When you decide that you would be removing the oil filter all by yourself for the first time and replacing it with a new one, there are a number of things that need to be taken care of. For starters, you need to select the best replacement engine oil and oil filter. Then begins the important process of choosing the correct oil filter wrench.
Yes, it is a process because you will be presented with a wide range of types of oil filter wrenches when you begin the research online or step out to buy one at the auto parts store. There are many aspects in choosing the aptest filter for your vehicle. In this blog, we shall guide you through each of them.
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Things to Consider for the Correct Oil Filter Wrench
Oil Filter Wrench Size:
Depending on the size of your oil filter, the first step is to determine the oil filter wrench size that is compatible with your vehicle’s oil filter. This can be done by reading your car owner’s manual that specifies the oil filter diameter. Alternatively, you can also look up online for the oil filter diameter by entering the details of your car like model name/number/brand, etc.
If you are stuck and just unable to figure out the oil filter wrench size by these means, there are many types of equipment available in the market that can help you determine the outer diameter of the oil filter. After measuring it yourself, you can refer to the oil filter wrench size charts that are available to buy the best fit.
The Type of Oil Filter Wrench:
This is perhaps the most important part of any deliberation when replacing the oil filters by yourself. Here are the different types of oil filter wrenches you can find depending on the filter sizes. It is necessary to understand the specialty of each of these types too.
Oil filter wrench Cup:
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If you are looking for a tool that will perfectly fit the oil filter and provide a sturdy grip, you must opt for a wrench cup. They are sturdy and have a longer serving life as compared to other equipment. Moreover, the chances that you would damage the oil filter or de-shape it in the process of removal are almost null. This type of wrench sits perfectly on your oil filter and helps to remove it with much less effort.
One might get confused by reading about a few drawbacks but if you opt for the Klickwrench Oil filter cup, all your problems would be solved. Majorly, using a wrench cup means one cup one size. But, with the Klickwrench cup, one size fits multiple sizes. It is manufactured with hard-anodized aircraft-grade aluminum making it super sturdy and with a technique that imparts it the patented torque limited mechanism which prevents overtightening.
The cup engages with the knurlings and flutes of the oil filter and assists in both the removal and placing of the oil filters.
Oil filter Pliers
Pliers feature adjustable jaws and produce power for very difficult filters. The long handles help to access oil filters that are located in a difficult to reach places. The only issue with this type of wrenches is that if there is an oil drain that has occurred, getting a grip is fairly difficult. You might slip your hand and injure yourself or damage the parts inside.
Spider wrench
This type of wrench is useful when you just want to grab or claw the oil filter in some way. It is preferred for absolutely stuck filters. Moreover, if you are dealing with cramped space, spider wrench can be given a shot.
Strap wrenches / Band wrenches / Chain wrench
Even though using strap/band wrenches requires a lot of human effort, it is most favorite among garage owners for the simple reason that it is a tool that is not limited by size at all. But, it does require proficiency to be used well. For someone who changes 30-40 oil filters in a day, band wrenches are a boon. However, if you are dealing with a single car or limited cars you can rather opt for other universal oil filter wrench options than to go for a strap wrench.
Socket wrench / Cap wrench
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Socket style wrenches are great and simple as the only thing you need to do is perfectly place the cap/socket wrench onto the oil filter cap. These are the most desired option when it comes to spin-on types of filters.
Each of these wrenches works uniquely and you should keep the following things in mind before you narrow down your choice for either of them:
- Filter Size
- Location of the oil filter
- Number of flutes on the oil filter cap
- Utility
- Durability
- Number of vehicles you are dealing with
- Price
- Space available around/surrounding the oil filter
In Conclusion:
Changing the engine oil and the oil filter after a specific number of miles is mandatory for the well being of your car’s engine. The fresh oil will be capable of gathering all the dirt impurities, and other toxins from various parts of the engine in a better way than the oil which has been circulating for several months.
Determining the frequency of the replacement is subjective to the car, it can be anything from 3,000 miles to 7000 miles. Keep a watch on your engine light for the same. Along with the oil filter wrench, you must also keep other things handy like a drain pan to place beneath the drain plug when you have to discard the old oil, a few rags of old cloth, etc. to avoid any hassle.
Ultimately changing oil filters is super easy if you have patience and the right equipment in hand.
Must Read:
Top Tools Needed for Engine Oil Change of your Car
Source: https://t-tees.com
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