It’s small. It’s cylinder-shaped. It works around the clock to protect your engine.
Meet the oil filter: It plays an important role in your vehicle’s engine filter system. Although it looks small, it keeps your car running smoothly. It traps dirt, debris, and grime that build up in your engine oil over time.
Whether you’re due for an oil filter change or curious about what an oil filter does, understanding how it works can save you time and money down the road.
What Is an Oil Filter?
An oil filter, sometimes called an engine filter, captures and removes contaminants from your engine oil. When your car runs, tiny particles like dirt, metal shavings, and sludge can mix with your oil. If the filter doesn’t remove these particles, they wear down engine parts and affect your car’s performance.
Have you ever asked yourself, “What oil filter do I need?” You’re not alone. Common types of oil filters include spin-on filters and cartridge filters:
- A spin-on oil filter looks like a metal canister and is easy to install and replace. It’s used in many cars but is gradually being phased out for more environmentally friendly options.
- A cartridge oil filter is also round and made with a synthetic material that is pleated many times. It is most common in newer vehicles, is often considered to be better for the environment, and can be a bit trickier to install.
Then, there’s the engine oil filter gasket. It stops leaks and keeps your oil filter system tightly sealed.
A quick heads-up for our customers: Engine filters appear as their own line item on your receipt, so you can see exactly what you’re paying for. Some vehicles require specialty filters, which can cost a little extra. Many customers ask about this, so if you’re ever unsure, our team is happy to explain!
How Does an Oil Filter Work?
Think of an oil filter like a coffee filter. A coffee filter lets clean water flow through while catching any unwanted grounds. An oil filter traps dirt and debris, so only clean oil will reach your car’s engine.
Behind the scenes, the oil filter follows a simple cycle to protect your engine. Here’s how it works:
- When you start your car, the oil pump pushes oil through the engine.
- The dirty oil flows into the engine oil filter.
- The filter traps any dirt, grime, and metal particles.
- The filter sends clean oil back into the engine to lubricate all parts.
- This cycle repeats every time your engine runs, protecting it from wear.
This cycle is also important for diesel engines. Diesel filtration helps keep the system clean and prevents expensive repairs. If you drive a diesel vehicle, knowing when to replace your diesel oil filter is key to protecting your engine.
Oil filters for gasoline and diesel engines work in similar ways but never use a gasoline oil filter on a diesel engine. Diesel engines create more soot and run at higher pressures, so their filters are built tougher and large enough to hold extra gunk. If you use a standard gasoline filter on a diesel engine, it quickly gets overwhelmed, causing poor filtration and potential engine damage.
Why It’s Important to Replace Your Oil Filter
A clogged oil filter blocks oil flow and can overheat your engine, or, in serious cases, cause engine failure. That’s why it’s essential to check and see if it’s time for an oil filter change. Over time, buildup inside your engine filter can hurt your engine’s health.
These are a few signs that it’s time to replace your oil filter:
- Oil warning light on your dashboard
- Thick or dirty oil
- Overheating or lower fuel efficiency
- Knocking sounds from the engine
- Lower oil pressure or dirty exhaust fumes
A quick oil change and filter replacement can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your engine performing at its best.
Show Your Engine Some Love at Strickland Brothers
An oil filter may be small, but its impact is mighty. At Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change, our team can check your oil filter and see if it’s time for it to be replaced. We can also explain the cost and type of filter your car needs, including any specialty options.
Whether you need a quick car oil filter replacement or aren’t sure what oil filter your vehicle takes, we’ve got you covered! Stop by your local Strickland Brothers, and we’ll walk you through why oil filters matter, so your oil stays fresh and your car stays ready for the road!
