My local garage that normally changes my oil (i bring them the oil and filter) forgot to change the oil filter when I had my last oil change, which was 3.5 weeks and 1000 miles ago. I was running Mobil 1 Full Synthetic and the Bosch 3300 oil filter and both had about 3800 miles on them at that time. The garage owner normally changes it himself with me right there so I see everything he's doing. He was busy that day, he had someone else do it, we started talking and I didn't pay attention to what the other mechanic was doing and didnt catch this until yesterday when I went to add some washer fluid. The owner apologized profusely when I called him yesterday but they owe me at least a filter.

Long story short- should I leave the oil filter in there until the next oil change which is about 2700 miles out or change it out right away?

 

Yes, its perfectly fine. Oil filters can actually last 2 oil change intervals. What I would be worried about is whether or not he filled it by just dumping five quarts in? Or did he check the dipstick? If he just dumped in 5 quarts there could be an extra 1/2 quart or so in there that was being held in the filter. Wouldn't be THAT big of a deal, but you don't want too much oil in the crank case. An extra half quart is cool, but I'd check just in case.

The filter being reused is not an issue. Too much oil could be. Just have em give you a free filter next time.

 

So your running 3800 mile oil change intervals with a full synthetic oil? I'd tell the shop to do a full filter oil change again.

 

You could have the filter changed & topped off. That would confirm your oil level is good & get the old filter thoughts out of your mind.

My dad always changed his filters every other oil change with conventional oil.

If you have a good relationship with the owner I think they would change it for free.

Otherwise like dirty said, you should be fine if your level is good.

 

Good point, thank you I'll check the dipstick. I cant think of a time in the last 15-20yrs that I've done an oil change without a filter change so this was starting to get the best of me. Definitely getting a free filter the next time.

 

Yeah, man, I have friends that are complete idiots and don't even look at their oil levels for 10000 miles at a time. Yes 10k, and their cars still run (somehow..). Not that I recommend that, by any means, but leaving the filter there for an extra interval is fine. Just have them give you a free one next time.

 

Yes, i'm definitely a little aggressive with the oil changes but its peace of mind for me. I actually just sent out an oil sample to Blackstone out of curiosity, I want to see what they come back with.

 

Yeah, that's kind of what we've all been taught, but under regular conditions, every other oil change is actually fine. Heavy traffic, or dusty condition, etc. every oil change is recommended, but I still wouldn't be too worried.

 

Thanks I think i'm just going to make sure the levels are good and go from there. I was actually going to swing by and have them do exactly that but the owner just left for two weeks on vacation today and I wasn't going to let the same guy touch the car

 

Nice, I'll look for the thread.

 

That's exactly why I'm so aggressive with the oil changes- heavy, slow moving Boston traffic to and from work every day.

 

Full Synthetic oil is totally find for double interval, as well as most oil filters. I wouldn't be concerned at all. However, if you want him to put the new filter on, he can just swap filters and top off oil (as suggested above) and you'll be on your merry way. If you already have it I'd just have him change the filter. Even with all the stop and go driving you do, 5000 mile oil change intervals are not extreme on full synthetic oil.

 

Awesome, good to know. I think its just habit, you do things one way for so long especially with our vehicles and anything other than, becomes disconcerting- the perfect "sky is falling" scenario . Cant wait to see what Blackstone comes back with.

 

If you don't run your motor in the ground and you have a good maintenance history and use good synthetic you can run 10k and never worry about it. I did in my Chevy. I put mobile one full synthetic in my Silverado replaced my tranny broke it in got ready to replace it again and when I changed my wife's oil I looked at mine... Golden and clear like new.. Also cost $150 to get oil too so yeah