What You Need to Know About Your Very Important Oil Filter

The Unsung Hero: The Vital Role of Your Car’s Oil Filter

Wichita is experiencing its share of extreme weather. And when this happens, it good to know that we have a vehicle that can take us out of harms way if evacuation is need. So, it’s vital to ensure that we keep our cars and trucks well maintained.

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, certain components tend to steal the spotlight: the engine, transmission, and brakes. However, there’s one often-overlooked component that plays an equally crucial role in keeping your car running smoothly – the oil filter. Because, this humble yet essential part is the guardian of your engine. And it works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs as it should. So in this blog, the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros in Downtown Wichita explore why your car’s oil filter is so important and how it contributes to the overall health of your vehicle.

The Purpose of an Oil Filter

Your car’s engine is a complex machine with a lot of moving parts that operate at high speeds and temperatures. And, to function properly, these components need to be well-lubricated, which is where engine oil comes in. Because, engine oil reduces friction, cools the engine, and helps to prevent wear and tear. However, as oil circulates through the engine, it picks up contaminants such as dirt, metal shavings, and combustion by-products. And if these impurities are not removed, they can cause significant damage to the engine.

This is where the oil filter comes into play. Because the oil filter’s primary role is to trap and remove these contaminants from the oil before it circulates back into the engine. And, by doing so, it ensures that only clean oil reaches the engine components.

How Oil Filters Work

Oil filters are designed to remove contaminants from the engine oil through a multi-stage process:

Filtering Medium: The oil first passes through a filtering medium, which is typically made of synthetic fiber or cellulose. And this medium captures larger particles and debris.
Pressure Relief Valve: In cases where the filter becomes clogged, a pressure relief valve opens to allow oil to bypass the filter. And this ensures that the engine continues to receive oil, albeit unfiltered, to prevent damage from oil starvation.
Anti-Drain Back Valve: This valve prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is turned off. And this ensures that the engine receives immediate lubrication upon startup.

Why Regular Oil Filter Changes Matter

Over time, oil filters can become saturated with contaminants and lose their effectiveness. And a clogged filter can no longer adequately clean the oil, which can lead to several issues:

Reduced Engine Efficiency: Dirty oil can increase friction between engine parts, reducing the engine’s efficiency and performance.
Increased Wear and Tear: Contaminants in the oil can cause increased wear on engine components. And this leads to costly repairs and potentially a shortened engine’s life.
Overheating: Dirty oil is less effective at dissipating heat, which can cause the engine to overheat and suffer damage.

So, regularly changing your oil filter, along with the engine oil, is crucial in maintaining your vehicle’s health. And, most manufacturers recommend changing the oil filter every time you change your oil.

The Benefits of a Clean Oil Filter

Keeping a clean oil filter in your vehicle offers several benefits:

Enhanced Engine Performance: Clean oil ensures smooth operation and optimal performance of the engine.
Extended Engine Life: By removing contaminants, a clean oil filter helps to protect critical engine components. And this extends the engine’s life.
Improved Fuel Efficiency: A well-lubricated engine operates more efficiently, which can lead to better fuel economy.
Reduced Emissions: Clean oil contributes to more complete combustion, resulting in lower emissions and a healthier environment.

Choosing the Right Oil Filter

Not all oil filters are created equal, and choosing the right one for your vehicle is important. Factors to consider include:

Compatibility: Ensure the filter is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model.
Quality: Opt for high-quality filters from reputable brands. Because, cheaper filters may not provide adequate filtration and could compromise engine health.
Filter Type: There are different types of oil filters, including conventional, synthetic, and high-performance filters. So, make sure you choose one that best suits your driving habits and vehicle requirements.

Your Car or Truck’s Oil Filter Plays an Important Role in Maintaining your Vehicle’s Health.

The humble oil filter ensures that your engine oil remains clean, allowing the engine to perform efficiently and last longer. So, regular maintenance, including timely oil and oil filter changes, is very important. And, the next time you think about vehicle maintenance, remember the unsung hero – your oil filter – and give it the attention it deserves.

Tracy’s Tire Pros can help you take the best care for your vehicle. And they have three locations for your convenience: West Maple Street auto care and auto repair, East First Street N. and West 21st Street N. Furthermore, Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

Call Today! -1st Street (316)267-0030 - West Maple (316)945-3414 - 21st Street (316) 558-3880