Oil is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s top performance. It also extends the life of your vehicle because it reduces the friction and damage that occurs when unlubricated parts rub against each other. Prioritizing the state of your oil filter and ensuring that it’s in great shape can also prevent worn-down engine parts and clogged oil passages. Regularly changing your oil filter saves you money in the long run because you don’t have to replace corroded metal engine parts as often.
The Purpose of an Oil Filter
Oil filters purify your vehicle’s engine oil by eliminating contaminants and pollutants. When your oil filter stops working properly, small particles infiltrate your engine and slowly damage the components and surfaces inside. There are two types of oil filters: the canister-style filter and the cartridge design. The first is a metal cylinder connected to the engine by a gasket. Then, a thread connects the cylinder’s plate to the oil filter’s main assembly. The engine pumps oil to the filter, then the dirty oil is pushed through the filter and redirected to the engine as clean oil.
Cartridge filters are also known as drop-in oil filters. They have a larger filter surface area than canister filters, and it’s easier to observe sludge and particle buildup when performing an oil change.
Engines naturally generate pollution. When you start your vehicle, the burning fuel releases dangerous byproducts, including toxic chemicals, sludge, and ash. Without a functioning oil filter, these byproducts wreak havoc on the engine and irreparably damage its internal components. Sludge is a thick substance that tends to accumulate on and around your engine’s oil cap. Instead of clogging up your engine, sludge particles are trapped in the oil filter’s pleats. The oil filter is located inside the canister and is usually made from synthetic materials because they’re more durable.
Where To Get an Oil Filter
Choosing and installing the right oil filter for your vehicle isn’t easy, and removing the oil filter can be messy. Without years of experience changing oil filters, you could get sludge and oil all over yourself and your car. That’s why you should stop by our Huffines Kia McKinney service center to consult with our specialists, who will assist you in selecting your car’s new oil filter. We can correctly assess your oil filter’s gasket size and threads to confirm that your chosen oil filter will be compatible with your vehicle.
Consulting the owners guide to your vehicle can help you determine the most suitable oil filter for your engine. Or, you can peruse a parts catalog with one of our helpful staff members. It’s important to buy your oil filter from a reputable service center. The consequences of purchasing the wrong oil filter can be severe. If the oil filter doesn’t fit, it could fall off the engine. An unsuitable filter can also result in a messy oil leak.
Don’t be afraid to spend money on a better oil filter. Settling for a cheap oil filter may lead to costly problems in the future. The inexpensive filter may be constructed from low-quality materials that lead to the failure of the external gasket and the filter material inside. Your oil filter should also match your lifestyle. Some filters are designed to work with synthetic oils. Others are suitable for cars that have accrued a lot of mileage and whose components are more susceptible to wear and tear.
High-efficiency oil filters are recommended to reduce engine repairs and maintenance visits. One of our knowledgeable team members can point you in the right direction. The goal is to choose an oil filter that will last a long time and filter the most particles from your engine’s oil. Key features include an antidrain back valve and a bypass valve. Usually, an original equipment manufacturer filter is the best fit for your car.
When To Change Your Oil Filter
Your oil filter can’t retain toxic particles forever. Every time you change your car’s oil, you should also replace the oil filter. If you visit our service center for an oil change, we can install a new oil filter and save you the mess and trouble. Changing your oil filter is routine car maintenance, a no-brainer compared to the possibility of shelling out thousands of dollars in engine repairs. Regular oil changes help you avoid a clogged engine.
There are signs that you should pay attention to, as they may indicate your car needs an oil filter change. The check engine light on your dashboard could be flashing for many reasons. Before panicking, visit your local McKinney service center and see whether the oil filter is the culprit. You may also need to change your oil filter if you hear odd clanging sounds from your engine or if your engine sputters when you start it up.
If your car’s exhaust changes colors and becomes darker, emitting a foul odor, the oil filter may be malfunctioning. Sudden drops in oil pressure or an odd burning smell indicate that your oil filter is no longer working and should be replaced. Regular maintenance visits and servicing are preventive measures to keep these worrying signs at bay.
Come to Us for Your Oil Filter Change
It can be tempting to replace your own oil filter and save money. However, an incorrectly installed oil filter can seriously damage your vehicle. Leaking oil, broken filters, and damaged engine parts are just some of the consequences of a poor oil filter installation job. Is repairing your own car really worth putting your vehicle and passengers at risk? Save yourself the mess, hassle, and risk with a visit to our service center in McKinney. We know all about selecting and replacing oil filters to get you safely back on the road.