Where Is the Oil Filter Placed?

The oil filter is typically mounted on the engine itself—either on the side or bottom of the engine block as a spin‑on canister, or on the top of the engine in a plastic/aluminum housing holding a cartridge element—though its exact location varies by vehicle make, model, and engine layout. In most cars, you’ll access it from underneath near the oil pan, or from above if it’s a top‑mounted cartridge; checking the owner’s manual or a service guide is the surest way to pinpoint it.

How Oil Filters Are Typically Positioned

Automakers place oil filters where they can intercept oil flow right after it leaves the pump and before it circulates through engine bearings and valvetrain. Two broad styles dominate: spin‑on filters (a metal can you unscrew) usually placed low or on the side of the block, and cartridge filters (a replaceable element inside a housing) increasingly positioned on top for cleaner service and reduced spill risk.

Common Locations on Passenger Cars

Across modern vehicles, these are the most common places you’ll find the oil filter based on engine orientation and packaging constraints.

• Bottom or side of the engine block (spin‑on): Often near the oil pan and accessible from beneath the car, sometimes tucked behind a splash shield or undertray.
• Top of the engine (cartridge in a housing): A capped plastic or aluminum housing on or near the valve cover area; you remove a cap to access the filter element.
• Transverse front‑wheel‑drive layouts: Filter sits either on the radiator side (front of engine bay) or the firewall side (rear), sometimes close to a drive axle or subframe.
• Longitudinal rear‑/all‑wheel‑drive layouts: Typically on the left or right side of the block, oriented vertically or horizontally, reachable from below or through the wheel well.
• Boxer engines: Some designs place the filter at the very front or on top of the engine for easier access; others keep a conventional low mount—check engine‑family specifics.
• SUVs and trucks: May be behind skid plates or mounted remotely on a frame rail for serviceability; access can be through a wheel well or from beneath.
• European makes (many BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, VW/Audi, some GM Ecotec): Frequently use a top‑mounted cartridge housing near the front or center of the engine bay.
• Japanese makes (varies by engine family): Many Honda/Acura and Nissan/Infiniti engines use side/bottom spin‑ons; some Toyota/Lexus engines use a bottom or top cartridge inside a metal housing behind a splash shield.

While these patterns are common, manufacturers often revise placement across engine generations or trims, so two cars from the same brand year can still differ in oil filter location and service access.

Motorcycles, Powersports, and Small Engines

Two‑wheelers and small equipment use simpler layouts, but placements still vary by engine design and cooling strategy.

• Motorcycles (liquid‑cooled and many air‑cooled): Either a spin‑on filter at the front or side of the crankcase, or a cartridge behind a small cover plate on the lower front of the engine.
• Dirt bikes and some dual‑sports: Often a cartridge behind a round or oval cover on the right side of the engine.
• ATVs/UTVs: Similar to motorcycles; look for a small cover or spin‑on near the front of the engine, sometimes shielded by skid plates.
• Lawn tractors/generators: Usually a small spin‑on on the side of the engine block.
• Push mowers and small handheld tools: Many have no external oil filter—only a screen or none at all—so there may be nothing to find.

Because these engines are compact and exposed, visual identification is usually quick; however, skid plates or plastic fairings may need to be removed to access the filter safely.

Diesel Engines and Heavy‑Duty Applications

Higher oil volumes and service intervals influence filter form factor and placement on diesel and heavy‑duty engines.

• Top‑mounted vertical cartridges: Common on modern light‑duty diesels to minimize spills and speed service.
• Large spin‑on canisters: Mounted low or on the frame rail; some systems use more than one filter (primary/secondary) or an external oil cooler with integrated filtration.
• Remote filter heads: Used to improve access in crowded bays; connected with oil lines to the engine block.

Always verify whether your diesel uses single or dual filters and whether there’s a separate bypass filter, as service points and intervals can differ.

How to Locate Your Specific Oil Filter

If you’re unsure where yours is, a systematic approach helps you find it without guesswork or spills.

