How to Check Your Car Oil Filter for Wear and Tear

Automotive Filter Manufacturers

For a car engine to operate smoothly, the oil filter must be in top condition. Ideally, an oil filter should last for 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, if your car exhibits signs of engine troubles, it could be time to investigate the oil filter. A faulty oil filter tends to clog, and consequently, the oil is unable to flow through the engine, leading to engine damage. In this article, we highlight how to check your car oil filter for wear and tear.

Why Check Your Oil Filter?

How to Check Your Oil Filter

DIY Checkup

Professional Inspection

Why Check Your Oil Filter?

A common way to identify if an oil filter has a problem is by a check engine light appearing on your dashboard. However, that should not be the only indicator. Some of the symptoms of a faulty oil filter include:

• The engine produces unusual noises

• Diminished engine performance

• The engine oil is discolored

• The oil pressure gauge shows low or no pressure

• Oil leaks on the ground or under the engine

These signs may indicate other engine troubles, but it is essential to confirm the oil filter’s condition to avoid any costly engine repairs.

How to Check Your Oil Filter

You can check your car oil filter through two methods: a DIY checkup or professional inspection.

DIY Checkup

• Open the hood of your car, and locate the oil filter. It is the smallest canister or cylinder near the engine block.

• Use a socket wrench to remove the oil filter. To avoid messy spills, it is advisable to do this when the engine is cold.

• Once the oil filter is out, examine its surface. It should be smooth and completely free of debris.

• Ensure that there are no cracks or damages to the filter’s seals or gaskets.

Professional Inspection

If you don’t feel confident enough to inspect your oil filter, it is advisable to seek a mechanic’s services. A mechanic can check for:

• Debris in the engine oil

• Metal shavings in the oil drain pan

• Leaks and cracks in the oil filter

• Bent oil filter casing

• Oil bypass valve malfunction

Remember, a faulty oil filter may have no visible external signs of damage. In case the requested professional inspection service determines there is an issue, it is advisable to replace the oil filter.

How to Prevent Your Oil Filter from Wearing and Tearing?

• Service your car regularly. Regular oil changes ensure that contaminants that cause the filter to clog are kept in check.

• Use high-quality oil filters provided by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Inferior filters have weak seals and fibers, causing them to break or erode more quickly.

• Avoid driving on unpaved roads where dust and debris from the roads can clog the oil filter.

Conclusion

The oil filter plays a crucial role in ensuring your car engine operates smoothly. A faulty oil filter could lead to significant engine damage and costly repairs. As we’ve highlighted in this article, a simple checkup can help you identify if your oil filter has any issues. If you don’t feel confident enough to inspect your car’s oil filter, our professional mechanics are always available. Regular servicing and quality oil filters are the best preventative measures to ensure the longevity of your car’s oil filter.