Okay, this is probably a dumb question, but I just changed my own oil for the first time. I got the filter off, but when I went to put the new one on, I realized I had no idea how tight it should be. The old one was on there so tight I had to use a wrench to get it off, but that seems wrong. I just hand-tightened the new one until it felt snug, plus maybe a quarter turn. Did I just set myself up for a leak, or is that actually okay?
Most oil filters seal when the gasket touches the mounting surface and then you give it about three quarters of a turn by hand after that.
Check the car manual or the filter packaging for the exact torque or turn spec because it can vary by vehicle.
If the old filter was that tight you might have damaged threads or the gasket, so approach the new one with extra caution and inspect the threads.
Maybe the bigger issue is that you used the wrong oil filter model or the gasket did not seat properly.
I would feel anxious too during an oil change but pay attention to any drips wipe them and then monitor after a short run.
Oil leaks can grow slowly so it is worth starting the engine briefly and rechecking for leaks after a few minutes.
Perhaps the framing is off and the real skill is confirming the seating surface is clean and the filter type matches the old one without assuming a single universal tightness rule.