Oil Filter Replacement
Also called oil filter change
The oil filter traps carbon, metal particles and road dust carried in the engine oil. When it clogs, a bypass valve opens and unfiltered oil circulates, which wears bearings and camshafts over time. The filter is normally changed with every oil change, and we do not recommend running a new fill of oil through an old filter. Replacing it does not improve a worn engine or cure low oil pressure caused by wear, though a blocked filter can be one contributing cause.
Signs you need this
- You are having the engine oil changed
- Oil pressure light flickers at idle when the engine is hot
- Seepage or a wet, gritty deposit around the filter housing
- The last service records an oil change but no filter
- The filter is visibly rusted or damaged
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Removal of the old filter and cleaning of the mounting face
- New filter of the correct thread, size and bypass rating
- Gasket lightly oiled and the filter torqued by hand, not over-tightened
- Oil level topped to compensate for what the filter holds
- Leak check after the engine has run and been shut off
How we do it
Identify the correct filter
Filters that look alike can differ in thread pitch and bypass pressure, so we match it to your exact engine.
Remove and inspect
The old filter comes off and we check the old gasket has come with it, since a stuck gasket causes a major leak.
Fit the new filter
The mounting face is wiped clean, the new gasket is oiled, and the filter is tightened by hand to the stated amount.
Run and recheck
The engine runs until oil pressure is established, then we shut off, check for leaks and correct the level.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book oil filter replacement
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.