This article has somee easy-to-understand information about the role of your oil filter and why it needs to be replaced. If you have ever looked down the list of items performed by your mechanic during your regular maintenance, then replacing the oil filter is likely to be on their frequently. And while you know what your car has an oil filter and, as the name suggests, you have a rough idea what it does, do you know why it keeps being replaced?

Why Does Your Mechanic Keep Changing Your Oil Filter?

If you would like to know a bit more about what your oil filter actually does and why it keeps being replaced, TenEyck Distributing has the following post to share.

Why Does Your Engine Need Oil?

Don’t worry, you won’t have to take notes for this one, it will be basic. If you were to think about how your engine works, it’s not much more than a range of well-designed metal parts rubbing and grinding against each other at high speed to keep your vehicle moving. In addition to speed, there is also a significant amount of pressure moving through your engine along with extremely high temperatures. If left to happen as-is, these interactions lead to a severe level of friction which results in the very quick seizing of your engine. Also known as buying a new car. But of course, your engine runs fine right now! It does this with the help of engine oil. You may also know it as engine lubricant or plain motor oil. Whatever the name, it’s the product which provides a slippery film between each of the parts to promote smooth interactions. Remember it was going to be a basic explanation.

I Get That It Filters My Oil, but If What Comes out of the Bottle Is Clean, What Does It Have to Filter?

A reasonable assumption and question. At the very soul of it, the role of your oil filter is indeed to filter the oil moving through your engine. However, the last part requires a little more explanation. While it’s true that the oil you see come out of the bottle is clean. However, as it begins to age it starts to wear down, resulting in small particles coming away from the fluid. In addition to this effect, the breakdown also reduces the oil’s ability to lubricate your engine part motion, leaving each part open to damage, such as scraping small shards away from each other during operation. It is these small objects which are the target of your car’s oil filter, and these which can cause some serious engine damage if left to travel through your engine’s oil supply lines. Click here to buy AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil which has been designed to help keep your engine running efficiently and extend its lifespan. To learn more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change or to get advice on the right high-quality product for your engine, speak with an expert at TenEyck Distributing by calling (208) 589-4660.

Got It! Now, How Does the Oil Filter Work?

Keeping with the theme of basic examples, here is one for your oil filter. Picture a soda can. At the top of the can is a hole which takes in oil which is moving from your engine parts. At the bottom of the can is another hole which leads to a small pan which collects the oil and makes it available for recirculation. In the middle of the can is a purpose designed fibrous sponge-like object. As you drive, oil from your engine is pushed through the top of the can at such high pressure that it forces it through the can and out the other end. During its journey, the sponge inside catches as many impurities and external elements as it can before the oil is released. A pretty basic function but a very crucial job.

Sounds Pretty Good! But Why Does It Need to Be Changed?

You wouldn’t reuse the same coffee filter every day of the week, would you? And while it is a strange comparison to make, neither a coffee filter or your oil filter were designed to work forever. In the case of your oil filter, its lifespan largely depends on the quality of your oil and your driving habits. However, one thing is certain, it will have a lifespan.

Changing Your Oil Filter Is the Best Time to Also Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Idaho Falls, ID

Despite what you might think, changing your car's oil filter isn't a task which needs your mechanic's attention. If you are interested in getting your hands a bit dirty then consider swapping your oil filter and giving your car a synthetic oil change yourself in your own driveway. To make sure you are using the best products for the job, speak with an expert at TenEyck Distributing by calling (208) 589-4660 or check out the online store for more information.