Ever wondered why changing your car’s oil filter is more than just another maintenance chore? Your car’s engine health might depend on it more than you think. Oil filters might seem insignificant, but they’re the silent heroes making sure your engine is clear of contaminants and debris.
Keep reading to learn the importance of changing your car oil filter.
Remove Contaminants
The oil filter captures contaminants like dirt, metal particles, and sludge that accumulate in the engine oil. Over time, this debris can clog the filter, reducing its effectiveness in cleaning the oil.
Oil filters use a porous filtration medium, typically made of cellulose, synthetic fibers, or a blend, to trap contaminants present in the engine oil as it circulates through the filter. Contaminants in the oil can also cause increased friction between engine components, leading to premature wear potential damage to bearings, cylinder walls, and other vital parts.
Protect Your Engine
A clean oil filter means that your engine is receiving clean oil, which is vital for lubrication. Contaminants in the oil can lead to increased friction, premature wear of engine parts, and potential engine damage. With clean oil and proper lubrication, the engine operates more efficiently, potentially improving fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance.
For example, your Volkswagen will have plenty of life in it as long as you protect the engine and take care of it.
Overall Vehicle Health
By trapping debris and contaminants, the oil filter prevents engine sludge from forming. If this sludge ever builds up, it will mess with your engine’s performance and keep the oil from circulating correctly.
Regular oil filter changes, along with timely oil changes and other scheduled maintenance, contribute to a comprehensive care regimen that keeps the entire vehicle in better condition. Keep in mind that changing the oil filter regularly is a much lower car maintenance cost than having to repair your engine for not keeping up with something as small as the oil filter.
Long Term Cost Savings
Regular maintenance, including oil filter changes, helps maintain the vehicle’s overall condition, contributing to a better resale or trade-in value when it’s time to upgrade.
Sticking to recommended maintenance schedules helps keep the vehicle compliant with the manufacturer’s warranty. This can help you save money on repair costs for covered issues.
Protecting the engine with regular oil filter changes will also extend its lifespan. It will reduce the likelihood of premature engine wear. If your engine goes earlier than expected, be prepared to pay a couple of thousand dollars to have your vehicle up and running again.
Is It Time to Change Your Car Oil Filter?
Now that we have shared why it’s so important to change your car oil filter, you can take this knowledge and decide if it’s time to change your oil filter or if it can wait a little longer. The key is to not wait too long, because then you will have worse problems you’ll have to deal with.
Did you find this article helpful? Keep browsing our automobile section for even more tips and tricks.
Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy.
