The oil filter cartridge, commonly called the oil filter, looks like a cylindrical tube and attaches to the oil gasket below the engine of the VW Polo. Unlike many other vehicles, the VW Polo features an engine cover (mounted below the vehicle) that protects the oil pan and oil filter cartridge from damage. Despite the presence of this safety feature, the removal of the oil filter is a simple and straightforward process.
Run the VW Polo engine for a few minutes to moderately heat the engine oil. Turn off the engine of the VW Polo.
Raise the front end of the VW Polo with the car jack, tire iron and jack stands. Place the car jack behind a front tire on the chassis. Crank the jack with the tire iron. Place a jack stand below the chassis. Lower the car jack so that the Polo rests on the jack stand. Repeat this process for the other side of the front end.
Remove the bolts that secure the engine cover to the bottom of the Polo with the 3/8-inch socket wrench and a ratchet. Set the cover aside to reveal the oil pan and oil filter cartridge.
Place an oil basin below the oil pan plug. Pull out the oil pan plug. Let the oil empty from the pan into the basin. Clean off any oil from your hands with soap, water and a disposable towel.
Wrap the oil filter wrench around the oil filter cartridge. Twist counterclockwise to loosen the oil filter cartridge from the oil gasket. Finish loosening the oil filter cartridge by hand.
