Changing oil filter without changing oil = bad?

[her209]

I run Mobil 1 synthetic in my vehicle, but I get the "cheap" oil filter as opposed to the more expensive one that supposed to last double the miles for double the cost so I can buy two of them and change it in the middle of the oil cycle without changing the oil. That way, if something is/goes wrong with the filter, I won't be out two oil filters, just one. Plus, getting a new filter in the middle of the cycle keeps the oil flowing good if the first one is clogged up already.

What are the negatives of doing this?

 

[TheUnk]

I'm also curious. Say I have a car that I put very few miles on. I do an oil change after only 1500 miles, but it's been 6+ months. Is a new filter necessary too?

 

[nedfunnell]

I would say to spend the same amount on a quality oil filter. If you're worried about something going wrong with an oil filter, the solution isn't to buy two cheap ones, it's to buy one good one. The filtration efficiency and flow benefits of two cheaper filters are probably matched by a high-quality filter also. Just get a good filter. Purolators are one a few bucks more than Fram.

 

[nerp]

The money saved is so small by not changing the filter I just see no point. People who skimp on basic things often run into trouble. Not saying you won't get away with it, but why not be safer than sorry?

 

[pauldun170]

How many miles are you putting on the oil?

 

[Jimzz]

Not bad but not really needed. How many miles? And why do you think the oil filter will not last as long as the oil?

 

[LTC8K6]

Neither the filter nor the oil is expensive enough to warrant skipping changing it to save money, imo.

Changing the filter between oil changes sounds like overkill, but I can't see it hurting anything, except the more often you do something, the more chances for a screw-up.

The problem with the low mileage deal is condensation and moisture contamination of the oil. Changing the filter is probably slightly more important. You don't need a rusty oil filter.

Mostly for low mileage cars, when you do drive it, the important thing is to make sure you drive for a long period, so that all of the fluids get hot. A highway run is best.