I'm about to change the oil and filter for the first time on my new (to me) '06. I bought a copy of VADIS, got the oil filter, so now I'm just missing one thing: what they call their "Oil filter spanner" (part # 999 5679). Just called my local dealer and they said, curtly, "No, we don't sell those. Gotta bring it in for an oil change." Yeah, right.

So the question is: how to get off the oil filter housing? If I use a garden variety strap wrench, I'm afraid I'll damage the housing. Can I use an end cap, similar to what you can get at the local car parts store, or this one http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00996336000P at Sears? If so, what size will fit?

Also, based on the chart in VADIS that specifies oil viscosity, based on the climate here in Atlanta, looks like 10W/40 is the ticket. What do you use?

 

Is it an external filter or a canister. If its an external, a strong grip is all you need, if internal/cannister, you just need to know the size of the head on the filter housing.

What year and model is your car. I can look it up on alldata for you.

 

It's an external canister. I have an '06 V70 with the standard 2.4L.

 

One of those cups should work but not 100% sure. You would have to try it there.