How to install a new oil filter?

When it comes to maintaining engine performance, changing the oil filter is non-negotiable—but many people still get it wrong.

To install a new oil filter correctly, you need to prepare the filter, remove the old gasket, align the threads, and hand-tighten without over-torquing.

It sounds simple, but a minor mistake can lead to oil leaks, poor filtration, and even engine failure. In this article, I’ll break down the process using my experience with Runex Auto oil filters and explain why these steps matter more than you think.

How to properly install a new oil filter?

Many assume installing an oil filter is just twist-and-go. That’s why so many installations go wrong.

To properly install a new oil filter, start by removing the old filter and its gasket, clean the mount surface, lubricate the new gasket, and tighten the new filter with care—not too tight, not too loose.

Understanding the Right Steps

When you install a Runex Auto oil filter¹, it’s not just about screwing in a part—it’s about completing a precision process. I’ve seen mechanics rush through this, missing crucial steps. One of my clients—a fleet manager—learned this the hard way. Their maintenance team kept skipping a simple check: making sure the old gasket was removed. That led to double gaskets², poor sealing, and multiple oil leaks across the fleet. It wasn’t the filter’s fault. It was the process.

Here’s how I advise all my clients to install a Runex Auto oil filter:

1. Remove the Old Filter and Gasket

Always inspect the engine surface³ after removing the old filter. A stuck gasket can cause severe leaks. Runex filters are designed to seal tight, so you must ensure no old rubber remains.

2. Clean the Mounting Surface

Use a clean, lint-free rag to wipe the filter mount. Dirt or old oil can affect sealing and allow debris into the engine.

3. Lubricate the New Gasket

Rub a thin layer of clean oil onto the gasket. This prevents friction and allows smooth tightening, which is essential for Runex filters' engineered sealing system.

4. Hand-Tighten Only

Over-tightening can crush the gasket or warp the housing. Runex filters are engineered for a snug fit with just a firm hand twist—no wrench needed.

By following these, the fleet manager solved the leak issues entirely. One small change. Big difference.

How do you ensure the new oil filter is installed correctly?

Sometimes a filter looks fine after installation—until it leaks under pressure.

To ensure correct installation, confirm the old gasket is gone, the sealing surface is clean, the gasket is lubricated, and the new filter is hand-tightened. Then, start the engine and check for leaks.

The Confirmation Checklist

Runex Auto designs its oil filters⁴ for both performance and reliability. But even the best filter can fail if it’s not installed correctly. I always emphasize this with clients: good parts need good processes. Here’s the checklist we recommend:

Visual and Tactile Checks

Run your finger around the sealing base to ensure no old gasket remains. Then inspect the new filter to confirm its gasket⁵ is seated properly.

Filter Orientation and Fit

Make sure the threads match. Runex Auto oil filters use precision-threaded bases to ensure alignment, but forcing the wrong thread can strip the fitting or cause uneven sealing.

Prime the Engine

After installation, run the engine for 30–60 seconds. Then shut it off and inspect the area around the filter. Any sign of leaking oil means something was missed—stop and fix it before driving.

Check After First Drive

Even if everything looks good initially, recheck after a short test drive. Heat can expand parts and reveal hidden issues.

Small details like this helped one of our European distributors cut their return rate in half. All they changed was the final inspection process. That’s the power of precision.

Can you replace an oil filter yourself?

You don’t have to be a certified mechanic to do it right—but you do need to know the rules.

Yes, you can replace an oil filter yourself using basic tools, as long as you follow correct procedures: identify the correct filter model, prepare the parts, and inspect for leaks after installation.

Why DIY is Doable—But Needs Discipline

Many of our clients—especially in smaller workshops or fleets—handle oil changes in-house. I always tell them: replacing a Runex oil filter⁷ isn’t rocket science, but skipping steps turns savings into engine damage.

Tools and Setup

You’ll need:

• Oil catch pan
• Wrench (for stubborn filters)
• New Runex oil filter (double-check compatibility)
• Fresh engine oil⁸
• Clean rags

Process Matters

Runex filters come with pre-lubed gaskets in some models. But even then, I still advise adding a fresh coat before installation. It costs nothing. It prevents a lot.

Don't Skip the Drain

Never change the filter without draining the oil first unless you're using a top-side extractor system. Old oil can surge out under pressure.

The Confidence Curve

Most first-time installers just need one success to build confidence. I’ve had clients who were nervous at first, but after replacing a couple filters correctly—using Runex—they never looked back.

So yes—you can do it. But only if you treat it with care.

How should a new oil filter be prepared before installation?

Jumping straight to installation without prep is like installing tires without checking air pressure.

Before installing a new oil filter, apply a light coat of clean oil to the gasket, fill the filter with fresh oil (if applicable), and inspect the threads and sealing surfaces.

Filter Prep: The Silent Hero

Many problems start before the filter ever touches the engine. Prepping a Runex Auto oil filter takes just a minute, but makes all the difference.

Gasket Lube

The rubber sealing ring must glide into place—not grind. A dry gasket can tear or roll, leading to leaks. Use a finger to apply a small amount of clean oil around the entire ring.

Pre-Filling the Filter (Where Possible)

Some vertical-mount filters allow pre-filling. This reduces the time it takes for oil pressure to build at startup. Horizontal filters usually can’t be pre-filled without spilling.

Runex oil filters have optimized flow channels, so even without pre-fill, oil reaches the engine fast—but where possible, pre-fill still gives you a head start.

Thread Check

Make sure the threads are undamaged and clean. Cross-threading⁹ is a silent killer. Even the best filter can’t fix a bad fit.

Once, I helped a rural workshop that had multiple startup rattle complaints. We traced it to dry-start conditions because they weren’t pre-filling filters on diesel engines. After adding that step, the rattle disappeared.

Conclusion

Installing a new oil filter¹² isn’t complicated, but it’s precise. Every step—from removing the old gasket to tightening by hand—matters. I’ve seen how a small oversight can cause big problems. But I’ve also seen how simple habits, like checking the gasket and lubricating the seal, can improve fleet reliability, reduce complaints, and protect engines.

At Runex Auto, we build filters that perform. But they need your hands to install them right. Trust the process, respect the part, and your engine will thank you.