Should you change an oil filter when changing oil?

Many drivers worry about maintenance costs, but skipping an oil filter replacement is a hidden risk. A clogged filter forces dirty oil into the engine, and the damage costs far more than the filter itself.

Yes, you should change the oil filter every time you change oil, because leaving an old filter allows unfiltered oil to circulate, causing engine wear and increasing long-term maintenance costs.

I want to explain why this small component has a big impact, and why our Runex Auto oil filters are built to protect engines under all conditions.

How often should an oil filter be changed?

Many car owners ask me if they can delay filter replacement. I know this hesitation because I once thought the same and learned the hard way through costly repairs.

An oil filter should be changed with every oil change, which is usually every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers depending on the vehicle and oil type. Runex Auto filters are designed for full service intervals, ensuring performance until the next scheduled maintenance.

Recommended Practice

Manufacturers design oil and filters to work as a pair. If one is refreshed but the other is not, the cycle breaks. Many fleet owners who ignored filters experienced rising downtime.

Why Runex Auto Filters Last

Runex Auto filters¹ are engineered with high-capacity media that traps fine contaminants. They keep oil flowing clean until the next oil service. Our testing confirms efficiency even under dusty, high-load driving.

Factor	Runex Auto Performance	Impact for Buyers
Capacity	Holds more dirt without clogging	Fewer bypass risks
Media	Multi-layer synthetic blend	Higher filtration efficiency
Durability	Reinforced canisters	Withstands pressure spikes

My Experience

I always insist on replacing the oil filter each time. Once, a client tried to save costs by skipping filters on his delivery fleet. Within months, engines showed wear and oil pressure problems. When he adopted our filters at every service, his downtime dropped and his overall bill shrank fast. This is why I say oil filter²s are cheap insurance.

How do I know if my oil filter needs changing?

It can be hard to notice when an oil filter is near failure, but there are signals. I once drove with a clogged filter and the warning light came too late. That lesson stays with me.

Signs that your oil filter needs changing include dirty oil, engine noise, decreased performance, or an oil pressure warning light. Using Runex Auto filters reduces these risks, since our designs maintain flow and filtration longer than basic filters.

Key Indicators

• Dark or gritty oil after short driving periods
• Engine knocking or ticking sounds
• Drop in fuel economy
• Oil pressure fluctuations

Why Runex Auto Reduces These Risks

Runex Auto filters³ feature a strong bypass valve system. Even when nearing capacity, they prevent oil starvation⁴ by allowing controlled flow. This means drivers avoid sudden breakdowns.

Signal	What It Means	How Runex Auto Responds
Dirty oil fast	Filter saturation	Larger surface media captures more dirt
Engine noise	Restricted oil flow	Reliable bypass keeps lubrication steady
Pressure drop	Clogged passages	Reinforced structure prevents collapse

My Perspective

I remind buyers that waiting for signs is risky. By the time the engine knocks, damage has already started. Preventive replacement is smarter. I often tell procurement managers that spending a few dollars now saves thousands later. With Runex Auto filters, they get both performance and security.

How bad is it to leave an old oil filter?

I once had to manage a fleet account where the owner decided to stretch filters beyond schedule. Within half a year, engine complaints poured in, and the costs doubled. It was avoidable.

Leaving an old oil filter is bad because it clogs, forces oil bypass, and sends unfiltered oil through the engine. This accelerates wear, causes deposits, and may shorten engine life.

Why It Hurts Engines

Oil filters fill up over time. Once clogged, the engine bypasses the filter to keep oil flowing. But unfiltered oil carries abrasive particles that grind on metal surfaces.

Runex Auto’s Protection

Our filters are built with larger dirt-holding capacity⁵ and reinforced seals, so they last the full interval safely. But even the best filter must be replaced. It is not worth the gamble.

Risk of Old Filter	Impact	Prevented by Runex Auto
Oil bypass	Unfiltered oil in engine	High dirt capacity delays bypass
Internal collapse	Sudden oil starvation	Reinforced metal shell prevents failure
Deposits build-up	Sticky sludge inside engine	Efficient capture of fine particles

Real Example

One client ignored filter changes. His vehicles ran rough, and mechanics found heavy sludge inside. After he switched to using Runex Auto filters⁶ with each oil change, the problem disappeared. This is why I always say there is no cheap shortcut in maintenance. A filter costs little but protects an engine worth thousands.

Can I change my oil filter without losing all my oil?

I often hear this from DIY drivers who want to avoid the mess. I understand, because I once tried to swap a filter without draining oil, and I made a big spill in my garage.

Yes, you can change an oil filter without losing all oil, but you will lose some. Runex Auto filters are designed with precise fitment and anti-drainback valves to minimize oil loss during replacement.

What Really Happens

When you remove the filter, oil inside the housing and filter drains out. But the rest of the oil stays in the pan. You only lose a small amount.

Why Runex Auto Filters Help

Our oil filters have strong anti-drainback valves⁷. They keep oil in the passages, so less drains when the filter is removed. This makes filter swaps cleaner and safer.

Concern	Normal Filter	Runex Auto Filter
Oil spill	More leakage	Valve prevents backflow
Fitment	Risk of loose seal	Precision machining ensures tight seal
Messy job	Hard cleanup	Cleaner replacement

My Take

While it is possible to replace just the filter, I advise buyers to replace both oil and filter together. It makes sense to reset the system fully. Otherwise, the new filter holds old oil residue. Our Runex Auto⁸ clients who follow this routine report smoother operation and longer service life. Skipping steps only leads to uneven maintenance.

Conclusion

Changing an oil filter⁹ with every oil change is essential. A clogged filter risks engine damage, downtime, and higher costs. Runex Auto oil filters provide certified quality, extended capacity, and proven durability. I believe this small investment protects engines, saves money, and builds confidence for both individual drivers and fleet managers.