Oil Filter Replacement

It may be a small part, but your car’s oil filter is essential to the running of your engine and by extension, your car itself. Running your engine generates heat and friction that causes specks of dirt, metal and debris to collect in your oil.

An oil filter traps these contaminants before they can circulate throughout your engine. It consists of a porous material that guards the entry to your oil chamber, an anti-drain valve that prevents oil loss when the engine is switched off and a relief valve that opens if a filter is clogged. An oil filter ensures you’re always getting the right amount of oil passing through your engine.

Oil filters should be changed roughly every 8,000 to 15,000 kms. Most drivers make the process easy for themselves by booking their oil filter replacement as the same time as they get a service and oil change. You should consider changing your oil filter more frequently if any of the following applies:

• You frequently drive down dusty or dirt roads.
• You’re fond of off-road adventure.
• You use your car mostly for short trips that don’t give you engine a chance to warm up to its optimal operating temperature.
• You drive an older vehicle with a less efficient engine.
• You tow heavy loads frequently, causing the oil to become dirty more quickly.
• You frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic.

If any of these circumstances apply, it’s best to always replace your oil filter after 10,000 kms at most.

If you neglect to replace your oil filter, sooner or later your car will start to show you signs of trouble. The most common indicators that it’s time for an oil filter replacement include:

Decrease in engine performance
A clogged oil filter leads to an engine that has to work harder, causing issues like stalling, difficulty accelerating, lower fuel efficiency and reduced performance.

Unusual engine noises
A failing oil filter can’t provide the moving parts of your engine with significant lubrication, leading to ticking, knocking or grinding sounds as the metal parts of your engine collide.

Dark or dirty exhaust smoke
If the smoke from your exhaust pipe is grimy or dark, this is a sign of oil seeping into the combustion chamber and burning along with the fuel.

Dashboard warning lights
Many modern vehicles are equipped with oil pressure warning lights, which show you when your engine’s oil pressure has dropped to an unsafely low level. It’s the kind of warning you need to address immediately to avoid engine damage.

Your oil filter is typically changed along with your oil itself as a normal part of the car servicing process. Your mechanic will drain and dispose of the old oil, loosen and remove the existing oil filter, replace it with the new filter and fill the tank with new oil. Finally, they’ll check the oil level with the dipstick and add some extra oil if necessary.

While you can change your oil and oil filter yourself, contacting a professional mechanic will get you the best results. And NC Autos is the mobile mechanic who can meet you where you are in Moreton Bay.