The 2013 Equinox oil filter location and part number

The 2013 Chevy Equinox uses a spin-on oil filter mounted on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold. The filter sits at an angle pointing downward, which means oil will drain out when you remove it — have a catch pan ready. The OEM part number is 25010568, though aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, Motorcraft, and other brands fit the same housing and cost less.

You can find the exact filter by searching your vehicle's year, make, and model at any auto parts store website, or by asking the parts counter. Most stores stock multiple brands at different price points. The filter itself costs between $5 and $15 depending on the brand and whether you buy synthetic or conventional. If you are doing the oil change yourself, buy the filter before you start so you do not have to stop halfway through.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2013 Equinox oil filter is a spin-on type located on the driver's side of the engine below the intake manifold, angled downward.
  • The OEM part number is 25010568, but aftermarket filters from common brands fit the same housing and cost less.
  • You will need a filter wrench, a catch pan, and new oil to complete the change, plus jack stands if you need to access the filter from underneath.
  • The filter wrench size depends on the brand you buy — most are 74mm or 76mm — so confirm the size before you start.
  • Changing the filter takes 10 to 20 minutes once you have the right tools and know where to reach it.

Tools and supplies you will need

Before you start, gather a filter wrench (usually 74mm or 76mm depending on the brand), a drain pan large enough to hold at least 5 quarts, and new oil that matches your owner's manual specification. The 2013 Equinox typically uses 5W-30 or 0W-30 depending on engine size and climate, so check your manual or the oil cap under the hood to confirm.

You may also need jack stands and a jack if the filter is difficult to reach from above — some owners find it easier to access from underneath the vehicle. If you go that route, never work under a car supported only by a jack; always use jack stands rated for your vehicle's weight. A ramp is another option if you have one. Have some rags or paper towels on hand for spills, and wear gloves to keep oil off your hands.

How to remove the old filter

Locate the filter on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold. Position your drain pan underneath it to catch the oil that will spill when you loosen it. Fit your filter wrench around the filter body — the wrench grips the cylindrical part, not the top — and turn it counterclockwise. Start by hand if you can, then use the wrench to break it loose. Once it is loose enough, unscrew it by hand the rest of the way.

The filter will be hot if the engine has run recently, so be careful. Tilt it as you remove it to keep oil from spilling on the engine or ground. Once it is off, inspect the rubber gasket on the old filter to make sure it came off with the filter and did not stick to the engine. If the gasket is still on the engine housing, remove it by hand — leaving it behind will cause the new filter to seal incorrectly and leak.

Installing the new filter

Before you install the new filter, wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine with a clean rag to remove any dirt or old gasket material. explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter — this helps it seal and makes removal easier next time. Screw the new filter onto the housing by hand until the gasket contacts the engine, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct.

Over-tightening the filter can damage the gasket and cause leaks, and it makes the filter much harder to remove next time. Once the filter is installed, start the engine and let it run for a few seconds, then turn it off and wait a minute. Check underneath the filter for leaks. If you see oil dripping, turn off the engine, let it cool slightly, and tighten the filter another quarter turn by hand.

What to do with the old filter

The old filter contains used oil and should not go in the trash. Most auto parts stores that sell oil filters will take your old filter for free, even if you did not buy the new one from them. Some recycling centers also accept oil filters. Call ahead to confirm, or ask the parts counter where you bought the new filter — they can usually tell you the nearest drop-off location.

If you drained the old oil into a pan, that oil also needs to go to a recycling center or auto parts store. Never pour it down a drain or into the ground. Most stores that take filters also take used oil at no charge.

Filter wrench size and brand differences

The filter wrench size varies slightly by brand. Most aftermarket filters for the 2013 Equinox use a 74mm or 76mm wrench, but some brands may differ. Before you buy a wrench, check the packaging on your new filter or ask the parts counter what size wrench fits it. Buying the wrong size means the wrench will not grip the filter properly and you will waste time and money.

If you plan to change your own oil regularly, a universal adjustable filter wrench works on most sizes and costs about the same as a fixed-size wrench. Some people prefer a strap wrench instead, which grips the filter body with a fabric strap and is less likely to slip. Either type works; it comes down to what you find easier to use.

When to replace the filter

Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2013 Equinox, that is typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles with conventional oil, or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your engine and the type of oil you use. Some newer vehicles have longer intervals, but the 2013 model year generally follows the older schedule.

If you drive in severe conditions — towing, frequent short trips, dusty roads, or extreme temperatures — your manual may recommend shorter intervals. Changing the filter more often than the manual specifies does not hurt the engine, but changing it less often can allow contaminants to build up in the oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the oil filter without changing the oil?

Yes, you can change just the filter. However, the filter and oil work together to keep the engine clean, so most mechanics recommend changing both at the same time. If you change only the filter, you are adding new filter material to old oil, which limits how much improvement you get. Check your owner's manual for the recommended interval.

What if the filter wrench does not fit?

If the wrench is too small or too large, the filter will spin without loosening. Stop when ready and get the correct size wrench — forcing the wrong size can damage the filter or the mounting surface. Return to the auto parts store and confirm the filter brand and wrench size before you try again.

Is it normal for oil to drip after I install the new filter?

A few drops are normal as the filter settles, but steady dripping means the gasket did not seal. Let the engine cool, then tighten the filter by hand another quarter turn. If it still leaks after that, remove the filter and check that the old gasket came off completely and the mounting surface is clean.

Can I use any oil filter, or does it have to be OEM?

Aftermarket filters from major brands like Fram, Mobil 1, and Motorcraft work just as well as the OEM Chevy filter and cost less. The important thing is that the filter fits the 2013 Equinox and has the correct thread size and gasket. Avoid very cheap filters from unknown brands, as they may not filter as effectively or seal properly.