What is the working principle of an oil filter?

[JourneyRose]

The working principle of an oil filter is: As impurities continuously accumulate on the filter paper, the permeability of the filter paper gradually decreases, and the flow resistance keeps increasing, causing the oil pressure on the outer side of the filter paper to rise continuously. When the oil pressure is sufficient to open the bypass valve, the oil no longer passes through the filter paper for filtration but directly enters the central pipe through the bypass valve, and then flows into the engine lubrication system through the oil outlet in the middle of the oil filter base plate to participate in lubrication. The main function of an oil filter is to filter out most impurities in the oil, maintain the cleanliness of the oil, and extend its normal service life. Additionally, an oil filter should possess characteristics such as strong filtration capacity, low flow resistance, and long service life.

[LeSavannah]

As an automotive enthusiast, I believe the working principle of an oil filter is to protect the core components of the engine. Simply put, when the engine is running, oil is pumped from the oil pan and flows into the filter. Inside the filter, there is a special filter paper or medium that acts like a sieve, trapping various impurities in the oil, such as metal shavings, dust, and carbon deposits. These impurities accumulate in the filter, preventing them from entering the engine and causing wear on bearings or other precision parts. The clean oil then flows out of the filter and circulates back into the engine system, ensuring effective lubrication. I've also noticed that if the filter isn't replaced regularly, the filter paper can become clogged, slowing down oil flow and potentially damaging the engine. That's why I always recommend replacing it every 5,000 kilometers to keep the engine running smoothly. This design not only extends the engine's lifespan but also helps prevent unexpected failures.

[ONadia]

I often do car maintenance myself and have changed the oil filter countless times. Its working principle is quite straightforward: when you start the engine, the oil pump pushes oil into the filter, which contains a filtration layer usually made of fiber paper or synthetic material. Impurities like dust or metal debris get trapped, allowing only clean oil to flow out and lubricate the engine. Every time I remove an old filter, I find a bunch of black grime, proving it's doing its job. If the filter gets clogged, oil pressure drops, and the engine may overheat. That's why I always replace the filter during every maintenance session. I recommend everyone check it regularly and replace it every six months or every 5,000 kilometers to optimize fuel efficiency. Such a simple component can prevent major issues.

[MacHaley]

The process of an oil filter purifying engine oil is not complicated. Oil enters the filter from the pump inlet, passes through the filter paper layer where impurities are trapped, and clean oil flows out for the lubrication system. I neglected maintenance a few times in the past, which resulted in increased engine noise. Now I always replace the filter with every oil change, which can extend the lifespan of mechanical components and reduce wear risks. The basic principle is to isolate contaminants, ensuring fresh oil quality.