Are the Oil Filter Element and Oil Filter the Same Thing?

[LaJourney]

Oil filter element and oil filter are the same thing. The oil filter, also known as the oil cartridge, is used to remove impurities such as dust, metal particles, carbon deposits, and soot particles from the engine oil, thereby protecting the engine. Oil filters can be classified into full-flow and bypass types. The full-flow filter is connected in series between the oil pump and the main oil passage, filtering all the lubricating oil entering the main oil passage. The bypass filter is connected in parallel with the main oil passage, filtering only a portion of the lubricating oil pumped by the oil pump. During engine operation, metal shavings, dust, oxidized carbon deposits and gum deposits under high temperatures, water, and other contaminants continuously mix into the lubricating oil. The role of the oil filter is to remove these mechanical impurities and gum, maintaining the cleanliness of the lubricating oil and extending its service life.