What do oil filters do? It is a common enough question, but not too many people know of the importance of an oil filter in the efficiency and operation of your vehicle’s engine. Therefore, before you go deep-diving into the many discounts on auto parts that abound on the internet, consider not skimping too much on a quality filter. While choosing the least expensive model for your car might seem like a responsible decision at the moment, you will probably notice the difference in how often you see that check oil light illuminate on your dash.
Why Oil Filters are Important
Oil filters are essential components of every vehicle on the road, but not all filters are created equal. If you are someone who is concerned with questions, like “how much is an oil change?”, then you should also be concerned with getting the most out of every change. Premium oil filters help to ensure that your choice of motor oil holds up to the suggested range limits on the bottle. Filters prevent tiny particles and debris from damaging engine components and bearing surfaces.
How Filters Protect the Engine
As stated, oil filters help to protect the engine and preserve the quality of the oil. They do this by design. The filter is snugly held to the engine’s mating surface by the metal outer shell and sealing gasket. The filter material is located inside the metal shell, and it is likely made of synthetic fiber. The oil pump forces the oil through the filter, where dirty oil is cleaned of any hard particles and debris before re-entering the engine.
How to Choose the Right Filter
While a walk through your local auto parts store may reveal shelves full of similar oil filters, know that each filter likely has minor differences that will affect its efficiency and effectiveness in your engine. Fortunately, your choices can be narrowed by consulting your owner’s manual, which should specify gasket sizes that are right for your car. You should also be aware that purchasing a fliter that is not appropriate for your vehicle can lead to oil leaks or other issues.
Deals or No Deals
While there are many instances where you can save some money in car repairs, an oil filter is likely not one of those times. More expensive filters are usually better and less likely to cause any problems for your vehicle. Cheaper filters, on the other hand, might contain light-gauge metals, low-quality gaskets or even shedding filter material, all of which can lead to a failed filter. However, in extreme cases, cheap filters may lead to poor oil performance and even damage to your car’s engine.
Oil filters are essential to the performance and efficiency of your motor oil and engine. These small devices ensure that particles and debris stay out of your oil and away from sensitive engine components. Therefore, if you are in the market for a new oil filter for your vehicle, head on over to your local auto parts dealer and ask for their recommendation when it comes to the best oil filters available.
