Oil filter explained
Oil filters play an essential role in maintaining the health and lifespan of any vehicle’s engine. These small but mighty components work tirelessly to remove impurities and debris from the engine oil, ensuring it stays clean and lubricated.
Without a functioning oil filter, engine oil can become clogged with dirt and debris, leading to decreased performance and increased wear and tear on the engine.
In this article, we’ll look closely at everything to do with oil filters: from learning how they work, to the proper maintenance of one. We’ll also discuss some common signs that indicate it’s time to replace your oil filter and what might happen if you don’t.
What is an oil filter in a car?
As the name implies, an oil filter filters your oil by trapping contaminants and particles in the oil as it flows through the filter's media, removing microscopic particles and supplying clean oil to the rest of your engine. While only the size of a tin of baked beans, it is vital to the running and performance of your engine.
The oil filter is typically located near the engine and is connected to the oil system, which pumps oil to lubricate the moving parts of the engine. The oil filter's media is typically made of pleated paper or a synthetic material.
How does a car oil filter work?
A car oil filter removes impurities or contaminating bodies from the engine oil as it circulates through the engine. Suppose any of these impurities get into the oil stream. In that case, they can wear down vital internal components and affect the engine's overall performance.
The oil filter is typically a cylindrical canister containing a filter element made of paper or synthetic material. As the oil flows through the filter, the filter traps the impurities in the filter element. In contrast, clean oil lubricates and cools the engine's moving parts. Manufacturers designed the filter element to be replaced periodically, as it becomes clogged with impurities over time.
The recommended interval for changing an oil filter varies depending on your vehicle's make, model, year, and type of oil you use. It's always best to check your vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. In general, it's a good idea to change the oil filter every time you change the oil. It is typically recommended every 5,000 to 8000 kilometres or every three to six months, whichever comes first.
However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions such as extreme heat, cold, or heavy traffic, you may need to change the oil and filter more often.
Oil filters should be disposed of properly to avoid contaminating the environment. The most common method for disposing of used oil filters is to take them to a recycling facility that specialises in handling and disposing of used oil and oil filters. These facilities are equipped to process and recycle the oil safely while also correctly disposing of the filter element in an environmentally-friendly manner.
Another way to dispose of oil filters is through a program offered by some automotive parts stores and service centres, which will accept used oil filters for recycling.
In general, it's essential not to throw used oil filters in the trash, as it is illegal in many areas and can harm the environment.
Changing your oil filter is a critical maintenance job for your vehicle. If you don't change your oil filter, it will become clogged with impurities. This can cause several problems for your engine:
- Reduced oil flow: A clogged oil filter can restrict oil flow to the engine, leading to decreased lubrication and wear on moving parts.
- Engine damage: If the oil filter becomes completely clogged, it can cause a loss of oil pressure. The increased friction will generate heat without the appropriate amount of oil to lubricate the engine parts. Eventually, the excess can lead to severe engine overheating and damage.
- Reduced fuel efficiency: A clogged oil filter can also increase engine friction, reducing fuel efficiency and increasing emissions. If your exhaust fumes are dark in colour, the oil will likely leak into your exhaust system.
- Shortened oil life: When the oil filter is not functioning correctly, the oil will become dirty faster and must be changed more frequently.
- Oil pressure decreases: A clogged oil filter can prevent oil from adequately passing through the engine, leading to low oil pressure. This can manifest in oil leaks under your vehicle.
Changing the oil filter regularly is important to ensure the engine is properly lubricated and protected. As your oil filter is sealed under the bonnet, if you notice any signs that you should change it, you should take it to your local mechanic as soon as possible.
Several signs may indicate it's time to change your oil filter:
- Reduced oil pressure: If the oil filter is clogged, it can restrict the flow of oil to the engine, which can lead to reduced oil pressure.
- Warning light: Some vehicles have a warning light on the dashboard that will come on when the oil filter needs to be changed.
- Strange engine noises: If you hear strange noises coming from the engine, it could signal that the oil filter is clogged and not allowing enough oil to flow through the engine.
- Oil leaks: If you notice oil leaks around the filter, it could indicate that it is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Dark and dirty oil: If you notice that the oil appears dark and dirty, it could be a sign that the filter is not doing its job of removing impurities from the oil. - Regular oil change: One of the most important signs is the routine oil change schedule, changing your oil filter every time you change your oil is the best practice. It's typically recommended every 5,000 to 8000 kilometres or every 3 to 6 months, whichever comes first.
Decrease in car performance: If your vehicle is no longer accelerating well, this can be the first sign of an engine problem. When your oil filter begins to fail, you will start to accumulate dirt in your engine oil.
It's always best to check your vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to have your oil filter checked and replaced if necessary.
Oil filters are designed to be used once and then replaced. We don't recommend reusing an oil filter as it can lead to reduced oil pressure and increased wear on the engine. Reusing a filter can also be dangerous as it may have been damaged, leaking or not sealed correctly. When an oil filter becomes clogged with impurities, it can no longer effectively remove contaminants from the oil.
Also, the filter material isn't designed to be cleaned. So, even if you remove the used oil, it may not remove all the impurities that accumulate inside the filter, which can cause damage to the engine if not removed properly.
We generally recommend changing the engine oil and filter simultaneously. The oil filter removes impurities from the oil as it circulates through the engine. These impurities can cause the filter to become clogged over time. When you change the oil, you must drain the old oil and impurities from the engine and replace the filter with a new one. This ensures that the engine is getting fresh, clean oil and that the filter can effectively remove impurities from the oil.
Also, replacing the oil filter simultaneously with the oil change can save time and money as you will only have to pay for the service once.
It's always best to check your vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. However, generally, it's typically recommended to change your oil filter at the same time as your oil, so every 5,000 to 8000 kilometres or every 3 to 6 months, whichever comes first.
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