Are Oil Filters and Oil Filter Elements the Same?
2 Answers
Oil filters and oil filter elements are the same. The function of an oil filter is to remove impurities, gums, and moisture from the oil, delivering clean oil to various lubrication points. If the oil is not filtered and directly enters the lubrication circuit, the impurities contained in the oil will be carried to the friction surfaces of moving parts, accelerating wear and reducing the engine's lifespan. Due to the high viscosity of the oil itself and the high content of impurities, oil filters generally have three stages to improve filtration efficiency: the oil suction filter, the oil coarse filter, and the oil fine filter. The suction filter is installed in the oil pan before the oil pump; the oil coarse filter is installed after the oil pump and is connected in series with the main oil passage; the oil fine filter is installed after the oil pump and is connected in parallel with the main oil passage.
When I was young and getting my first car maintenance, I was curious about this question. I remember asking the mechanic while getting an oil change, and he said that in everyday terms, the terms 'oil filter' and 'filter element' pretty much refer to the same thing—the component that filters out impurities from the oil. However, strictly speaking, the 'filter' might include the entire housing, while the 'filter element' is the core filtering part inside. That time, I watched as he removed the old one, and it was all black and full of impurities. If not replaced in time, it could affect the engine's lifespan, causing wear or even overheating. Since then, I've made it a habit to check it every 5,000 kilometers or six months. Developing this habit has kept my car durable. Sharing this little tip—new drivers might want to observe the maintenance process more to avoid engine issues that could affect driving safety. After all, protecting your car starts with the basics.
