How to change the oil in an engine with a spin on filter?

Oil changes are simple in theory but can go wrong fast if the spin-on filter isn’t installed right. Leaks, engine wear, and customer complaints often trace back to a few small but critical steps.

To change the oil with a spin-on filter, you must prep the gasket, install the filter hand-tight plus ¾ turn, and always use quality parts like Runex Auto oil filters for reliability.

Changing an oil filter isn’t just routine—it’s preventive care for the heart of your engine. This post breaks down everything you need to know about spin-on filters, how they work, how to maintain them, and how to change them right. Let’s make sure you don’t lose an engine over a skipped step.

What is the function of a spin-on filter?

A clogged or faulty oil filter can’t protect your engine, no matter how fresh your oil is. It’s not about the oil—it’s about what keeps it clean.

A spin-on oil filter removes contaminants from the oil that circulates through the engine, preventing wear and keeping your engine running smoothly.

How spin-on filters protect the engine

Spin-on oil filters¹ are self-contained units that screw directly onto the engine block. Inside each filter is a pleated paper or synthetic element that traps particles like carbon, metal flakes, and dirt. Clean oil returns to the engine, protecting vital components from abrasive wear.

Key components in a Runex Auto spin-on oil filter:

At Runex Auto, we engineer our oil filters to meet or exceed OEM standards. Our media offers high dirt-holding capacity without restricting oil flow, even under cold starts or high-load driving. The anti-drainback valve²s are rigorously tested to resist fatigue and hardening. A small failure in this valve can lead to delayed oil pressure during engine start.

How does a spinner oil filter work?

You may have heard the term "spinner filter" used interchangeably with "spin-on," but there's a critical difference in how they function.

A spinner oil filter uses centrifugal force to separate out contaminants, spinning oil at high speed to throw particles outward where they can be captured.

Spinner vs. Spin-On: Two different beasts

Spinner (Centrifugal) Filter:

• Uses a rotating element powered by oil pressure
• Spins contaminated oil rapidly
• Dirt particles are flung outward and stick to the housing wall
• Usually found in heavy-duty diesel or industrial engines

Spin-On Filter:

• Passive filtration using synthetic or cellulose media
• Contaminants are trapped as oil flows through pleats
• Simple replacement—unscrew, dispose, and install new

At Runex Auto, we focus on spin-on filters³ designed for passenger cars and light trucks. These are the most common type found in modern vehicles and deliver consistent performance with far easier maintenance. Spinner filters have their place but require more complex service procedures⁴.

Can you clean a spin-on oil filter?

Some DIYers wonder if they can cut costs by reusing or cleaning spin-on filters. That’s a dangerous shortcut.

No, spin-on oil filters are not designed to be cleaned or reused. They are disposable units that should be replaced during every oil change.

Why you shouldn’t reuse a spin-on filter

Risk factors of reuse:

• Trapped contaminants can’t be fully removed
• Bypass valves and seals may degrade
• Housing can corrode or weaken under pressure
• Media may clog, restricting oil flow

Even if you cut the can open and rinse the element, you can’t restore its full filtration efficiency⁵. More importantly, you risk reintroducing debris into the engine. It’s not worth the risk to save a few dollars.

At Runex Auto, our spin-on filters⁶ are designed for one-time use with maximum protection during their service life. We use epoxy-bonded media and steel canisters that resist crushing and pressure surges, ensuring safe disposal and performance consistency.

How to change a spin on an oil filter?

Most oil filter issues come from poor installation, not poor quality. Even the best filter fails if installed wrong.

To change a spin-on oil filter, drain the old oil, remove the filter, clean the mounting base, apply oil to the new gasket, screw it on hand-tight plus ¾ turn, then refill the oil.

Step-by-step: How I teach customers to avoid common mistakes

1. Drain the old oil

Make sure the engine is warm. Remove the drain plug and allow oil to flow completely into a pan.

2. Remove the old filter

Use a filter wrench if needed. Watch for remaining oil and dispose of the filter safely.

3. Clean the mounting base

Wipe off any old gasket material or oil sludge. This is where most DIYers go wrong.

4. Prep the new filter

Apply a light film of clean engine oil to the new gasket. This prevents the gasket from sticking and tearing.

5. Install by hand

Screw on the new filter until the gasket makes contact. Then tighten it by hand an additional ¾ turn. Do not use tools.

6. Refill with fresh oil

Replace the drain plug. Fill with oil to the recommended level, then run the engine and check for leaks.

A real story from our customer: One UK client had frequent complaints about oil leaks⁷ after oil changes. We reviewed their process and noticed they skipped gasket prep⁸. After we trained their team—wipe base, oil gasket, hand-tighten only—the complaints vanished. Sometimes the filter isn’t the problem—it’s the habit.

Conclusion

Changing the oil with a spin-on filter⁹ seems simple, but small mistakes can lead to big problems. By understanding how these filters work and following the right steps—especially cleaning and oiling the gasket—you protect the engine and the brand behind it. At Runex Auto, we design every oil filter to perform reliably under real-world conditions, but we also teach our clients that the best results come from pairing a great part with a good process.