If I want to change my oil filter do I have to drain my oil first, and then replace the filter? Or can I just change the filter? I recently started using synthetic oil. I don't see the need to change the oil after 3000miles, but the filter does.

 

you'll lose about a quart of oil when changing the filter. I just put amsoil in my motor and i'm gonna change my filter in about 7000 miles probably and do a complete oil change around 14000 miles. good luck

 

On my 2k SE, I use Mobil 1 and NAPA gold oil filters (the best). I change both at 3 month intervals due to short trips of 3-5 miles, 4 times a day.
The NAPA filter costs about $7.50, so why not change both.
It's kind of like washing your clothes in dirty water.

As an engineer, I realize the value of clean lubricants and at 100k miles I'll be happy I have a strong happy motor.