The oil filter in your car plays an important role in the removal of contaminants from your motor oils. Clean oil in your engine’s lubrication system will not only make it more efficient but also protect it from engine wear. A primary oil filter will be found on most vehicles. Some engines may also have a secondary filter that works independently.
The grades of your oil filter will vary from best to worst, but any oil filter that fits will be. Is it really important which engine oil filter is fitted? It depends. These are some tips to help guide you in your decision-making process.
Efficiency And Size Of Capture
Your air filter won’t capture tiny particles like sand and dirt in the air. Your engine oil may then be contaminated by these microscopic particles. At 40 microns, the average economy-grade oil filter will have a 95 percent capture rate. This indicates that the oil filters can filter out 95% more particles in one pass than those that are 40 millimeters. With little to no performance below 40 microns, the remaining 5 percent can be passed.
High-quality oil filters, with efficiency rates of up to 95% at 10 microns or greater, are frequently sold. As finer particles might cause more engine wear, investing in superior oil filtering might be a good idea.
Capacity To Hold Dirt
The bypass valve will open if the oil filter becomes clogged. Unfiltered oil can be pumped through the oil pump thanks to the bypass valve. This will stop the engine oil from running out. The oil filter’s capacity to hold dirt indicates how long it can hold dirt before being bypassed. This is crucial if you’re planning an extended oil drain without a filter replacement in the middle or if you frequently drive in dusty environments.
Unfortunately, dirt-holding capacity is rarely mentioned by oil filter manufacturers. Therefore, you must replace the filter at the suggested intervals.
Flow-Pressure Profile
When dirt builds up to the point that bypass cracking pressure can be broken, oil pressure gauges will show you that oil pressure is rising. Around 10–12 PSI (pressure gradient), the usual oil filter will fracture, allowing oil to flow once more.
However, the pressure-flow profile is not frequently found in aftermarket oil filters. But don’t worry—oil filters are made to function within the parameters required for regular service.
The Integrity Of Design And Fabrication
The filtration material in automotive filters is not the only consideration. Auto filters need to be thoughtfully planned and built. Before being sold, oil filters must undergo performance and structural integrity testing.
However, effective oil filters will possess the following characteristics:
- The canister is sturdy and impenetrable.
- Bypass valve that is leak-free under normal operating circumstances.
- Adaptable anti-drain-back valve to stop oil leaking in low temperatures and under back pressure.
Here are some reasons to invest in high-quality oil filters:
Schedule For Additional Drainage
If you need to empty your oil more frequently due to driving habits or environmental variables, a premium race performance oil filter is an excellent choice. Additionally, it will shield the oil from particles. To get the most out of your oil filter, use it with synthetic oils.
Astonishingly Cold Cranks
Oil becomes thicker in colder temperatures, which places a heavy burden on oil filters. A high-quality oil filter is less likely to collapse during a cold start. If the oil filters become clogged, they may additionally feature a responsive bypass valve to keep the oil flowing.
Dragging And Heavy Weights
Engine wear can be accelerated by carrying big loads at moderate speeds or while climbing steep hills.
Engine parts are more vulnerable to hazardous particles when oil coatings are thin. High capture efficiency filters can be used to prevent this. Improved filter components and anti-drain-back valve design will also help lessen oil leakage.
