Jumping on filter every other oil change bandwagon

[sir1900]

Well I think I am going to hop on the "every other oil change" bandwagon and start doing this beginning my upcoming oil change for the Civic. By all accounts, I don't think there will be any harm in this if it is something that Honda says its fine to do. The 2012 Civic uses the maintenance minder. Expected OCI is 7500 miles / 12000 kms.

I have read the "cheap insurance" argument, which I understand why some feel this way, but the rationale goes beyond saving the money for the cost of the filter. What's at the heart of the argument is, is it necessary to change the filter if used oil is "cleaner" than ever before and secondly why waste resources if you absolutely don't have to?

Again, I want to reiterate, this has nothing to do with cost. Zero.

My filter stash for the Civic includes:

K&N HP-1010
Mobil 1 M1-110 (x2)
Bosch Distance Plus D3323
Bosch Premium 3323
Purolator Pure One PL14610
Purolator Classic L14610 (x2)

I'm thinking I will use any one of the above for two OCIs except the Classic (saving those for the Accord).

I'm ready to be attacked from all sides.

 

[ZeeOSix]

If I was doing 2 ea, 7500 mile OCIs with one filter - giving it a 15K run, I'd probably use a filter advertised for long OCIs to be safe. That Bosch DP is definitely up for it. Few others would be the full synthetic PL Purolator line, or the FRAM Ultra.

Your Civic is pretty new, so the engine should be spotless inside. That helps if you're going to use something like the PureOne or Bosch Premium ... which are not really specified as long OCI filter.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I had been doing "every other dino oil change" with various brand filters, including OCOD, in my 300k miles LS400 for more than 15 years. When it has syn oil I double the ODI to 1 year, so oil filter is changed every year regardless if dino or syn was used.

 

[skyship]

Originally Posted By: sir1900
Well I think I am going to hop on the "every other oil change" bandwagon and start doing this beginning my upcoming oil change for the Civic. By all accounts, I don't think there will be any harm in this if it is something that Honda says its fine to do. The 2012 Civic uses the maintenance minder. Expected OCI is 7500 miles / 12000 kms.

I have read the "cheap insurance" argument, which I understand why some feel this way, but the rationale goes beyond saving the money for the cost of the filter. What's at the heart of the argument is, is it necessary to change the filter if used oil is "cleaner" than ever before and secondly why waste resources if you absolutely don't have to?

Again, I want to reiterate, this has nothing to do with cost. Zero.

My filter stash for the Civic includes:

K&N HP-1010
Mobil 1 M1-110 (x2)
Bosch Distance Plus D3323
Bosch Premium 3323
Purolator Pure One PL14610
Purolator Classic L14610 (x2)

I'm thinking I will use any one of the above for two OCIs except the Classic (saving those for the Accord).

I'm ready to be attacked from all sides.

I will defend you! I've been an alternate filter changer for many years. A few words of warning for the public:
1/ Don't exceed the filter manufacturers limits.
2/ Never remove a screw on filter to drain it, as you could start an oil leak.
3/ Some trucks that use high quality synthetic oils need filter only changes.
4/ Do a few UOA cross checks to confirm your OCI procedure is good. (The second interval with the dirty filter should be slightly better, because clean filters are far less efficient)

My example of this procedure is as follows for a 1.9TD:
1/ Normal service Volvo recommended max OCI: 20K
2/ UOA at 10K oil & filter change (Severe service issues) results very good with top quality German made synthoil and Volvo filter made in Germany.
Oil condition definitely good for 15K, but the filter is expensive and it's a longer job, so changed to 10K oil only changes with full service at 20K.
3/ Switch to Bosch EP long life filter rated at 30K km and extend the oil only change to 15K.
4/ OR if the Bosch or Mobil 1 EP filter is not available (Difficult engine type to find alternate filters for), as they say it will be very soon, give up the expensive full synthetic and stick with a top quality conventional diesel only oil, as I am wasting money at present if I don't extend the oil change interval.
5/ Cross check each procedure change with an OCI before deciding on the final long term procedure for my 500K km target before full overhaul.

