The Ford Owner’s Guide to Oil Filters

Are you a Ford owner who would like to start doing more routine maintenance? If so, it's a good idea to know all about oil filters, which is one of the parts that needs to be replaced pretty often.

In this guide are 4 of the most frequently asked questions about oil filters, along with answers to each one.

1. What’s an Oil Filter and Why Does My Car Have One?

The oil filter is a paper filter in a metal canister. Its purpose is to filter dirt and debris out of the oil before returning it to the engine. Your car has an oil filter because clean oil is essential to the health of the engine. This article expands on what oil filters are and why it’s important for your car to have one.

2. How Often Should I Change My Oil Filter?

Oil filters get dirty pretty fast, much like the oil in your engine. That’s why mechanics recommend changing the oil filter every time your car has an oil change. Fresh, clean oil works best with a new and clean filter.

3. Are Aftermarket Oil Filters Safe to Use?

When it comes to oil filters, quality matters a lot. That’s why some car owners are hesitant to install aftermarket oil filters in their cars. It’s a valid concern because aftermarket oil filters are built with inferior quality materials and they’re not always effective. For a more thorough explanation on why OEM oil filters are always the better bet, check out this article.

4. How Do I Change My Oil Filter?

If you have a way to lift your car (even with a floor jack and jack stands), you can certainly change the oil filter yourself. All you have to do is to remove the old oil filter and then install the new one using this set of instructions.

If you have any questions that weren’t answered in this guide, you’re more than welcome to reach out to us.