Are the Oil Filter Element and Oil Filter the Same Thing?
3 Answers
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.
I've encountered this issue before. I remember an old mechanic at the repair shop once told me that essentially, the oil filter element and the oil filter refer to the same component - it's the device that filters out metal fragments and impurities from the engine oil. Some people prefer to call it the filter element, while others are used to saying oil filter, but there's no actual difference. Though small, this part is absolutely critical. If it fails, the engine could develop problems in no time. My advice is to always replace the oil filter whenever you change the engine oil. It only costs a few dozen yuan, which is much more economical than major engine repairs. Don't fall for some repair shops' claims that it doesn't need replacement - think about it, if you put in fresh oil but the filter is still clogged with old contaminants, isn't that a wasted oil change? If you're doing it yourself, make sure to get the right size and don't buy the wrong model.
Haha, speaking of this, I have deep personal experience. The first time I did my own car maintenance, I couldn't even tell them apart. Later, I figured out that the filter paper cylinder inside the oil filter assembly is the filter element. In daily conversation, these two terms are basically interchangeable. Last time when I went to the 4S shop for an oil change, I noticed the mechanic's operation and realized that nowadays they mostly replace the entire assembly rather than just the filter element. By the way, when choosing a filter, pay attention to the filtration precision. My friend bought a cheap no-name brand to save money, and it got clogged in just three months, even triggering the engine warning light. Remember to check the corresponding model in the maintenance manual, and when shopping online, pay attention to whether you're buying the metal-shell type or the paper-core type. It's best to check this thing before long-distance trips—if it's clogged, it can affect oil pressure, and you'll feel like the acceleration is sluggish while driving.
