What is an oil filter element? A Comprehensive Guide

If you own a car or have an interest in automobiles, you have probably heard of oil filter elements. The primary purpose of an oil filter element is to filter harmful contaminants from the oil and ensure the engine runs smoothly. But what exactly is an oil filter element? Let's break it down.

What is an oil filter element made of?

The oil filter element is made of a porous material, usually paper or synthetic fibers, wrapped in a metal or plastic casing. The filter media is tightly packed, which provides a large surface area for the oil to pass through, maximising filtration efficiency and longevity.

How does an oil filter element work?

An oil filter element works by removing impurities such as dirt, rust, and metal particles from the oil, preventing them from entering the engine. It allows only the clean oil to pass through and lubricate the engine. This process happens in two stages: the primary and secondary filtration processes.

What is the primary filtration process?

During the primary filtration process, the oil enters the filter media and passes through tiny-sized pores, where particles larger than 20 microns are trapped. Such particles include large debris such as pebbles, metal shavings and dirt. This ensures that large impurities that could cause engine damage are filtered out.

What is the secondary filtration process?

The secondary filtration process is meant to filter the smaller contaminants that were not captured by the primary process. The oil then flows through another section of the filter media, where smaller impurities less than 10 microns are captured. These impurities include tiny metal fragments, dust, and pollen from the environment.

Why is an oil filter element important?

An oil filter element is important because it helps to prolong the life of your engine by removing harmful contaminants that would otherwise lead to engine damage. It enhances engine performance, efficiency, and fuel consumption while ensuring that the quality of oil being circulated in the engine is always at its best.

When should you replace your oil filter element?

To maintain the efficiency of an oil filter element, it should be replaced at regular intervals. Depending on your car model, it is recommended that you change your oil filter element after every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. However, certain factors such as driving habits, the type of oil used, and the environment can affect the lifespan of an oil filter element.

What are the consequences of not changing your oil filter element?

If you fail to replace your oil filter element regularly, the filter will become clogged, and the quality of oil circulating in the engine will significantly deteriorate. This can lead to costly engine repairs due to engine wear and tear, overheating, or internal oil leakage.

What are the different types of oil filter elements available?

There are three main types of oil filter elements; mechanical, magnetic, and centrifugal filters. Mechanical filters are the most commonly used and are made of paper or synthetic fibers. They capture particles based on their size; magnetic filters use a magnetic field to filter metal contaminants from the oil, while centrifugal filters use centrifugal force to remove contaminants.

What considerations should you make when choosing an oil filter element?

While replacing the oil filter element, a few considerations should be made. These include the filtration efficiency, size, quality of filter media, compatibility with your car model, and brand reputation. Always buy a filter with a higher efficiency rating and good-quality filter media to prolong the life of your engine.