What is the difference between oil filter and oil filter element??
When it comes to maintaining your car's engine, one of the most important things to pay attention to is the oil filter. However, if you've ever shopped for an oil filter, you may have noticed that there are two types available: a regular oil filter and an oil filter element. So what's the difference between the two? Let's take a closer look.
What is an Oil Filter?
Before we dive into the differences between a standard oil filter and an oil filter element, it's important to understand what an oil filter is in general. An oil filter is a component in your car's engine that is responsible for removing contaminants and debris from the oil as it circulates through the engine. This helps to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent wear and tear on the internal components.
What is a Standard Oil Filter?
A standard oil filter is the type of oil filter that most people are familiar with. It consists of a metal canister that houses a filter element made from cellulose, synthetic fibers, or a combination of the two. This filter element is designed to trap contaminants as the oil passes through it, preventing them from circulating through the engine.
Standard oil filters are designed to be disposable. When it comes time to change the oil in your car, you simply remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one.
What is an Oil Filter Element?
An oil filter element is a type of oil filter that is less common than the standard oil filter. Instead of a metal canister, an oil filter element usually consists of a cartridge that houses the filter media. The filter media itself is usually made of synthetic materials such as glass fibers or a pleated paper composite.
Unlike a standard oil filter, an oil filter element is designed to be reusable. When you need to change the oil in your car, you simply remove the cartridge from the oil filter housing, clean and inspect it, and then reinstall it.
What are the Differences Between a Standard Oil Filter and an Oil Filter Element?
So now that you know what a standard oil filter and an oil filter element are, what are the key differences between the two?
Design:
The most obvious difference between a standard oil filter and an oil filter element is their design. A standard oil filter has a metal canister that houses the filter element, while an oil filter element usually has a cartridge that houses the filter media.
Material:
The filter media used in a standard oil filter is typically made from cellulose or synthetic fibers. In contrast, the filter media in an oil filter element is usually made from synthetic materials such as glass fibers or a pleated paper composite.
Reusability:
A standard oil filter is designed to be disposable. When it's time to change the oil in your car, you simply remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. An oil filter element, on the other hand, is designed to be reusable. You can clean and inspect the cartridge and then reinstall it, rather than throwing it away.
Cleaning:
Due to its reusability, an oil filter element requires regular cleaning and inspection to maintain its effectiveness. A standard oil filter, on the other hand, is simply replaced every time you change your oil.
Lifespan:
Because a standard oil filter is designed to be disposable and replaced with every oil change, its lifespan is limited to a single oil change interval. An oil filter element, on the other hand, can last for many oil change intervals, provided it is properly maintained and cleaned.
Conclusion:
In summary, both a standard oil filter and an oil filter element serve the same basic purpose: to remove contaminants and debris from the oil as it circulates through the engine. The key differences between the two are their design, material, reusability, cleaning requirements, and lifespan. Ultimately, the type of oil filter you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences.