What is the function of an oil filter?
3 Answers
An oil filter, also known as an oil strainer, serves the following main purposes: filtering the engine oil to improve its cleanliness and lubricity. It supplies clean oil to components such as the crankshaft, connecting rod, camshaft, turbocharger, and piston rings, providing lubrication, cooling, and cleaning effects. This helps reduce engine wear, optimize performance, and extend the lifespan of these components. Below is relevant information: Experts recommend replacing the oil filter every time the engine oil is changed. The reason is that contaminants in the old oil filter can reduce the viscosity and cleanliness of the new oil, affect oil circulation speed, and potentially damage the engine.
When I first started driving, I was curious about what an oil filter does. Later, I learned that it acts like a guardian for the engine, specifically cleaning out all kinds of dirt in the oil, such as metal shavings, dust, and other contaminants. Every time the engine runs, internal friction generates metal particles, and the oil filter traps them, ensuring the oil stays clean and lubricates all components. Otherwise, debris could get stuck in bearings or cylinder walls, accelerating wear and potentially causing the engine to fail prematurely. I remember the first time I didn’t change the oil filter, it got clogged, oil pressure dropped, and the car felt sluggish. Regularly replacing it, along with oil changes, can extend the engine’s lifespan and save money on major repairs. For beginners, forming this habit is crucial—it keeps the car running smoothly and reliably for a long time.
Having driven for most of my life, I've personally experienced the crucial role of an oil filter. It acts as an efficient screen, removing tiny metal fragments, carbon particles, and other contaminants from the engine oil to keep the lubricant clean. If these impurities accumulate in the engine, they can scratch surfaces, cause additional wear, and shorten the machine's overall lifespan. I make it a habit to change the oil filter on schedule, typically inspecting or replacing it with every oil change to prevent clogging that could hinder oil flow. Experience has taught me that while this small component may seem insignificant, its protective function is immense—saving me from unnecessary repair costs and keeping my old car running as reliably as a new one.
