The oil filter is more important than you might realize. The motor oil is tasked with protecting the engine, but it is also tasked with keeping it clean. As such, the oil picks up the dirt and grime throughout the engine as it circulates through it. To clean the oil before recirculation, it runs through the oil filter so the filter can absorb the dirt and grime. This is why the filter needs to be changed every 3,000 miles.
Rotten Performance
If you fail to get the oil changed and, thereby, the filter, you will start to have problems with your engine’s performance. Rather than clean the engine, the oil will make the engine dirtier by depositing the dirt and grime that the filter was unable to clean out. Consequently, your engine and acceleration will start to lag and the engine will run a bit hotter than it normally does.
Rotten Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, this poor engine performance will cause problems with your fuel economy. You will notice that when it comes to miles per gallon, you aren’t getting as many. This is because the engine ingests more fuel when it is running inefficiently. The dirty motor oil will cause the engine to run inefficiently. Consequently, you’ll have to spend more money to keep the tank full.
Reduced Oil Pressure
The clogged oil filter won’t stop causing problems there. It will also reduce the oil pressure in the engine. This is a problem that is serious enough to warrant a warning light. In this case, the main computer chip will turn on the oil light. This tells you that there isn’t enough oil circulating through the engine and, as such, the engine is in serious trouble.
Metallic/Grinding Noise
In fact, the oil’s circulation may be compromised by the clogged filter so much that you hear metallic or grinding noises in the engine. This is when you stop driving your automobile and call for a tow truck. The grinding noises are parts wearing against each other and wearing each other down. In other words, your engine is getting damaged while you are driving your automobile.
Increased Hydrocarbons
Finally, for those who are subjected to emissions testing, the dirty motor oil and filter will increase the number of hydrocarbons in your vehicle’s exhaust. As such, you may fail the next emissions test you are required to take. Make sure to have the oil changed first.
Call us today if you are overdue for an oil change. We’ll get clean oil and a clean filter in the engine.
