The basic steps for removing an oil filter
To remove an oil filter, you locate it under the hood or underneath the engine, position a drain pan beneath it, use an oil filter wrench to turn it counterclockwise until it comes loose, then unscrew it by hand and lift it away. The whole process takes about five minutes once you know where the filter sits on your specific car.
Oil filters are cylindrical metal canisters about the size of a soda can, though some are cartridge-style (flat and square). They screw onto a threaded port on the engine. When you turn the wrench counterclockwise, you are breaking the seal that holds the filter in place. Once it is loose enough to grip, your hands can finish the job.
Key Takeaways
- The oil filter location varies by car model — check your owner's manual or search online for your year and make to find it before you start.
- You need an oil filter wrench (a metal band or socket tool that grips the filter), a drain pan to catch spilled oil, and rags or paper towels.
- Turn the filter counterclockwise with the wrench until it is hand-tight loose, then unscrew it the rest of the way by hand to avoid spilling oil on the engine.
- Oil will drip from the filter and the port it was attached to, so position your drain pan directly underneath before you start turning.
Finding your oil filter location
Your owner's manual shows exactly where the filter sits on your engine. If you do not have the manual, search online for "[your year] [your make] [your model] oil filter location" and you will find photos or diagrams within seconds. Some filters are straightforward to reach from the top of the engine; others require you to get underneath the car or remove a wheel to access them.
Once you know the location, look at the filter itself. It will be a cylinder screwed onto a threaded port, or a square cartridge that sits inside a plastic or metal housing. The threaded port or housing is what you need to position your drain pan under — that is where the oil will come out.
Gathering the right tools and materials
You need three things: an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, and rags or paper towels. An oil filter wrench is a metal tool that grips the filter so you can turn it without your hands slipping. The most common type is a band wrench (a metal strap with a handle), but socket-style wrenches and cap wrenches also work. They cost $10 to $25 and fit most standard filters.
The drain pan should be large enough to hold at least a quart of oil — a shallow metal or plastic pan works fine. Rags or paper towels catch drips as you unscrew the filter and wipe the threaded port clean. If your filter is cartridge-style rather than screw-on, you may need a cartridge filter wrench instead, which looks like a socket with a handle.
Positioning the drain pan and loosening the filter
Slide your drain pan directly under the filter. Tilt it slightly if the filter is at an angle so the pan catches the oil that will spill when you break the seal. Place your oil filter wrench around the filter, positioning it so the handle points in a direction that gives you room to turn it — usually toward the front or back of the car, depending on the filter location.
Turn the wrench handle counterclockwise slowly. You are breaking a seal that has been holding the filter tight, so the first quarter-turn often requires real force. Once the seal breaks, the filter will turn more easily. Stop turning once the filter is loose enough that you can grip it with your fingers without the wrench.
Unscrewing and removing the filter by hand
Grip the filter with both hands and continue turning it counterclockwise. As you unscrew it, oil will drip down into the pan. Tilt the filter slightly as you lift it away so any remaining oil runs into the pan rather than down your arm or onto the engine. Once the filter is completely free, hold it upright over the pan for a few seconds to let the last of the oil drain out.
Wipe the threaded port with a rag to remove any dirt or old oil residue. Look at the rubber gasket (a thin ring) on the old filter — it should come off cleanly. If any part of the gasket stays stuck to the port, remove it by hand or with a rag. A stuck gasket will prevent the new filter from sealing properly.
What to do with the old filter
An old oil filter contains used oil and should not go in the trash. Most auto parts stores accept used filters for free, and many recycling centers do as well. Some gas stations and quick-lube shops will take them too. You can also drain the filter completely into your pan, let it sit for a few hours, and then recycle the empty canister as metal.
If you are changing your own oil, you will have a pan of used oil to dispose of as well. The same places that take filters — auto parts stores, recycling centers, and some service stations — usually accept used oil for free or a small fee.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is not positioning the drain pan far enough under the filter. Oil splashes and drips in unexpected directions, so place the pan wider and deeper than you think you need. Another mistake is over-tightening the new filter when you install it — many people damage the gasket or strip the threads by turning too hard.
Do not forget to wipe the threaded port clean before installing a new filter. Dirt or old gasket material left behind will prevent a good seal. Also, do not assume the filter location is the same on every car you own — filter locations vary widely, so check your manual each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the oil filter without draining the oil first?
Yes. The filter and the oil pan are separate, so you can remove the filter without touching the drain plug. However, oil will still spill from the filter and the port it was attached to, so you need a drain pan underneath. If you are doing a full oil change, you will drain the pan separately after removing the filter.
What if the filter is stuck and won't turn?
Tap the wrench handle gently with a rubber mallet to help break the seal, or try wrapping a rubber band around the filter to improve your grip. If the filter is very tight, you can spray penetrating oil around the base where it screws on and wait 10 minutes. Never use excessive force — you can crack the filter or damage the port.
How do I know if I removed the old gasket completely?
Look at the threaded port after you remove the filter. You should see a clean metal surface. If there is a thin rubber ring stuck to it, that is the old gasket — remove it by hand or with a rag. The new filter comes with a new gasket already attached, so the old one must come off first.
Is it normal for oil to drip after I remove the filter?
Yes. Oil will continue dripping from the filter and the port for a minute or two after removal. This is why you keep the drain pan underneath. Let it drip completely before you move the pan or install the new filter.