What is the importance of the oil filter?
2 Answers
The oil filter is the abbreviated term for the oil cleaner, one of the three filters, with the following main functions: 1. Filter the engine oil to improve its cleanliness and lubricity. The oil filter should be replaced every 5,000-10,000 kilometers of driving, as the dirt in the old filter will reduce the viscosity and cleanliness of the new oil, affect the oil circulation speed, and also damage the engine. 2. Supply clean oil to moving parts such as the crankshaft, connecting rod, camshaft, turbocharger, and piston rings, providing lubrication, cooling, and cleaning effects, thereby reducing engine wear, enabling it to perform at its best, and extending the lifespan of these components.
After over a decade in auto repair, I've found that oil filters are the true guardians of engines. They specialize in trapping metal shavings, sludge, and contaminants in the oil—like dialysis for engine blood. Without them, debris would get lodged in precision components like engine bearings and piston rings, causing visible scoring within just 2,000-3,000 km. Last year, I saw a vehicle where the owner used a cheap, substandard filter, resulting in clogged oil passages that caused bearing seizure—an $8,000+ overhaul. Quality filters contain specialized filtration media and check valves, withstanding up to 7 kg/cm² pressure without failure. Always replace the filter during oil changes; deteriorated rubber gaskets cause leaks, and this is one cost you truly can't cut.
