Are the Oil Filter Element and Oil Filter the Same Thing?
2 Answers
Oil filter element and oil filter are the same thing. More information about the oil filter element is as follows: 1. The oil filter element is the oil filter. The function of the oil filter is to filter out impurities, gum, and moisture from the oil, delivering clean oil to various lubrication points. 2. Due to the high viscosity of the oil itself and the high content of impurities in the oil, oil filters generally have three stages to improve filtration efficiency: the oil strainer, the oil coarse filter, and the oil fine filter. 3. If the oil is not filtered and directly enters the lubrication circuit, it will carry impurities into the friction surfaces of moving parts, accelerating component wear and reducing the engine's service life.
To be honest, oil filter element and oil filter are basically the same thing in our daily conversations, and many mechanics use the terms interchangeably. From a technical perspective, the oil filter is the complete assembly, which includes a filtering unit called the filter element. However, during routine maintenance, when we say 'replace the filter element,' we actually mean replacing the entire filter unit. Its core function is to filter out impurities, metal particles, and sludge from the engine oil, preventing contaminants from entering the engine and causing part wear. If you don't replace it, accumulated debris can clog the oil passages, leading to engine overheating or accelerated aging, which can be much more expensive to repair. I always replace the filter whenever I change the oil, typically every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, choosing the brand and model as recommended in the car's manual. Brands like Bosch or Mahle offer good value for money in the market. New drivers should remember this detail—it makes the car run smoother, saves fuel, and keeps maintenance costs much more affordable.
