Introduction
Engine oil service is one of the most common maintenance jobs performed by automotive workshops. However, as vehicle technology changes, oil filter designs have also changed.
Many older vehicles use the traditional spin-on oil filter, while many newer vehicles use a cartridge oil filter system that requires a specific oil filter cap socket for removal.
Using the correct oil filter removal tool is important because it helps technicians work faster, prevents damage to components, and provides better service quality.
In this guide, we will explain:
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The difference between old and new oil filter designs
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Common vehicle examples in Malaysia
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Which tools should be used for each type of oil filter
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Common mistakes when removing oil filters
1. Traditional Oil Filter (Spin-On Type)
What is a Spin-On Oil Filter?
The traditional spin-on oil filter is the older and more common design used in many vehicles.
The filter is made as a complete unit where:
-
Filter element
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Outer metal casing
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Sealing gasket
are combined together.
During an oil change, the entire oil filter is removed and replaced with a new one.
How Does It Work?
During servicing:
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Drain old engine oil
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Remove the old oil filter
-
Install a new complete oil filter
-
Fill new engine oil
This design is simple and does not require a special filter housing tool.
Common Vehicles Using Spin-On Oil Filters in Malaysia
Many older and popular vehicles still use this design, including:
Perodua
Examples:
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Perodua Myvi (older generations)
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Perodua Viva
-
Perodua Alza (older models)
Proton
Examples:
-
Proton Saga
-
Proton Persona
-
Proton Waja
Toyota
Examples:
-
Toyota Hilux
-
Toyota Hiace
-
Older Toyota Vios models
Honda
Examples:
-
Older Honda City models
-
Older Honda Civic models
(Always confirm based on the exact vehicle model and engine type.)
Tools Used for Spin-On Oil Filters
Because spin-on filters are usually tightened by hand during installation, they may become difficult to remove due to:
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Over-tightening
-
Long service intervals
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Heat exposure
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Oil filter location
Different tools can be used depending on the situation.
1. Oil Filter Wrench
A general-purpose oil filter removal tool.
Suitable for:
-
General workshop servicing
-
Different oil filter sizes
Advantages:
✓ Adjustable application
✓ Simple operation
✓ Suitable for many vehicles
2. Oil Filter Chain Wrench
This tool uses a chain wrapped around the filter body.
Suitable for:
-
Tight oil filters
-
Larger filters
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Heavy-duty applications
Advantages:
✓ Strong gripping force
✓ Useful when normal tools cannot remove the filter
3. Oil Filter Pliers
Similar to large adjustable pliers designed specifically for oil filters.
Suitable for:
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Passenger cars
-
Quick workshop servicing
-
Limited working space
Advantages:
✓ Fast operation
✓ Easy adjustment
✓ Good grip
4. 3 Jaw Oil Filter Wrench
The three jaws automatically tighten around the filter when turning.
Suitable for:
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Different filter diameters
-
Workshops handling various vehicles
Advantages:
✓ Better grip
✓ Reduces slipping
✓ More versatile
5. 2 Way Oil Filter Wrench
An adjustable tool designed for different oil filter sizes.
Suitable for:
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General automotive workshops
-
Different filter applications
2. Modern Cartridge Oil Filter System
What is a Cartridge Oil Filter?
Many modern vehicles have moved away from the traditional metal spin-on filter and use a cartridge oil filter system.
With this design:
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The outer housing stays on the vehicle
-
Only the internal filter element is replaced
The filter element is located inside a plastic or aluminium housing cover.
Why Did Manufacturers Change to Cartridge Filters?
There are several reasons:
1. Reduced Waste
Only the filter element is replaced instead of the entire metal housing.
2. Better Engine Packaging
Manufacturers can design engines with more compact layouts.
3. Lower Material Usage
Less metal is required compared with traditional filters.
Common Vehicles Using Cartridge Oil Filters in Malaysia
Many European and newer Asian vehicles use this system.
