"How" and "when" your oil filter needs to be changed

Aug. 31, 2021

Oil is vital to the smooth lubrication of your engine. And your oil filter plays a vital role in ensuring that your oil is able to do just that.

Oil filters protect your engine from potential damage by removing contaminants (dirt, oxidized oil, metal particles, etc.) that accumulate in the oil due to engine wear. See our previous blog on the potential damage that can be caused by a clogged or damaged oil filter.

You can help extend the life and effectiveness of your oil filter by using a high-end synthetic motor oil. Synthetic motor oil is more refined and distilled than regular motor oil, so it lasts longer and is less likely to clog your filter.

oil filter need to be replaced.jpg

How often do you need to change your oil filter - 4 reasons

You should change your oil filter with every oil change. Generally, this means every 10,000 km for gasoline vehicles or every 15,000 km for diesel vehicles. However, we recommend that you check the manufacturer's manual to confirm your vehicle's specific service interval.

There are 4 reasons for this:

1. “Full-flow" filtration process

Modern engines use a "full-flow" filtration process, which means that the oil goes directly from the oil tank through the filter and into the engine. This means that your oil filter is your engine's first line of defense against contamination.

2. Reduce engine wear

Over time, contaminants can build up on your oil filter. If you wait until your filter is completely clogged, you risk blocking the passage of oil and preventing purified oil from flowing to your engine. Fortunately, most oil filters are designed to prevent catastrophic engine failure due to improper lubrication in the event of a clogged oil filter. Unfortunately, the bypass valve allows oil (and contaminants) to pass through without going through the filter. While this means that your engine is lubricated, it will accelerate wear due to the presence of contaminants.

3. Lower maintenance costs

By synchronizing the frequency of oil and oil filter changes, you can reduce your overall maintenance costs by performing only one service. A new oil filter is not expensive, especially when compared to the cost of potential damage that can be caused by contaminants in your engine.

4.Avoid fouling your new oil

It is possible to leave your old oil filter behind and only change your oil. However, clean oil will need to pass through the dirty old filter. And once you start your engine, your clean engine will quickly become as dirty as the oil you just drained.

how to replace the oil filter.jpg

When do you need to change your oil filter?

Symptoms that you need to change your oil sooner than expected

Sometimes your car will give you a sign that your oil filter needs to be changed sooner than expected. These signs include

Engine service light comes on

There are many reasons why your engine service light comes on, but it means that your engine isn't working as well as it should. Often, it means there's more dirt and debris circulating through your engine, which can clog your oil filter faster than usual. It's best to rule out simpler (and cheaper) options before paying a lot of money for diagnostics and repairs.

Some newer cars also have an oil change indicator or oil pressure warning light. If either of these lights come on in your car, don't ignore them.

Driving in harsh conditions

If you drive in harsh conditions on a regular basis (stop-and-go traffic, towing heavy loads, extreme temperatures or weather conditions, etc.), you may need to change your oil filter more often. Harsh conditions make it harder for your engine to work, which leads to more frequent maintenance of its components, including the oil filter.

411

Comments

All Comments (0)