Can You Change Oil Filter Without Changing Oil? (Answered)

Sometimes, we have to change the oil filter of our vehicles. Moreover, cleaning the oil filter also requires removing the oil filter. Generally, oil filters are one of the essential parts of our vehicles. Oil filters keep the vehicle’s oil contamination-free and free from impurities.

But when changing or removing the oil filter from its place, oil might still be present in the system. So, you might be confused about whether you can change oil filter without changing the oil or not. You have to know the consequences of changing the oil filter without changing the oil.

Can you change oil filter without changing oil?

You can change oil filter without changing the oil. There is no direct connection between oil and oil filters. When oil is pushed through the filter, the filter keeps the oil contamination-free. Some oil might come from the gasket of the filter. But changing the filter will not affect the oil.

However, the oil filter can be present in different places and vehicles. For example, cars and motorcycles both have oil filters. So, let’s see whether you can change oil filter without changing the oil for these vehicles or not.

On motorcycle:

You can change the oil filter of your motorcycle without draining the oil. Generally, oil filters are not in touch with water always. Oil remains in the oil reservoir. Oil filters are used to keep the oil pure.

Oil filters have a great impact on the oil and its performance. So, you might need to clean the filter sometimes. Moreover, the oil filter is changed when it doesn’t work anymore. So, you don’t need to drain all oil from the reservoir. You can just change the filter and replace it with a new one.

On car:

You can also change the oil filter of a car without changing the oil. Changing the oil filter doesn’t affect the oil. You might know that oil filters are essential for the better performance of a car.

Oil filters clean the oil from impurities and contamination. Oil filters also help retain the oil pressure. But oil filters don’t have a direct connection with the oil. When the oil is pushed from the reservoir through oil filters, oil filters get in touch with the oil then. So, if you want to change oil filter without changing the oil, you can do it.

Can you change the oil filter without draining the oil?

Yes, you can change oil without draining the oil. If you see the placement of the oil and oil filter, you will understand. Generally, the oil filter is completely untouched by the oil. Oil is kept in the oil reservoir.

If you can change the oil with the oil filter, you can change it. But changing oil is not compulsory. Sometimes, people might think that they have to drain all oil when changing the oil filter. But hanging or removing the oil filter is okay without draining the oil.

If you change the filter, the oil will not be affected. You can clean the oil filter or replace it with a new one. But the oil will still be untouched. Some oil might be present on the gasket of the filter.

This oil will come out when you change the oil filter. But the oil in the reservoir will be the same. So, there is no need to drain all oil and change the oil filter.

Three reasons why you can change oil filter without changing the oil

Now that you know you can change oil filter without changing oil, you might want to know the reasons. So, let’s see why you can change oil filter without changing the oil.

Not mandatory:

First of all, changing oil every time you change the filter is not mandatory. A filter might clean the oil from impurities always. But the performance of the oil also depends on the changing of the oil separately. So, it’s not mandatory to change oil by changing the oil filter.

Placement of oil and oil filter:

You can change the oil filter without draining the oil. Because the oil and the oil filter don’t have any direct connection. So, whether you change the oil filter or not doesn’t depend on changing the oil.

Oil remains unaffected:

Another reason is that the oil remains unaffected. When you change the oil filter, it will not make the oil-contaminated or affect the oil. The oil might not be safe from contamination without an oil filter. But a new filter will solve the problem.

Many manufacturers recommend changing the oil every time with the oil filter replacement. But you can change the filter to drain the oil. It will not affect the oil and performance of the vehicle.

How often to change the oil filter with synthetic oil?

You have to change the oil filter with synthetic oil after 5000 to 6000 miles. Generally, how often to change the oil filter depends on the type of oil. Synthetic oil is pretty good. So, if you use synthetic oil, you don’t need to change the oil filter often.

Sometimes, synthetic oil filters last longer than other filters. Even it can trap small contaminants. So, if you use a synthetic oil filter with synthetic oil, it will be more long-lasting. You will not need to change the filter often.

Sometimes, the oil filter gets dirty. So, cleaning the filter might give a solution. But sometimes, a bad oil filter or damaged oil filter will affect the performance of the vehicle. So, you have to change the oil filter. But how often you have to change it will depend on various things.

How to change the oil filter without changing the oil?

You can change the oil filter without changing the oil. But you might not know the process of how you can change the oil filter. So, let’s see how you can change the oil filter without changing the oil.

Parking the vehicle:

First, you have to park the vehicle in a flat place and keep it stop for half an hour. This will let the vehicle cool down and all the parts shut off.

Removing the oil filter:

Now you have to find out the oil filter in the vehicle. Some vehicles or cars have filters beneath the cars, and some are placed with the upper engine. You can also check the user’s manual to locate the filter. 

After locating the filter, loosen the filter with the filter wrench and remove it on your own. You might find that some oil is coming out with the filter. You might think that oil is wasted. This oil is the stuck oil from the gasket of the filter. So, you don’t have to worry about oil waste.

Attach the new filter:

Now you have to place the new filter in the place and tighten it with a filter wrench. You can turn the wrench clockwise to attach it. You can use a little bit of motor oil in the gasket of the filter before attaching it.

This will prevent the gasket from oil leakage or stickiness. Thus you can change the oil filter without draining the oil from the oil pan.

Is it necessary to replace an oil filter with every oil change?

Yes, you should replace an oil filter with every oil change. Many manufacturers recommend replacing the oil filter every time you change the oil. Generally, we change the oil after 5000 to 6000 miles.

In the meanwhile, the oil filter also requires replacement. At this time, the oil filter gets dirty or bad. So, if you change the oil filter with every oil change, the new filter will perform well.

If you don’t change the oil filter with every oil change, new oil might get contaminated with the oil filter. So, you should replace the oil filter every time you change the oil.

Final Thoughts

Changing oil by changing the oil filter is not compulsory. You can also change the filter without draining oil. Because oil and oil filters are untouched by each other. Changing the oil filter will not cause any difference in the oil. So, you can change the oil filter separately.