Examples:
Toyota
Some Toyota models use cartridge oil filters, such as:
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Toyota Camry
-
Toyota Corolla Altis
-
Toyota Prius
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Toyota RAV4
-
Toyota Wish
(Some models depend on engine generation.)
BMW
Examples:
-
BMW 3 Series
-
BMW 5 Series
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BMW X Series models
Many BMW engines use cartridge filters with plastic filter housings.
Mercedes-Benz
Examples:
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class
-
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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Mercedes-Benz GLC
Volkswagen
Examples:
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Volkswagen Golf
-
Volkswagen Passat
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Volkswagen Tiguan
Tools Used for Cartridge Oil Filters
Oil Filter Cap Socket
For cartridge-type oil filters, the correct oil filter cap socket is the preferred tool.
The socket fits directly onto the filter housing cap.
Benefits:
✓ Prevents damage to plastic housing
✓ Provides correct grip
✓ Faster removal
✓ Professional servicing result
Common Oil Filter Cap Sizes
Different manufacturers use different housing designs and sizes.
Examples:
64–65mm Oil Filter Cap (14 Flutes)
Common size used for many vehicle applications.
Specification:
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14 flutes
-
Diameter: 64–65mm
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3/8" drive
66–67mm Oil Filter Cap (14 Flutes)
Specification:
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14 flutes
-
Diameter: 66–67mm
-
3/8" drive
Used for vehicles requiring a slightly larger housing size.
86–87mm Oil Filter Cap (16 Flutes)
Specification:
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16 flutes
-
Diameter: 86–87mm
Suitable for larger oil filter housings.
Toyota Oil Filter Cap
A dedicated Toyota oil filter cap option.
Specification:
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14 flutes
-
64.5mm diameter
-
3/8" drive
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47mm height
Suitable for selected Toyota models such as:
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Toyota Camry
-
Toyota Corolla
-
Toyota Prius
-
Toyota RAV4
-
Toyota Wish
-
Toyota Sienna
Recommended torque specification:
25 ± 5 Nm
Oil Filter Cap Set vs Individual Oil Filter Cap
31pcs Oil Filter Cap Set
Recommended for:
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General automotive workshops
-
Multi-brand service centres
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Workshops servicing many vehicle models
Advantages:
✓ Covers many sizes
✓ Saves searching time
✓ Suitable for daily workshop use
Individual Oil Filter Caps
Recommended for:
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Workshops with common vehicle customers
-
Technicians who frequently service specific models
Advantages:
✓ Lower investment
✓ Easy replacement
✓ Buy only the required size
Common Mistakes When Removing Oil Filters
1. Using The Wrong Tool
Using pliers or adjustable tools on plastic filter housings can cause:
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Cracked housing
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Damaged edges
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Oil leakage
2. Over-Tightening The Filter Housing
Many modern cartridge filter housings require a specific torque.
Over-tightening can create problems during the next service.
3. Choosing The Wrong Size Oil Filter Cap
A loose-fitting socket may damage the housing.
Always select the correct size and flute design.
Which Tool Should Your Workshop Use?
If You Mainly Service Older Vehicles:
Recommended tools:
✓ Oil filter wrench
✓ Oil filter pliers
✓ Chain wrench
✓ 3 jaw oil filter wrench
✓ 2 way oil filter wrench
If You Service Newer Vehicles:
Recommended tools:
✓ Oil filter cap socket set
✓ Individual oil filter caps for common models
✓ Torque wrench
For General Workshops:
The best setup is to have both:
Spin-on oil filter tools + Cartridge oil filter cap tools
This allows technicians to handle a wider range of vehicles on Malaysian roads.
Conclusion
Oil filter designs have changed significantly over the years. Traditional spin-on filters are still common, especially among older vehicles, while modern cartridge oil filters are increasingly used in newer cars.
Having the correct oil filter removal tool helps workshops improve efficiency, prevent unnecessary damage, and provide better service to customers.
Whether your workshop handles Perodua, Proton, Toyota, Honda, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Volkswagen vehicles, choosing the correct oil filter tool is an important part of professional engine maintenance.
