I have 2015 Highlander. I take this car to a dealer where I bought it to change oil and do other maintenance on it. I end up changing oil once a year (about 5k miles). Is it OK to change oil once a year but to change oil filter cartridge once every 2 years (10k miles)? This way, I can change oil myself if I don't have to deal with that "stupid" filter. Also, this "stupid" filter drips oil for few weeks after every oil change, then it stops. Dealer says it's some oil leftovers dripping out from oil cap. Andy advice besides doing everything myself?
Compare the cost and aggravation of replacing the filter versus the cost and aggravation of replacing the engine.
It’s always a good idea to change the engine oil and filter together, so that means every 5,000 miles or once a year (whichever comes first).
The filter needs to be changed with each oil change. The only reason the dealer tells you it's oil dripping from the cap is because he's lying about the shoddy workmanship of his mechanic. There is no reason for the engine to drip anything, at all. I wouldn't be surprised if they forgot the smaller of the two o rings that goes under the center bolt. Now you know why dealerships suck. If you don't want to do it yourself and know it's done correctly, find a good, independent mechanic that will stand behind their work with something other than lies and lame excuses.
I should correct myself, oil doesn't drip a lot. Just few drops on the floor after coming back from an oil change. After wiping filter hub clean few times, it seem to stop and everything is dry after that. The oil and filter was changed every time by the dealer whey they do annual car inspection. I guess, I'll keep doing that then.
I reiterate what I said above.