Do You Put Oil in the Oil Filter Before Putting It on

Do you put oil in the oil filter before putting it on

One question that often arises when changing an oil filter is, Do you put oil in the oil filter before putting it on? The oil filter is essential for keeping the engine’s lubricating system clean and for eliminating impurities. Adding oil to the oil filter is a straightforward yet effective way to ensure the longevity and performance of your engine.

Adding oil to the oil filter before installing it is a recommended practice to ensure smooth engine operation. This step helps prime the filter and reduce the time it takes for the oil to reach critical engine components upon startup.

Pre-lubricating the filter reduces the possibility of dry starts, which are beginnings where the engine’s moving components aren’t quickly lubricated, increasing wear and tear. It also guarantees that the oil filter media won’t be completely dry at first, enabling it to begin capturing and trapping impurities immediately.

This post will discuss the value of lubricating the oil filter before installation and offer detailed instructions and helpful hints. Understanding the significance of this procedure will help you maximize the performance of your engine. So, let’s get started!

What is Oil Filter in an Engine?

An oil filter in an engine is a vital component that helps remove impurities and contaminants from the engine oil, ensuring its cleanliness and optimal performance. Oil circulates through various parts as the engine operates, lubricating and cooling them. However, the oil can become contaminated with dirt, metal particles, and other debris over time.

The oil filter traps these contaminants and prevents them from circulating back into the engine. By capturing harmful particles, the oil filter protects engine components from wear, maintains oil viscosity, and promotes overall engine longevity. Regularly replacing the oil filter is essential for maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of the engine oil.

Do You Put Oil in the Oil Filter Before Putting It on?

The practice of pre-filling an oil filter before installation is typically recommended, particularly when installing a new filter. The key benefit of this practice is that it can help prevent a brief period of oil starvation when the engine is first started. Without pre-filling, the oil filter must fill up before it can start circulating oil, which can take a few moments.

However, this advice principally applies to oil filters that are mounted in an upright position. If an oil filter is mounted sideways or in an inverted position, attempting to pre-fill the filter can cause the oil to spill or leak out, making the effort counterproductive.

In addition to pre-filling, it’s essential to also lubricate the oil filter’s rubber seal with fresh oil before attaching it. Doing so not only eases the installation process but also forms a secure and leak-free seal, reducing the risk of oil leaks over time.

If you decide to pre-fill the oil filter, it’s worth noting that the primary advantage is that the oil will begin circulating through the engine slightly sooner compared to when an oil filter is not pre-filled. However, beyond this, pre-filling doesn’t offer additional benefits.

How to Put Oil in the Oil Filter Before Putting It on?

If you’ve had experience changing the regular oil in your engine, you’re already familiar with the process. For those without prior experience, there’s no need to worry. Here, we’ll describe the entire process in simple and concise steps for your convenience.

Step-01: Prepare your vehicle

Turn off your car’s engine and engage the first gear if it’s a manual transmission or applies the emergency brake. Place it in the park and block the rear tires if it has an automatic transmission.

Step-02: Lift the vehicle

To create enough space underneath the car, raise it off the ground using a jack. Securely position a jack stand beneath the car to ensure stability.

Step-03: Access the draining plug

Access the oil drain plug by crawling underneath the car and removing the access panel with a screwdriver. Place the oil collecting pan immediately below the drain line and find the oil drain stopper.

Step-04: Drain the old oil

Put a pan right beneath the oil drain stopper to capture the old oil that is draining. Turn the oil drain stopper slowly in the counterclockwise direction. Once the plug has been entirely taken out, be ready for the oil to begin pouring. Deplete the engine’s old oil entirely into the catch pan. This might take some time.

Step-05: Reinstall the drain plug

Reinstall the drain plug by rotating it counterclockwise. The plug should be tight enough to prevent oil leakage but not overly tightened to avoid stripping the plug.

Step-06: Remove the old oil filter

To locate the oil filter, observe a metal cylinder attached to the engine block. Position the drain pan under the filter to capture any oil that may drain out during removal. Unscrew the oil filter completely by hand or using a filter wrench.

Rotate the filter counterclockwise until it is completely detached. Place the old filter face down in the pan and allow it to drain for 24 hours. Ensure all the old oil is drained before disposing of the old filter.

Step-07: Put oil in the oil filter

To begin, take the new filter and hold it upright. Take note of the filter gasket, which is the rubber or silicone seal around the top edge of the filter. It’s important to lubricate this gasket before installation to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks. Apply a small amount of fresh oil to the gasket, coating it evenly until it reaches the neck of the filter.

Step-08: Install the Filter

Once the gasket is lubricated, position the oil filter onto the stud or mounting point where the old filter was removed. Carefully twist the filter in a clockwise direction until it starts threading onto the stud. Use a wrench to tighten it an additional 3/4 of a turn in a clockwise direction.

Now you have to refill the engine with new engine oil. And then lower your car and start your car engine and let the engine run for at least 10 minutes. Finally, check the oil pressure.

How Often Should You Change Oil Filter?

The frequency of oil filter changes depends on various factors, including the type of vehicle, driving conditions, and the type of oil filter being used. As a general guideline, it is recommended to change the oil filter during each oil change. This typically occurs every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (4,800 to 8,000 kilometers) or every 3 to 6 months, whichever comes first.

However, some modern vehicles and synthetic oil filters can last longer, up to 10,000 to 15,000 miles or even more. It’s important to consult the vehicle’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific oil filter and maintenance schedule to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, now you may get a good idea about your query, “Do you put oil in the oil filter before putting it on?” It is not really essential to put oil in the oil filter before putting it on. We advise lubricating the gasket with a bit of engine oil before changing the filter as opposed to pre-filling it. Ultimately, the decision to pre-fill the oil filter or not is up to the individual performing the oil change.

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