Be Good to Your Car -- Choose Only the Best Oil Filter
Why is the oil filter important to your car? An oil filter doesn't seem that important. After all, it's not really expensive and it's such a small part. Don't let this fool you. This little gadget plays an important part in the health of your car and can lead to costly repairs if ignored.
If you're not sure how to choose an oil filter or even how often to have it changed, stick around for some important information.
Tips for choosing the best oil filter
Why is the oil filter important? The oil filter removes solid contaminants like dirt, carbon and metal particles from the oil before they cause damage to your bearings, journal and cylinder wall surfaces in the engine. If you don't change your oil filter in the recommended time, it becomes clogged and causes extensive damage to the engine. The price of a new engine? $4,000. The price of an oil filter? $6.00
Tip #1 -- Read your owner's manual
The owner's manual that came with your car will tell you whether your need to change your oil every 3,000 or 6,000 miles. If the manual recommends every 6,000 miles, you must buy a filter rated for that length of time. Don't spend money on expensive synthetic oil and then skimp on the filter. If the filter is rated for 3,000 miles and you continue driving for another 3,000 miles before changing it... get ready for engine damage.
Tip #2 -- Don't be fooled by price
There is only a $5 difference between economy oil filters and premium filters, and the extra $5 and your car engine is well worth the benefit. Premium filters have oil filter parts that offer many perks. With textured paint for easy installation, bypass valves, metal construction, synthetic filter media, and a silicone anti-drain back valve, you get your money's worth with the premium filter.
If you absolutely can't afford the premium oil filter, be diligent in changing your oil every 3,000 miles and avoid damage to your engine.
Tip #3 -- Choose a filter with synthetic filtering media
Many oil filters contain paper or cellulose elements to filter your oil. These filters can trap particles down to 25 to 35 microns in size and are adequate. But some experts report that engine damage occurs over time by particles as small as 10 to 20 microns. To trap particles this small, you need a filter that uses a synthetic media.
A synthetic media is a blend of synthetic glass or rayon microfibers with cellulose fibers increasing its ability to trap small particles. Look for this information on the box of the oil filter, or ask the workers at the auto shop.
Tip #4 -- Get the right fit
Oil filters can be deceiving -- they all look the same! Before picking up just any old filter for your car, check the filter supplier application catalog in the car parts store and buy the correct one. Purchasing the wrong filter can end badly.
Don't underestimate the importance of the oil filter change in your car. By following these tips and buying the correct oil filter, you ensure better performance and a longer engine life for your car.