There are many maintenance steps you should be taking as a car owner. Changing the engine oil filter should always be done at every oil change as impurities in the used oil will get into the new oil and it won't provide as much protection for the proper length of time. Make sure the rubber o-ring comes off with the old oil filter before you put the new one on, or else all of the new oil will leak out onto the ground. When you change the oil and filter on your vehicle, always check the oil filter house and the car oil filter adapter for leaks. Once you have the oil filter off, it's easy enough to see if either is leaking. The oil filter is an important component in your vehicle because it helps to keep dirt and debris out of your engine area. If dirt and debris were allowed to pass through, they could scrape against engine parts and cause damage and premature wear. If your oil filter is wearing out, you might notice a drop in performance on the road or decreased fuel efficiency. Make sure you get a quality OEM oil filter when you need a replacement.