5 Must-Have Features in a Oil Filter

27 Nov.,2023

 

The main function of an oil filter is to filter out various impurities because continuously used engine oil is easily contaminated with dirt. The presence of contaminants will reduce the quality of the oil.

In general, oil has a role to lubricate all parts of the car engine. In order for vehicle maintenance to be carried out optimally, you need to know the various functions of the oil filter and when to replace it.

Many car owners may still not follow the advice of technicians to change the oil filter regularly, even though its role is very important. When you find the oil filter is not in good condition, it must be repaired immediately.

When the engine becomes damaged quickly, then the performance of the motor will be greatly disrupted. Make sure you maintain your car filter so that it doesn't get damaged quickly. In that way, the other car components can remain safe.

The oil filter will also act as a fluid that can treat various components of the car engine. If the oil filter is in a damaged condition, the dirt filtering process will not run properly and as a result all the dirt will enter the engine.

For the oil to work well, a filter is therefore needed. The oil filter will keep various contaminants such as carbon, grams of iron and dirt from mixing in the car engine.

The car engine fluid must be distributed optimally, so that the condition of the car can be properly maintained. If the oil filter has a problem, then the car's performance will be greatly disrupted and not work as intended.

Damaged engine components will wear out quickly due to excessive friction. You don't want incomplete combustion in the car because it will have an impact on the car's engine, which creates a more quick breakdown.

How to Maintain the Oil Filter

1. Clean Regularly

As it functions to filter out various impurities, there will be some dirt sticking to the oil filter. When you service your car, make sure you clean the oil filter with the help of a professional technician.

This way, it will unclog all the dirt and allow the oil filter to perform well. The time window to clean car oil is once a month, so that the performance remains safe.

2. Change Oil Regularly

The type of oil for a car engine varies and depends on the type of vehicle. There are types of oil that are put into the oil sump and some are near the tub cover. The type of oil filter used can be made of metal, paper or fiber.

Car drivers should do regular cleaning of the oil filter and have to change the oil regularly. If the oil is too old, then the lubrication process will not run properly. Oil that is too long will also make the engine wear out easily because the quality of the oil decreases.

3. Change The Oil Filter

The last important maintenance is to change the oil filter regularly. If you find that the oil filter can no longer be cleaned using clean air, then you need to replace it with a new one.

In general, the oil filter will be damaged quickly due to the wear and tear process. If the car is often used for long trips, the oil filter will be damaged more quickly. Make sure you change the oil filter as soon as possible so it can function properly.

Signs To Change The Oil Filter

1. Lowering Oil Pressure

When you find the oil pressure has decreased, it is an indication of a problem with the car engine. Low oil pressure can be caused by a leaking oil filter or a blockage, causing oil to enter the engine.

2. Engine Overheat

An oil filter that is not in good condition will hinders the oil supply to run properly to the car engine. Less oil entering the engine will create friction that occurs in the car engine and this will make the car engine overheat.

3. Decreased Engine Performance

When there is a buildup of contaminants due to a faulty oil filter, the engine performance will be greatly reduced and the engine power of the car will be very bad. Decrease in engine performance will stop the driver from getting to the desired driving speed.

4. Metal Friction Sounds

A clogged oil filter will reduce the oil supply to the engine and will make engine components not work properly. Reduced oil supply will usually cause metal friction and this condition will greatly interfere with your driving comfort.

5. Exhaust Smoke Looks Dirty

When you find exhaust fumes that look dirty, then it's a sign that your car's oil filter is in bad condition. The smell of burning oil is also a sign that there is a problem with the oil filter.

When Should You Have Your Oil Filter Changed?

How often your oil filter will need to be changed will depend on how often your oil needs to be changed. Here are our general recommendations for changing your vehicle’s oil and oil filter, depending on the type of oil your vehicle uses:

  • Conventional oil: 3,000 to 5,000 miles
  • Synthetic blend oil: 5,000 to 7,500 miles
  • Full synthetic oil: 7,500 to 10,000 miles

It's important to note that these are our general recommendations for oil change services. You can find your specific manufacturer’s recommendations for your car’s oil change intervals located in your owner's manual. Additionally, the frequency of your specific vehicle's oil change will further vary based on your own driving habits, along with your driving environment.

Why Are Oil Change Intervals Different?

Some drivers wonder why the frequency of their car’s oil changes depends on the type of oil they use. This is because different types of oil offer different types of protection. In addition, different oils behave differently as time goes on. For example, as conventional oil ages and picks up contaminants, its chemical properties can change, and it can turn into sludge. This sludge can solidify around the hot moving parts in your engine and effectively reduce your engine's overall life span. Vehicles that use conventional oil can indeed last for hundreds of thousands of miles; however, they will need oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Full synthetic oil features modified properties and is designed to withstand high temperatures along with the oxidative stress that conventional oil cannot handle. Because of its chemically modified nature, full synthetic oil can resist turning into sludge, and does not have the tendency to leave behind residue, so it offers interval changes of 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Additionally, synthetic oil tends to be thinner than conventional oil, so it can travel better through your oil filter to trap contaminants.

Are All Oil Filters The Same?

No. Various vehicles use different-sized oil filters, depending on their engine needs. At Parra Car Care, we service all makes and models of vehicles, and we carry high-quality replacement oil filters for your particular vehicle. So when you schedule an oil change service in North Richland Hills or Euless, you don't have to bring your own oil filter — we've got you covered!

Get a Quality Oil Change at Parra Car Care

At Parra Car Care, we want your vehicle to last for the long haul, which is why we feature ASE-certified mechanics who are experts at changing your car's oil and filter. We can quickly and accurately handle your vehicle's maintenance needs so you can get back on the road and do what matters most to you. Whether you come to us to for an oil change service, or you need honest automotive repair services, there's no better place in Euless and North Richland Hills, TX, to trust than Parra Car Care. Not only do we strive to provide incredible automotive services, but we also aim to provide insightful education so you can better understand your vehicle.

Not only do we strive to offer you high-quality service at an unbeatable value, but we also seek to extend your savings with our auto repair and service coupons. Check out our current specials and see how much you can save while taking care of your vehicle's maintenance needs.

Schedule service at Parra Car Care today and trust the professionals to keep your car serviced and maintained.

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