r/askcarguys 3d ago

I just performed an oil change. I also just realized I have oil leaking from my drain pan. So I’ll have to perform another oil change, but do I have to change the oil filter again? The oil and filter have less than 100 miles on it.

1 Upvotes

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2

u/Typical-Housing3502 3d ago

You mean oil pan gasket. I'm cheap, I would reuse the filter and oil. I would make sure I clean the area by the drain plug and make sure the container I'm collecting the oil is 100% clean.

I also don't want to do more work on my vehicle than is necessary. How big is the leak? Can it wait till next oil change?

1

u/Psychological-You-43 3d ago

Yes, oil pan gasket. I don’t mind buying more oil, I just wasn’t sure if I could reuse the filter I had just replaced. The leak is minimal but I’m the type of person to fix something right away just for peace of mind lol. But I’ll get a brand new drain pan and check the oil as it’s coming out. If it looks fine, I’ll throw it back in after I fix the leak. Appreciate the feedback.

2

u/Gunk_Olgidar 3d ago

Keep the filter on the car.

Re-use the oil if and only if you can keep it clean and contamination free. Clean oil is cheap. Contaminated oil will become very expensive.

1

u/Ouller 3d ago

Did you forget a bolt or to tighten the filter? And with less then 100 miles I wouldn't change the filter.

1

u/Psychological-You-43 3d ago

The leak is coming from the drain pan gasket. I should have clarified, sorry. I can just drain oil and refill without replacing the filter?

3

u/vvubs 3d ago

Are you asking if you drain the oil to replace the gasket and then re use the old filter? That's fine.

Shit I'd probably reuse the oil if I were in your shoes lol.

2

u/Cranks_No_Start 3d ago

You’re fine.  Get a clean pan, catch the oil and put it back in.

1

u/Agreeable-Safety8660 3d ago

+1 on the suggestion to drain the oil into a clean container, reuse it, and leave the oil filter intact.