An essential function of the oil filter in a vehicle is to remove waste and ensure that oil is delivered at the appropriate pressure and temperature. So most drivers are familiar with the inner workings of a car oil filter, which is the unsung hero of your vehicle’s engine. It is common knowledge that driving with a filthy oil filter may do serious harm to your vehicle’s engine. And if you are familiar with what your oil filter is and how it functions, you may be better able to determine when to change the oil filter in your vehicle.
It Acts as a Waste Filter
If the motor oil in your vehicle’s engine is its blood, then the oil filter is like the kidneys of the vehicle. The oil filter also removes the contaminants in your vehicle. And this is to ensure that the engine in your automobile operates smoothly since dangerous particles, dirt, and metal pieces present in the motor oil can break the engine down. As such, in the absence of an oil filter, potentially dangerous particles may find their way into the motor oil, causing damage to the engine. So by filtering out the debris, you can keep your engine oil cleaner for a more extended period.
It Maintains the Oil in Its Proper Location
The waste is not the only thing filtered by your oil filter. The oil is cleaned by the coordinated efforts of its various components, which also serve to maintain the oil’s proper location and flow rate.
- Tapping Plate: The oil goes into the oil filter and comes out via the tapping plate, which resembles a central hole surrounded by many smaller holes. After passing through the smaller holes and the filter material, the motor oil makes its way to your engine via the giant hole in the middle.
- Material of the Filter: The material of the filter is a mesh of synthetic fibres that performs the function of a sieve to collect grit and dirt present in the motor oil. The material is pleated and folded into folds to provide a larger surface area.
- Anti-Drain Back Valve: This valve has a flap that closes when your vehicle is not operating. It prevents oil from leaking back into your oil filter from the engine while the car is not running.
- Relief Valve: Motor oil may become more viscous when it is cold outside and have difficulty passing through the filter. It might cause the relief valve to get clogged. To boost your engine while it is still cooling down, the relief valve will release a little quantity of motor oil that has not been filtered.
- End Discs: Two end discs made of metal or fibre are placed on each oil filter side to prevent unfiltered oil from getting through the engine.
If you drive 3,000 miles, which is the distance at which most people should change their oil, then by the time the oil in your engine will have been through the oil filter 12,000 times. The car oil filter, just like the other components of the vehicle, becomes soiled over time and loses some of its effectiveness as a result of normal wear and use. Many manufacturers recommend replacing your oil filter each time you have your oil changed; however, you should read the owner’s handbook for more precise suggestions.
