Is It Okay to Skip Changing the Oil Filter Occasionally?

[Lillian]

It is acceptable to skip changing the oil filter occasionally. However, it is generally recommended to replace the filter along with the oil during routine maintenance for optimal performance. Below is an introduction to oil filters: Function: The oil filter, also known as the oil cleaner, is designed to remove impurities, gums, and moisture from the oil, delivering clean oil to various lubrication points. Classification: Due to the high viscosity of oil and the presence of numerous impurities, oil filters typically consist of three stages to enhance filtration efficiency: the oil strainer, the primary oil filter, and the secondary oil filter. The oil strainer is installed in the oil pan before the oil pump and usually employs a metal mesh design. The primary oil filter is located after the oil pump and is connected in series with the main oil passage. It mainly includes metal scraper types, sawdust filter types, and microporous paper types, with the latter being the most commonly used today. The secondary oil filter is installed after the oil pump and runs parallel to the main oil passage. It primarily includes microporous paper types and centrifugal rotor types. The centrifugal rotor-type secondary oil filter uses centrifugal force for filtration and does not have a filter element, effectively resolving the conflict between oil flowability and filtration efficiency.