An oil and filter change is a routine vehicle maintenance task where you drain the motor oil, remove the oil filter from your engine, and replace them with fresh oil and a new filter. The oil keeps important metal components moving with reduced friction while keeping heat to a minimum. The oil filter removes impurities from the oil as the engine runs, ensuring the free movement of metal parts at high speeds and repetitions.
Regular oil and filter changes are critical to ensure your vehicle performs at its best. Do-it-yourselfers can accomplish this task. However, if you don’t have the necessary skills or time to complete the maintenance, take your car to a trusted mechanic. The filter is designed to last approximately as long as the oil, so it’s standard practice to change them during the same service.
To see how often you should change the oil and filter in your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual. The range is generally 3,500 to 7,500 miles, depending on the car, engine, and brand. Prices can be as low as $50 if you do it yourself to thousands of dollars if you own a high-performance supercar.
See also: Does My Car Need a New Fuel Filter? How Often Should I Change My Oil?
