Oil keeps your car running smoothly and efficiently; it’s like blood the engine pumps through the car keeping things moving and functioning as they should. Clean oil keeps your car running and can prevent breakdowns and costly repairs in the future, but keeping your car’s oil clean requires some effort on your part. Over time the oil running through your engine picks up dust and debris that can prematurely wear down your engine and cost you in the long run. As oil runs through your car it goes through a filter that helps remove any dust or debris that it has picked up along the way.
Your car’s oil filter prevents dirt and debris from entering your car’s engine, helping keep your car running optimally for a long time. Oil filters also help prolong the life of your oil, allowing you to go more miles before an oil change. In some cases oil may bypass the filter to keep your car running smoothly, such as when the filter is clogged, or during extremely cold weather when oil thickens and can’t properly pass through the filter. This bypass is important because your car needs oil to run smoothly and to prevent major damage, but it does allow unfiltered oil to travel into your engine. Because this happens periodically, it’s important to stay on top of routine oil changes, and to make sure your filter is working properly the rest of the time.
Like with any other car part oil filters come in a range of qualities, all at different price points, and as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. When selecting an oil filter for your car it is a good idea to consider how much wear and tear you are putting on your car, and it is essential to make sure the type of filter you are looking at is designed to work in your car. Modern day filters are made of different materials, each having their own pros and cons. Some filters are made with a paper material, while others are made out of a synthetic material that is designed to last for more miles than a paper filter. If you drive long distances and put a lot of miles on your car, it is probably worth it to invest in a more expensive, synthetic filter. If you don’t drive far very often, a more economical paper filter will serve you just fine. One other major consideration in selecting an oil filter is your car’s warranty. If you are driving a newer car that is still under warranty it is important to check with your car manufacturer or your owner’s manual to make sure you select an approved filter to avoid any warranty issues.
Selecting an oil filter for your car can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to! No one knows your driving habits and needs more than you do, but if you feel you need a second opinion on which filter is best for your car, we are here to help. To make an informed decision about what is best for your car, consider the average usage if the car, the frequency of oil changes, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.