What is the purpose of an oil filter?
1 Answers
An oil filter 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 categorized into full-flow and bypass types. The full-flow filter is connected in series between the oil pump and the main oil gallery, filtering all the lubricating oil entering the main oil gallery. The bypass filter is connected in parallel with the main oil gallery, filtering only a portion of the lubricating oil delivered by the oil pump. During engine operation, metal shavings, dust, oxidized carbon deposits and gum deposits formed under high temperatures, water, and other contaminants continuously mix with 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.