A lot of people don’t pay much attention to the oil in their vehicles. But the oil is a very vital part to how your engine performs and how long it will last.
What Does My Engine Oil Actually Do?
Engine oil does a lot more than you realize.
- It acts as a lubricant and stops all the metal surfaces in your engine from grinding together and tearing apart from friction.
- Engine oil helps cool the engine by transferring heat away from the combustion cycle.
- Engine oil helps prevent rust and corrosion
- The engine oil will transfer through the oil filter before it goes to the crankshaft bearings, cam bearings and valve train. The oil filter traps any particles, dirt, or debris from entering the rest of the engine and causing any damage.
Why Do I Need To Change My Oil Filter
The engine oil is working under tremendous heat and pressure and over time the heat breaks down the oil. This reduces the oil’s capacity to absorb heat, making it more viscous (like sludge) and will cause the oil to start smoking and leaking.
The oil filter needs to be changed before it becomes clogged with dirt and other particles which will reduce oil flow.
Unless you remove the oil filter there is no real way to tell how dirty it could be so make sure you check your owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule.
When Should You Change Your Oil?
All vehicles have different service intervals so make sure you check your owner’s manual schedule.
You should always check your engine oil levels between services to make sure it is at its full lubricating and heat absorption capacity.
Most say oil filter replacement at every other oil change is acceptable and most professional mechanics will always change the oil filter at every oil change. If you are changing your oil yourself between services it is a good idea to change the filter so you aren’t contaminating clean oil with a dirty filter.
Changing your oil and filter regularly will engine a good running engine and prevent expensive build-ups of sludge and premature wear. If you need more information then contact us at info@westsideauto.com.au.