1. Check the owner’s manual or a factory service manual for diagrams and access notes.
2. Identify your filter type: look for a metal spin‑on canister below, or a capped housing (often with a large hex) on top.
3. Inspect from above first: scan around the valve cover and intake area for a cartridge housing.
4. Then inspect from below: remove any undertray or splash shield; look near the oil pan and along the sides of the block.
5. Follow clues: trace oil cooler lines, look for labels/stickers indicating “oil filter,” or locate it near the oil pressure sender area.
6. Use a flashlight and gloves: filters can be obscured by hoses, shields, or crossmembers.

If access requires significant disassembly (wheel‑well liners, skid plates), plan for proper support and torques, or consult a professional to avoid damaging housings or seals.

Safety and Environmental Notes

Finding the filter is only half the job; servicing it cleanly and safely protects both the engine and the environment.

• Always let the engine cool before reaching near the exhaust, turbo, or oil cooler.
• Use the specified wrench: cap‑style sockets for cartridge housings, strap/band wrenches for spin‑ons.
• Replace O‑rings and crush washers; lightly oil new seals before installation.
• Torque housings and drain plugs to spec to avoid leaks or cracked housings.
• Dispose of used oil and filters at a recycling center; never dump oil or place filters in household trash.

Proper tools, correct parts, and careful handling prevent leaks and ensure the new filter seats correctly for full oil pressure protection.

Summary

The oil filter is mounted on the engine—commonly a spin‑on can at the side or bottom of the block, or a cartridge inside a housing on top of the engine. Exact placement depends on engine layout and vehicle design, so confirm with your owner’s or service manual. Look on top for a capped housing, or underneath near the oil pan behind any splash shields. For motorcycles, ATVs, and small engines, expect a small spin‑on or a cartridge cover on the crankcase; some small engines have no external filter at all.

Can I change my car oil filter myself?

Locate the Oil Filter: Refer to your manual to find the oil filter’s location. Remove the Old Filter: Use an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter. Be prepared for some oil to spill. Prepare the New Filter: Apply a small amount of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter.

Where is the engine filter located?

The engine air filter is typically located under the hood, near the front of the engine, within a rectangular housing. This housing is usually a black plastic box and can be accessed by releasing tabs or screws. The intake tube, which brings air into the engine, will also lead you to the filter housing. 
This video demonstrates how to locate and replace an engine air filter on a Honda CRV: 58sTwin Cities AdventuresYouTube · May 22, 2022
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. 1. Locate the Air Filter Housing: The air filter housing is generally a black plastic box connected to the air intake tube. It may be near the fender or front of the engine compartment. 
2. 2. Open the Housing: Some housings have clips that you can release, while others may have screws or bolts that need to be loosened or removed. 
3. 3. Access the Filter: Once the housing is open, you’ll be able to remove the old filter and install a new one. 
4. 4. Owner’s Manual: If you’re having trouble finding the air filter, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions. 
5. 5. Replacing the Filter: Make sure you install the new filter correctly, paying attention to any orientation markings or tabs. 

This video explains how to locate and access the air filter box: 1mOpenRoad GroupYouTube · Jul 28, 2023

How to find an oil filter for a car?

Check your car’s owner manual
The manual provides specific recommendations for the type and size of the oil filter that is compatible with your car’s engine and oil system. Adhering to these specifications ensures optimal performance and prevents potential damage to the engine.

How many oil filters are in a car?

A typical car has one oil filter. This filter is crucial for maintaining the cleanliness of the engine oil by removing contaminants like dirt, metal particles, and other debris. While some vehicles may have more advanced filtration systems, the standard oil filter is a single, replaceable component designed to protect the engine. 
Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Purpose: The oil filter’s primary function is to ensure clean oil reaches the engine’s moving parts, minimizing wear and tear. 
• Location: Typically, the oil filter is located near the engine block, often attached to the engine itself. 
• Replacement: Regular oil and filter changes are essential for maintaining engine health. The recommended interval for oil and filter changes can vary depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. 
• Types: While most cars have a single primary oil filter, some vehicles might have additional, secondary filters or bypass filtration systems for more comprehensive oil cleaning. 
• Importance: A clogged or failing oil filter can lead to reduced engine performance, increased wear, and potential damage if the oil isn’t properly filtered.