Just about everyone always talks about changing your oil on schedule to keep your car engine running efficiently. Of course, this is extremely important to do for the health of your vehicle. In conjunction with changing your oil, you should also be replacing your filter. When you need an oil filter change, visit Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

The Importance Of A Clean Oil Filter

Most people understand the necessity of frequent oil changes. Forgetting about your oil can have disastrous effects on your car engine. Yet, we also need to talk about the importance of changing your oil filter and using a quality product.

As your oil circulates through your car’s engine, it picks up dirt and debris caused by the combustion process. If your oil filter doesn’t trap these particles, they’ll circulate causing premature wear on parts. Even very small particles of road dust can shorten the life of your engine by a significant margin. One study concluded that using a 30-micron filter can reduce engine wear by 50%.

In addition, not changing your filter according to schedule can lead to clogging. When the filter becomes clogged, a bypass valve opens up allowing unfiltered oil to circulate.

A Clogged Oil Filter Can Cause Many Problems

Unfortunately, your car doesn’t have an indicator to tell you when your bypass valve opens allowing dirty oil to circulate. Usually, you can tell you may have a problem with a clogged oil filter by the following signs:

• Poor performance
• Reduced efficiency
• Sputtering or misfires (this can also be an issue with your fuel injection system among many other things)
• Metallic noises
• Dirty exhaust
• Low oil pressure
• Overheating engine

Allowing oil to bypass the filter keeps an engine from operating unlubricated. However, your oil will continue to pick up contaminants depositing some of these on moving parts. Then, these components will struggle to operate, reducing efficiency and performance.

Choose Your Filter Carefully

Car engines have different requirements for oil flow capacity, filtration, and viscosity. Typically, your automaker will specify a particular oil filter model for your vehicle. However, you’ll find many different brands making each design with varying characteristics:

1. Particle Trapping Efficiency

Scientists and engineers measure small particles in microns. Oil filters will specify the micron size the filter is able to trap. Generally, the smaller the micron size the oil filter can trap, the less wear on your engine.

2. Dirt Holding Capacity

Your car’s oil filter can only hold so much dirt before it becomes clogged allowing the bypass valve to open. Generally, the more dirt a filter can hold, the longer you can go before replacement. Usually, this depends on the filter’s media, or material, used to capture dirt. Most oil filters use paper, fiberglass, or a blend of both.

3. Pressure Flow Profile

Several factors affect how easily engine oil moves through the filter. These include your oil’s viscosity, your filter’s particle efficiency, and dirt-holding capacity. Furthermore, engineers designed your car engine with a particular pressure flow profile.

As your filter accumulates dirt, the oil pressure will rise. Thus, using components other than your manufacturer’s recommendations or driving with a dirty filter may overwork your oil pump. Efficiency will drop and some parts won’t receive proper lubrication.

4. Construction

Usually, most oil filters look very similar from the outside. Unfortunately, manufacturers of cheap oil filters cut costs by using inferior materials inside the canister. Inferior components can’t always withstand long service intervals, engine vibrations, and temperature cycles.

Oil Filter Change – FAQs

Undoubtedly, picking the right filter can be challenging. If you have questions about an oil filter change, call us at 336-993-7697 and we’ll be happy to answer them. Below, we address a few commonly asked questions.

How Often Should I Change My Oil Filter?

Over time, your filter will become clogged opening up the bypass valve. Then, dirty oil will circulate through your engine. Trying to save yourself a few bucks now can result in more expensive repairs later. This is why it’s crucial to change your filter with every oil change.

Are There Other Filters I Should Change When I Get My Oil Change?

Two other important filters that car owners often overlook are the air filter and cabin filter. Generally, these filters last for about 12,000 to 15,000 miles. This is the same time frame for synthetic oil changes making it easy to replace these components together.

Often, a clogged air filter may allow road dust to enter your engine causing damage. Moreover, without proper airflow, you won’t get the right fuel to oxygen mixture resulting in lower gas efficiency. Additionally, you may have trouble accelerating or find your car responding sluggishly.

Whereas, your cabin filter keeps the air inside your car clean. This filter traps pollen, pollutants, and other contaminants. Once it becomes clogged, your engine will have to work harder whenever you’re heating or cooling your car’s interior.

Do You Offer Gift Cards?

Yes, we do! Our gift cards make great gifts for older relatives and hard-to-buy-for friends and family members. You can purchase one in any amount up to $100. Just stop by our facility at 725 Hwy 66 South, Kernersville.

What Other Services Do You Offer Besides An Oil Filter Change?

We’re a full-service auto repair shop offering everything you need to maintain your vehicle.

Our facility also has a modern car wash to clean and protect the exterior of your car. Plus, we offer flexibility in choosing the essential services you need. Moreover, we offer monthly passes so you can visit us more often when you need it.

The next time you need any automotive servicing, stop by Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. You can make an appointment by calling 336-993-7997 or using our online form. Our dedicated staff will take care of you with fast, friendly, and quality service.