.

Signs It's Time for an Oil Filter Change

Take 5 replaces your oil filter with every oil change. If your last oil change wasn’t with us, here are signs that you may need an oil filter replacement:

• Decreased Engine Performance: Sluggish acceleration and reduced engine power may indicate a clogged oil filter.

• Oil Pressure Issues: A clogged oil filter can impede the oil flow, triggering your vehicle's oil light to turn on.

• Unusual Engine Noises: A clogged oil filter restricts oil flow, and you may hear rumbling or grinding sounds from your engine as components wear against each other.

• Dirty or Dark Exhaust Smoke: A filter that's letting contaminants pass can cause oil to burn dirtier than normal.

• Dirty Oil: Your car’s oil should be amber in color. Oil that looks black or gritty on the dipstick or has metallic particles can be a sign you need to change the filter.

• Overheating Engine: Restricted oil flow reduces the engine's ability to dissipate heat.

• Odd Smells: A burning oil smell in the cabin or engine bay could be from oil leaking onto hot engine components.

If your car is making strange noises or just seems a bit off, contact your nearest Take 5 oil change shop (opens in a new tab) so a technician can properly diagnose the problem and let you know if your oil filter needs to be replaced.

What Happens If You Don't Change the Oil Filter

Oil filters are essential for keeping your vehicle’s engine in top shape. Skipping oil filter changes lets dirt and grime build up until the filter gets clogged. In turn, that blocks oil from reaching your engine's moving parts. With less oil getting through, parts rub together more and create extra heat, wearing down key components faster and raising the risk of overheating.

If the filter clogs badly enough, dirty oil can bypass it entirely and flow through your engine unfiltered. In worse cases, parts may not get enough oil at all, which can lead to expensive damage like a seized engine. Replacing the filter regularly is much cheaper than fixing what happens if you don't.

Benefits of an Oil Filter Change

Replacing your oil filter at every oil change:

• Prevents Engine Wear: An oil filter reduces friction and wear on the engine by trapping dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants.

• Maintains Engine Efficiency: Clean oil helps your engine run more efficiently, leading to better performance and fuel economy.

• Protects Against Overheating: By removing debris, an oil filter helps prevent blockages that could lead to overheating.

• Extends Engine Life: A clean oil filter can prolong the life of your engine and reduce the risk of costly repairs.

How Long Does an Oil and Filter Change Take?

Most shops take 30-45 minutes for an oil and filter change, but it really depends on the type of oil change provider (opens in a new tab) you choose. At Take 5, the whole thing takes about 10 minutes, and you never leave your car. You pull into the bay, stay in your seat, and watch the work happen right in front of you.

Our technicians drain the old oil, swap in a fresh filter, and refill your engine. They'll also check your fluids and tire pressure before you head out. No waiting room. No appointment. No wondering what's going on behind a closed door.

Get Your Oil and Filter Changed at Take 5

If you can't remember the last time your oil filter was replaced, don't let it sit on your mental to-do list. At Take 5, our technicians will tell you exactly what your car needs and what it doesn't. That's it. Honest, fast, and one less thing to worry about. Find a Take 5 location (opens in a new tab) near you and cross it off the list.