What Is An Oil Filter And Why Is It Important?

The oil filter is a pleated filter inside a metal can. It looks like a simple part, but it’s responsible for keeping the motor oil clean. How does an oil filter work? Does it get clogged over time? Read on to learn more about oil filters and how they work.

GM oil filter #9192426

How An Oil Filter Works

An oil filter traps the combustion byproducts and metal debris in the oil. When the oil is clean, the oil returns to the engine. As the oil cycles through your engine, it picks up combustion byproducts and metal debris. That’s why the oil has to run through the filter before it’s sent back to the engine.

Here's a general overview of how the process works:

1. The oil is pumped to the filter from the oil pan.
2. The oil is pushed through the filter.
3. The filter traps the impurities in the oil.
4. The now clean oil flows to the engine.
5. After lubricating components in the engine, the oil drains back into the oil pan.

If you're more of a visual person, here's a visual representation of the process:

Source

What Happens When Your Oil Filter Gets Clogged

If you leave the same oil filter in your car for too long, the filter will get clogged. That means it can no longer filter the oil running through your engine. A clogged filter won't deprive your engine of oil, though. All OEM oil filters come with a bypass valve. If the filter gets too clogged up, the bypass valve allows the dirty oil to pass through to the engine. It's better for the engine to get dirty oil than no oil at all.

Just because there's a bypass valve doesn't mean that you don't need to replace your oil filter. Dirty oil is detrimental to the engine. All the combustion byproducts and metal debris inside the oil will:

• Thicken the oil, which decreases lubrication
• Add unwanted friction between the moving parts within the engine

The decreased lubrication and the unwanted friction will slowly ruin some parts within the engine. It can lead to complete engine failure. The oil filter may be a small part, but it's instrumental to the engine's health.

Replacing Your Oil Filter

To keep the oil clean and the engine healthy, replace the oil filter every time you change the oil. In other words, every 3,000-5,000 miles. OEM oil filters have a much greater chance than aftermarket filters of lasting until the next oil change.

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