 

[bigjl]

I have done this on a few occasions.

My reasoning for agreeing that there is nothing detrimental in doing it is as follows.

There will always be more capacity and life in a filter to allow for owner neglect and late of missed services.

As OP says a lot of manufacturers do this as part of normal service schedules.

My only caveat is that I try not to go far past the normal manufacturers non severe service mileage limit, thus the oil filter is not really in use for much longer than it would if run for the maximum mileage allowable.

I think reusing the filter could be of more benefit to low annual miles drivers as it could perhaps be run for two years if the driver does 5k a year but the maximum OCI is 10k or one year. Then changing the filter at two years or 10k is fine.

Another point is I have only used decent name brand oil filters for several years now. I don't go for budget "Halfords" own brand, especially when you realise they are more expensive than a Bosch, Hengst or Mann from EuroCarParts, even before using one of their online discount codes.

I done an oil change only on the Clio, Taxi and Pathfinder. But only the on e on each vehicle.

But if you ever get a chance to look at the filter position on the Taxi you will know why, you need to remove the airbox and unbolt a steering shaft to get it out. Just no clearance.

The time I did it on the Pathfinder my arthritis was playing up and I broke the filter removal tool.

I also agree with the OP's idea that preserving world resources is also a valid reason for maximising oil filter life.

 

[Mr Nice]

I do 20K miles on a Purolator Classic but that's with 3 OCI's.

No reason to change the filter every oil change.

 

[JHZR2]

Its more habit than anything, that makes this uncomfortable.

With a quality filter, obviously it is acceptable if OEMs have advocated...

THere is something to be said about the creation of a filter cake that actually performs the filtration. The actual filtration may be far superior on the twice-used filter!

 

[LeakySeals]

Welcome aboard! I'm doing 2X OCI with Fram Ultras on both cars. Both are approx 7k interval. The Ultra is rated at 15k and 30g so its "supposed to" be ok. Time will tell. I remove and drain the filter. Only takes a second and I'm under there anyways. a little paranoid about it getting stuck I guess. my observations is this filter gets more efficient with age.

Also note both engines are cleaned up. Would never do this on an unknown or dirty engine.

 

[Donald]

Hope your filters never go to bypass.

 

[bigjl]

This is one reason I like the insert type oil filters, often they are a little bit more accessible and there is less waste.

 

[daman]

I started doing this on my last OC using NAPA Platinum's full wire backed synthetic filters,first run was 6500 miles i suspect the next run will be similar or close to that mileage.

i do remove the filter dump it then reinstall it i don't want anymore dirty oil left in then necessary.I would only do this using a quality filters.

 

[gman2304]

I bought a new Suzuki DL1000 motorcycle in 2008 and while reading the owners manual I noticed it said to change the oil filter every other oil change. I have always changed the filter at every oil change in ALL my vehicles. With having a shared sump I got to thinking if a manufacturer recommending a new filter every other OCI why wouldn't it work with a car or truck? I still change the filter every OCI (old habits die hard) but am now considering going to every other OCI.

 

[dnewton3]

If the OEM approves it, I would suspect it's very doable.

I am just starting into ownership of a 2000 Galant where the OCI is 7.5k miles, and the FCI is 15k miles. All on "normal" fluids and filters; no synthetic oil nor premium filter required in the owner's manual.

This is a secondary vehicle for me, so it will take some time to accumlate mileage, but as the OCIs present opportunities, I'll do some UOAs for comparison/contrast.

At face value, with a quality filter, I see no harm in the practice if the equipment is in good working order.

 

[cptbarkey]

changing the filter is convenient, easy and cheap. i don't see the point in going out of the way *not* doing it because its one less thing to worry about. as i get older, less worry, no matter the topic becomes very important.

 

[surfstar]

Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
changing the filter is convenient, easy and cheap.


Same can be said for oil and air filters. Changing too often does not gain anything, though. I will be going to every other on my Civic, as that is what Honda has recommended for years and I've got a couple Fram Ultras to try it with.

