Most engines today have oil filters that have been downsized from quart-sized to pint-sized to save space, cost and weight.  The smaller filter has less overall filtering capacity and while it may be fine for a 3,000 oil change interval, the capacity may run out before a second oil change at 6,000 miles.  Even with a larger oil filter, changing it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (depending on if you use synthetic oil) is highly recommended.

The oil filter helps prevent against abrasion and premature engine wear.  The filter’s main job is to remove dirt, debris, carbon, metal and by-products of combustion from the oil before they can cause damage to the engine.  Over time the oil becomes thicker and more polluted with these contaminants.  When the oil is changed and the old oil filter is left in, about a pint to a quart of the dirty oil remains in the filter, which then contaminates the new oil.

Today’s engines have what is called “full-flow filtration”.  The oil is picked up by the oil pump and sent through the filter before it’s circulated through the crankshaft bearings, cam bearings and valvetrain.  This is an efficient way of removing contaminants and making sure your engine is supplied with only filtered oil.  Over time, accumulated contaminants trapped in the filter begin to obstruct the oil flow; this can lead to lowered oil pressure and in some cases, overflow of the dirty oil into the crankcase and engine, increasing engine wear.

Oil filters are relatively inexpensive and the benefits of keeping a clean oil filter in your car are many.  You will have a cleaner, cooler, well-lubricated engine, which in turn will give you optimized engine performance and better gas mileage.  Your vehicle will also emit less exhaust, reducing engine by-product emissions and your engine will last longer too!

When is your next oil/oil filter change due?

Happy Driving,

Dave

http://www.smithspecialty.com/auto-repair-specials/weekly-specials.html

Broken down(less viscous) and/or dirty oil creates friction between the moving parts of the engine, which in turn creates heat.  As friction increases so does heat, increased heat and friction overtime will decrease the performance of the moving parts, resulting not only in reduced gas mileage and horsepower, it decreases engine performance and longevity.  In some cases the consequences can be disastrous, resulting in expensive repairs or leaving you stranded in traffic or on the side of a lonely road.

Drivers with normal driving patterns should have their engine oil changed every three months or 3,000 miles.  If you are using synthetic oil, you should have it changed it every 6,000 miles.  Drivers who do a lot of stop-n-go driving, make short trips, haul/tow heavy loads or drive in hot, dusty conditions need to consider more frequent oil maintenance.  Poor oil and engine maintenance will eventually result in increased fuel and oil usage and reduced engine power, mileage and overall performance.

With gas prices soaring at the pump, save money by having your oil and oil filter changed on a regular basis and reap the benefits of increased gas mileage, maximized horsepower, optimized engine performance and increased longevity.  Avoid being that person fretting over an expensive engine repair or left stranded on the side of the road.  Don’t worry, be happy!

Happy Driving,

Dave



Beautiful, isn’t it?

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If you have any questions about auto repair, or would like me to blog about a certain topic then please leave a comment or just call me at the shop: 913-393-0700.

I look forward to helping you to maintain your car, truck or SUV!

Sincerely,

Dave Smith