We all know regular oil changes are important to keep our cars running smoothly. But did you know it’s just as important to check your oil filter regularly? The oil filter helps keep the oil in your engine clean and debris-free, keeping your engine healthy. This blog will help you understand what oil filters are, how to tell when to change them, and what can happen if you don’t give them the attention they deserve.
What Is An Oil Filter?
An oil filter removes all the bad stuff from different types of oil: lubricating, transmission, hydraulic, or engine oil. When you don’t have a properly functioning oil filter, all the unwanted contaminants from the engine oil can pile up in your engine, leading to damaging various engine components or even total breakdown. Changing your oil filter and engine oil is a good idea to ensure it’s fresh and clean. Not all oil filters are created equal, though. Some cheap or shoddy filters might not remove all the bad stuff, which can lead to long-term damage to your engine. It’s important to pick high-quality filters from good brands when replacing them.
What Happens When You Don’t Change Your Oil Filter: Signs You Need Your Oil Filter Changed
Engine Runs Hot: The restricted oil flow can lead to engine overheating if you keep dirty filters the same. The oil in your car helps lubricate the engine’s internal components and helps put engine heating at bay.
Fuel Consumption: Don’t blame the traffic if you fill gas more often than usual. Clogged filters can affect the car’s mileage; regular maintenance should give you optimal performance.
Oil Pressure: When your oil filter is blocked, there’s a drop in the oil pressure. Always check the oil pressure warning sign on the dashboard for peace of mind.
Diminished Engine Performance: When your oil filter hasn’t been changed in a while, your car’s performance levels take a hit. Why? Because of oil starvation, meaning when there’s no proper circulation of oil, your engine starts to try to do more with less, reducing the overall power of your car and resulting in poor engine performance and risk of engine damage.
Expensive Repairs: Anyone who has had to fix a broken engine knows precisely how time-consuming and costly it can be. When debris and unwarranted particles accumulate, there’s a high risk of major engine trouble. Routine maintenance of your oil filters should help you save unnecessary costs down the line.
Oil Filters: Tips & Tricks
Here are a few measures to prevent severe clogging in your oil filters. These helpful tips should help you clean your engine oil and avoid costly repairs.
Vehicle Manufacturer’s Recommendation: Your manufacturer should have their guidelines in your vehicle’s owner manual. Following these recommendations is the easiest way to avoid significant damage to your car.
Quality Over Cost: While good quality oil filters may be expensive, consider them an investment to help you avoid major costs. Cheap filters would bring nothing but trouble to your engine, and once again, following the manufacturer’s recommended type of oil would be immensely beneficial for your car.
Performance: The filter does an essential job of removing all junk that can cause problems like friction and wear. When your filter is clean, your engine rewards you with better handling and fuel efficiency. So, if you’re noticing a decline in your car’s performance, make sure you get it checked out right away. That way, you can avoid more significant problems down the road.
Address Your Oil Filter Issues: Fixit With Us
Don’t let a dirty oil filter compromise your car’s performance. At Fixit45, we want to help service your car so that you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. Whether you visit one of our 5-star garages or have one of our expert technicians pick your car up for servicing, we guarantee a hassle-free experience. Our commitment to transparency and efficiency means you can trust us to do the job right.
We look forward to hearing from you.
