Garage labour costs can be ludicrous. For some jobs, you need a professional who has the kit to get it done properly, and you probably don't mumble too much about the cost (I know I wouldn't trust myself changing a head gasket at home). For other things, however, it seems like a lot of money for something most people could do. One such example is an oil change. Some garages can charge as much as £100 to refill your oil, but if you have the right tools and know-how, you can save yourself a pretty penny.
It isn't too difficult to change your own oil and regular oil changes will help your engine work more efficiently and prevent unnecessary (and expensive) damage in the future. It's important to remember to change your oil filter, too.
Removing it is usually fairly easy, but very messy, so an oil filter removal tool is a good idea. These tools are also super useful for removing stubborn and awkwardly placed oil filters, so should be considered. We've selected the best examples on the market currently so that you can change your own oil filter with ease.
Best oil filter removal tools
1. 12-inch Adjustable Oil Filter Plier
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Pliers are a simple but effective way to remove an oil filter. The pliers can remove any filter up to 12-inches in diameter and are designed to be easy to use. Be careful, however; if you're too enthusiastic with these, you run the risk of tearing through your oil filter and creating an oily mess. Pros:Simple to useEffectiveCons:Possible to cause a mess if you aren't careful
2. Draper Oil Filter Wrench
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A chain-operated oil filter removal tool should offer enough grip to remove even the most stubborn of oil filters. You'll need a socket wrench to operate this, and you'll need to be careful not to overstress the chain; some users have reported it to snap under high tension. Pros:Excellent grip for stubborn oil filters Cons:Awkward to use in tight spacesChain can break under extreme pressure
3. Draper Oil Filter Strap Wrench
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If your car is relatively new and your oil filter doesn't have a habit of getting stuck, then a budget option should be sufficient. Draper has a reputation for quality and this strap wrench is built to last. The strap means it's not the strongest on seized oil filters and the strap is more susceptible to slipping but it is a solid choice.Pros:Good valueTop quality construction Cons:Not suited for harder tasks
4. Oil Filter Wrench
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Claw-type tools are great because they adjust to fit any size oil filter, all you need is a socket wrench. Made of aluminium, this example will be ideal for stuck oil filters. The claws aren't very good in enclosed spaces, however. Pros:Fully adjustable Cons:Doesn't fit awkwardly placed oil filters
5. KATSU Tools Oil Filter Aluminium Wrench Cup Set
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Made of high-quality aluminium and featuring 23 different sizes, this set of tools will fit almost all oil filter types. Cup tools will need a socket wrench to work and thankfully, one is included in the set.Pros:Great variety of cups availableIncludes a socket wrench Cons:You'll only need this if you own a number of cars
6. Halfords Advanced Professional Oil Filter Removal Band
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Made of top-quality steel and designed to make the job easy, this fully adjustable oil filter removal tool from Halfords is a safe bet so long as you have plenty of room surrounding the oil filter.Pros:Simple to use and effectiveComes with a lifetime guarantee Cons:Grip on the handle isn't the bestNeeds plenty of room to be effective
What you need to know about oil filter removal tools:
Which type of oil filter removal tool is right for me?
The biggest thing to consider is where your oil filter is in your car. Either refer to the car's handbook or using a small mirror, have a look under your car to find it. If there is limited room surrounding it, then you'll need to choose a tool that'll work well in compact places. If, on the other hand, it looks like you have a fight on your hands, you'll be wanting a more powerful tool that'll be able to remove a seized filter without damaging the filter and spilling old oil everywhere.
Finally, consider that cap and claw tools will require a socket wrench to properly work. If you already have one then you're good to go. Otherwise, you'll be needing one of those, too. We've included our top pick below.
Best socket set
1. Bosch Ratchet Set
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A quality socket set will always be a welcome addition to any garage and will quickly become one of your most-used tools. It's a good idea, therefore, to buy a good quality one, like this one from Bosch. It includes a number of attachments, including screwdriver heads. It may be a small but it's the perfect tool for making an oil filter change easier.
How do I change an oil filter?
- Run your engine for a few minutes so the oil is heated, it'll drain quicker this way (but make sure it isn't too hot to be safe to remove).
- If you can, get your car on ramps (using a ramp, inspection pit or jacks will make things a lot easier but it's in no way essential). Just make sure you have enough room underneath your car to work safely.
- Put on some gloves and safety goggles.
- Find the oil drainage plug and place an oil pan underneath it, use a socket wrench to loosen the plug and remember that the oil will drain at an angle.
- Drain the old oil.
- Reattach the plug, secure it with a socket wrench and make sure not to over-tighten it.
- Find the oil filter (a small mirror can come in handy if you can't safely get under your car) and place the oil pan underneath it. Attach the removal tool to the oil filter and remove it. Make sure to clean the mount with a rag.
- Using a little bit of your new oil, lubricate the filter's gasket and screw it into place by hand.
- Add the new engine oil to your car and check you've added enough.
- Run the car and make sure there are no leaks from the filter or drainage plug. If there are, you'll probably just need to tighten them.
- Dispose of your old oil at an appropriate location, some recycling centres will dispose of it for you.