What is the Function of an Automotive Oil Filter?
2 Answers
Automotive oil filter function: It filters out the majority of impurities in the engine oil, maintaining the cleanliness of the oil and extending its normal service life. Additionally, the oil filter should possess properties such as strong filtration capability, minimal flow resistance, and a long service life. The oil filter, also known as the oil element, is used to remove impurities like dust, metal particles, carbon deposits, and soot particles from the engine oil, thereby protecting the engine. During engine operation, metal shavings, dust, oxidized carbon deposits and colloidal deposits under high temperatures, water, and other contaminants continuously mix into the lubricating oil. The role of the oil filter is to screen out these mechanical impurities and colloids, keeping the lubricating oil clean and prolonging its service life. The oil filter should have the properties of strong filtration capability, minimal flow resistance, and a long service life.
The function of the oil filter is truly impressive! It acts like an invisible guardian for the engine, responsible for filtering out various impurities in the oil, such as tiny metal shavings, carbon particles, or dust. These impurities are continuously generated during engine operation. If not removed, they will circulate repeatedly in the lubrication system, accelerating wear on critical components like piston rings and crankshafts. From my experience of multiple oil changes, every time I remove the old filter, it's often covered in black residue, proving its heavy workload. The filter also extends the oil's cleaning cycle and reduces oil oxidation, which means higher engine efficiency and lower fuel consumption. However, a clogged filter can impede oil flow, leading to insufficient lubrication, engine overheating, or even bearing failure. Therefore, I strongly recommend replacing the filter every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers when changing the oil to keep the car running longer and smoother.
