Oil filter vs. oil: Which is more important to change?

If you own a car, you probably know that you need to change its oil and oil filter regularly to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. But do you know why? And do you know which one is more important?

In this article, we will answer these questions and explain the benefits of changing your car’s oil and oil filter regularly.

What is the Function of Oil and Oil Filter in Your Car?

Oil is a lubricant that reduces friction and wear between the moving parts of your engine. It also helps to cool, clean, and protect your engine from corrosion and damage. Oil circulates through your engine and passes through an oil filter, which removes dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the oil. This ensures that your oil stays clean and effective for longer.

However, over time, oil loses its viscosity and lubricating properties due to heat, pressure, oxidation, and contamination. This means that it can no longer provide adequate protection for your engine and may cause damage or failure. Similarly, over time, oil filter becomes clogged and saturated with dirt and debris, which reduces its filtering capacity and efficiency. This means that it can no longer remove impurities from the oil and may allow them to enter your engine and cause harm.

Therefore, you need to change your oil and oil filter regularly to prevent these problems and maintain your engine’s performance and longevity.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil and Oil Filter?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the type of oil you use, the condition of your engine, your driving habits, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally speaking, there are two types of oil: conventional and synthetic. Conventional oil is derived from crude oil and has a shorter lifespan than synthetic oil, which is artificially made from chemical compounds and has a longer lifespan. Synthetic oil also offers better protection, performance, and fuel economy than conventional oil.

The recommended oil change interval for conventional oil is usually between 3,000 and 5,000 miles (4,800 and 8,000 kilometers), while the recommended oil change interval for synthetic oil is usually between 7,500 and 10,000 miles (12,000 and 16,000 kilometers). However, these numbers are only estimates and may vary depending on the condition of your engine and your driving habits. For example, if you drive in harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or frequent stop-and-go traffic, you may need to change your oil more often than normal. Similarly, if you have a turbocharged or supercharged engine, you may need to change your oil more often than normal.

The recommended oil filter change interval is usually the same as the recommended oil change interval. This means that you should change your oil filter every time you change your oil. However, some manufacturers may suggest changing your oil filter more or less frequently than your oil. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific vehicle model and check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil filter change interval.

Why Changing Your Oil Filter Is Not More Important Than Changing Your Oil?

Some people may think that changing your oil filter is more important than changing your oil because it keeps your oil clean and prevents it from getting dirty. However, this is not true. Changing your oil filter is not more important than changing your oil because both are equally important for your engine’s health and performance.

Changing only your oil filter without changing your oil is like putting a new filter on a dirty coffee maker. It may remove some of the impurities from the old coffee, but it will not make it fresh or tasty. Similarly, changing only your oil without changing your oil filter is like putting fresh coffee in a dirty coffee maker. It may make the coffee slightly better, but it will not remove the old residue and taste. Therefore, you should always change your oil and oil filter together to ensure that your engine gets the best lubrication and protection possible.

Changing your oil and oil filter regularly has many benefits for your car, such as:

• Improving your engine performance and efficiency: By changing your oil and oil filter regularly, you can prevent friction, wear, and overheating in your engine, which can improve its power, speed, and fuel economy.
• Extending your engine life and reliability: By changing your oil and oil filter regularly, you can prevent sludge, corrosion, and damage in your engine, which can extend its lifespan and reduce the risk of breakdowns and repairs.
• Saving your money and time: By changing your oil and oil filter regularly, you can avoid costly and time-consuming problems and repairs in the future, such as engine failure, piston seizure, or cylinder head gasket blowout.
• Protecting the environment: By changing your oil and oil filter regularly, you can reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases from your car, which can protect the environment and human health.

Conclusion

Changing your car’s oil and oil filter is not a matter of preference or priority. It is a matter of necessity and responsibility. You should always change your oil and oil filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific vehicle model. By doing so, you can keep your car running smoothly and efficiently for a long time.

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