I was wondering if it is a good idea to "prime" or fill the oil filter first before screwing it on, when doing an oil change?

 

There is no NEED to with your car, but if the oil filter is at a position that allows you to fill it without spilling it during install, it can't hurt. My oil filter is on a 45 degree angle so filling it would just make a mess. I THINK diesel trucks need their filters primed when changing..... not 100% though.

 

I just did an oil change yesterday and I filled the filter about halfway. However, I have definitely not filled it in the past. Truth be told our filters are so small that it really doesn't make a difference. Maybe if I were building an engine I would bother to completely fill the filter.

 

I always pre fill mine. Even when they are installed at an angle you won't spill much