 

[demarpaint]

I'm still a little leery, here's why. Over the years I've removed several filters, all makes, including Purolator, Fram, Wicks, Napa, Hastings, Mobil 1, and a few others which had very little oil in them, from an engine that was just shut down. Imagine leaving a filter on that wasn't working properly for 2 OCI's? Not everyone has the ability to detect when a filter isn't working properly, and some might give no warning at all for those savvy enough to know how to tell. Go easy I'm not looking to get flamed, this is JMO. At least by removing and draining the filter you might be able to tell if there is a problem, but then you have those who warn you never to remove and re-install a filter for fear of it leaking. I think I'd rather take my chances doing that if I was planning on using a filter twice. Part of an oil change is to check for leaks.

 

[LeakySeals]

Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
changing the filter is convenient, easy and cheap. i don't see the point in going out of the way *not* doing it because its one less thing to worry about. as i get older, less worry, no matter the topic becomes very important.
cptbarkey - using your reply to make a point, nothing more

Those that are leary, think about the flip side of above. A new filter CAN be one more thing to worry about. Because its untested in service, while the filter your replacing was known good. All filters are not perfect, we cant assume any part is. There is an active thread about Napa Gold filters on here right now. I'm one of the people that experienced a failure. It wasn't plugged at 3k. Bypass didn't work, lost all oil pressure suddenly. Something went wrong.

I personally have never experienced a plugged filter. If I did I didn't know it, there was no indication. I know a lady that has NEVER changed her oil or filter for years, just adds oil. I'm afraid to touch it. Its a sludge bomb. Likely in bypass, but the engine runs fine remarkably. I know plenty of people who never change their oil on time, the cars keep going. Guess where I'm headed is, maybe we fear the wrong thing (plugging vs a dud) The more you replace things the more you increase the odds of a dud.

One more thing to think about. Oil chemistry and engines have changed. Took a while, but most of us are past the 3k oil change. Filter designs are changing for the new intervals. Extended drain, synthetic media, screens, larger capacities. But we still cling to changing the filter every oil change regardless of interval length over a "fear" handed down over the years. Just like the 3k oil change, a new oil filter every oil change tradition may be a thing of the past too.

My view: There is no set rule for an OCI anymore, there is no set rule for oil filter use anymore. Depends on engine condition, the filter used, and the OCI.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: LeakySeals

Those that are leary, think about the flip side of above. A new filter CAN be one more thing to worry about. Because its untested in service, while the filter your replacing was known good.


Well, not necessarily. With a spin-on filter, there may be a media tear or failure and you would never know until you remove it and cut it open. Happened to me once with a Purolator Classic. I have a thread about it showing the failure.

Last thing I would want is a filter left on for 2 OCIs that had a media failure going on. Sure, the new filter could also have a failure, but if the filter was changed every time then the most time it would be ran would be 1 OCI instead of 2 OCIs. Just another way of looking at it.

 

[threeputtpar]

No need to defend, if your engine is relatively clean you should have no problem doubling the FCI.

I'm doing it on our Mountaineer now because I don't like being showered with oil because it drains right on the exhaust pipe. I just use the FL-820S with the silicon ADBV, and it does just fine for 10k miles. Anyways, we will be selling the vehicle in the summer, so I'm really trying to limit the cash invested in it at this point.

 

[KCJeep]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I'm still a little leery, here's why. Over the years I've removed several filters, all makes, including Purolator, Fram, Wicks, Napa, Hastings, Mobil 1, and a few others which had very little oil in them, from an engine that was just shut down. Imagine leaving a filter on that wasn't working properly for 2 OCI's?

Then again, since oil filter failure rates are miniscule, you're actually increasing the chances you'll stumble across a bad filter by changing more often. You could be replacing a perfectly good one with the rare bad one.

But pushing a filter too far, that's another matter entirely. If someone is doing normal 5k oci's extending a $3 Puro Classic to 10k is probably false economy and perhaps unwise as well.