All About the Oil Filter

The oil filter plays an important role as the lifeline of the engine even though it is as small as a coffee mug. It is located on the side of the engine block and removes major impurities in the engine oil that can damage the engine. If dirt, metal shavings, or other large particles float in the engine oil and are not filtered, engine bearings can wear out and hydraulic pressure can drop. Over time, this can lead to major engine damage.

Modern oil filters extend the life of the engine by holding a small amount of oil each time the car is turned off. This is made possible by a filter part called a check valve. When the engine is stopped, the moving parts at the top of the engine remain unlubricated because the oil is drained to the bottom of the engine. However, a few seconds after the car starts, a small amount of oil in the filter quickly restores proper lubrication to the top of the engine, preventing unnecessary wear and tear on all parts.

The abrasive oil in the engine oil can clog the filter, so instead of cleaning the oil, dirty oil circulates around the engine many times. Filter clogging also creates resistance to engine oil flow and prevents lubricant from reaching all parts of the engine. The oil filter is therefore one of the parts that needs regular maintenance and replacement. Contrary to traditional wisdom, not all cars and cars need to change oil every 3,000 miles. Be sure to check the manual for frequency and proper size of filter replacement.

The type

Choosing the right oil filter along with regular oil changes will extend the life of the engine. Currently, various types of oil filters are available. The first type is a standard spin-on filter. It resembles a metal with a variety of filter media from cellulose to synthetic materials. Catch contaminants when the oil passes and is convenient to replace. Another type is a magnetic filter that uses permanent magnets or electromagnets to capture metal particles. It is easily maintained by removing particles from the surface of the magnet.

The third type, spinners or centrifugal filters, separates contaminants from oil using centrifugal force powered by a compressed air system. The filter then places it in a container. Clean the container regularly to prevent circulation of unfiltered oil.

Sedimentation filters, also called gravity beds, use gravity to separate impurities that are heavier than oil by allowing them to settle to the bottom of the container. Finally, a high-efficiency bypass oil filter removes very small particles that cannot be removed by the primary filter. This type extends the oil drain interval and reduces engine wear.