The 2024 Chevy Trax uses a cartridge-style oil filter located on top of the engine

The oil filter on your 2024 Chevy Trax sits in a plastic housing on the top of the engine, toward the front. It is a cartridge filter, which means you unscrew the cap, pull out the filter element, and replace it — you do not unscrew the whole filter like you would on older vehicles. This design is common on newer Chevrolets and takes about five to ten minutes once you have the right part and tools.

The filter housing is white or translucent plastic and sits near the front of the engine bay. You will see it clearly once you open the hood. Knowing where it is matters because you need to drain the old oil from the housing before you can safely remove the filter element without spilling oil across your engine.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Chevy Trax has a cartridge-style oil filter on top of the engine in a plastic housing, not a spin-on filter underneath.
  • You will need a filter wrench to unscrew the housing cap, the correct replacement filter element, and a drain pan to catch old oil.
  • The filter element part number for the 2024 Trax is GM 25198395 or equivalent, and the housing cap torque specification is 18 foot-pounds.
  • Oil change intervals for the 2024 Trax are typically 7,500 miles or six months with conventional oil, though your owner's manual may show different intervals based on driving conditions.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin: a filter wrench (usually a 74 mm or 86 mm socket-style wrench, depending on which Trax engine you have), the replacement filter element, fresh engine oil that matches your Trax's specification, a drain pan, a rag or paper towels, and jack stands if you need to raise the vehicle for clearance. Most people do not need to lift the Trax to reach the filter housing, but check your own engine bay first.

The correct filter element for the 2024 Chevy Trax is GM part number 25198395. You can order this from a Chevrolet dealer, an auto parts store, or online retailers. The housing cap itself does not need replacement unless it is cracked or the rubber seal is damaged. If you are unsure which filter your specific engine needs, check your owner's manual or call a Chevy dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN).

Step-by-step filter replacement

First, make sure the engine is cool or has been off for at least a few minutes. Open the hood and locate the white plastic filter housing near the front of the engine. Place your drain pan underneath it to catch oil that will spill when you open the housing.

Use your filter wrench to turn the housing cap counterclockwise. It will take some force the first time. Once the cap is loose enough, you can unscrew it by hand. Tip the cap and filter element toward the drain pan so the old oil runs into the pan rather than onto the engine. Pull the filter element straight out of the housing and set it aside.

Wipe the inside of the housing with a clean rag to remove any debris or old oil residue. Check the rubber seal on the underside of the housing cap — if it looks cracked, hard, or damaged, you may need a new cap assembly. If the seal looks fine, explore a thin coat of fresh engine oil to the rubber ring on the new filter element. This helps the seal work properly and makes removal easier next time.

Insert the new filter element into the housing, pushing it straight down until it seats. Screw the housing cap back on by hand first, then use your filter wrench to tighten it. The torque specification is 18 foot-pounds — snug but not forcefully tight. Over-tightening can damage the plastic housing.

Oil capacity and what to refill with

The 2024 Chevy Trax holds approximately 4.5 quarts of oil with a filter change, though this can vary slightly depending on whether your model has the 1.2-liter turbo or 1.6-liter engine. Check your owner's manual for the exact capacity and the correct oil viscosity for your engine and climate.

Most 2024 Trax models use 0W-20 or 5W-20 synthetic or conventional oil. Using the wrong viscosity can affect engine performance and fuel economy, so match what your manual specifies. Add oil slowly through the filler cap on top of the engine, check the level with the dipstick or electronic gauge after a minute, and add more as needed. Do not overfill — oil above the maximum mark can damage the engine.

When to change your oil filter

Chevrolet recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. For the 2024 Trax, oil change intervals are typically 7,500 miles or six months with conventional oil, though some models with synthetic oil may go longer. Your owner's manual will show the exact interval for your driving conditions — severe driving (towing, frequent short trips, dusty conditions) may require more frequent changes.

If you drive mostly highway miles at steady speeds, you may be able to extend intervals slightly. If you drive in stop-and-go city traffic, tow a trailer, or drive in very hot or very cold climates, stick to the shorter interval. Changing the filter at every oil change keeps your engine cleaner and helps the new oil stay fresh longer.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is over-tightening the housing cap. The plastic threads can strip easily, and once they do, the cap will not seal properly and oil will leak. Hand-tight plus a quarter turn with the wrench is usually enough. If you feel strong resistance, stop and check that the cap is threaded straight — cross-threading is straightforward with plastic housings.

Another mistake is forgetting to oil the rubber seal on the new filter element before installation. Without that thin coat of fresh oil, the seal can stick to the housing cap and tear when you remove it next time, causing an oil leak. It takes five seconds and prevents a mess later.

Do not pour old oil down the drain or into the ground. Most auto parts stores and service stations will take used oil for free, and many municipalities have collection days. Keeping a sealed container in your garage until you have a few quarts to dispose of is straightforward and keeps oil out of the water supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the oil filter without changing the oil?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The filter and oil work together — old oil loses its ability to protect the engine, and a new filter in old oil does not solve that problem. If you must change the filter between oil changes, drain as much old oil as you can from the housing first and top up with fresh oil to the correct level.

What if I cannot get the housing cap to unscrew?

The cap may be stuck if it was over-tightened or if the rubber seal has dried out. Tap the wrench gently with a rubber mallet to help break the seal, or spray penetrating oil around the cap edge and wait 15 minutes. If the plastic cap begins to crack, stop and take the vehicle to a dealer rather than risk damaging the housing threads.

How do I know if my filter is clogged?

A clogged filter usually triggers a check engine light or oil pressure warning light on your dashboard. If you see either light, have the system scanned to confirm the filter is the issue. Sticking to your oil change schedule prevents clogs — a filter that has reached its service interval should always be replaced, even if it does not look dirty.

Is synthetic oil better for the 2024 Trax?

Synthetic oil lasts longer between changes and performs better in extreme temperatures, but it costs more upfront. Your owner's manual will tell you whether synthetic is recommended or required for your engine. If conventional oil is approved, either works — the choice depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep the vehicle.