Does your car need an oil and filter change? Many people don’t realize they need a new filter when their oil is changed. However, modern engines are built with less tolerance for debris than ever before.
In a high-performance engine, even microscopic debris can lead to catastrophic wear if it’s allowed to build up over time.
At Planet Oil Change & Car Wash, we provide oil and filter changes for vehicles at our locations nationwide. Find a location near you today to service your car.
How Do Car Filters Work?
Knowing how car filters work can help you understand why changing them alongside your oil is so important.
The car’s oil pump pushes dirty oil through the perimeter holes of the filter, the filtering material itself, and back into the engine. The filter material catches large debris as well as microscopic particles.
Filters also have anti-drainback valves. This is a crucial component that prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off and spreading dirt around.
Think of your filter as your car’s kidney. As oil circulates through the vehicle, it picks up microscopic metal particles, carbon, and dirt. The filter catches these particles before they reach the moving components of your engine, which are more delicate.
Why You Should Never Do an Oil Change Without a New Filter
When a filter becomes too clogged, it can no longer remove particles and debris effectively. At this point, a safety valve opens to allow unfiltered oil to bypass it. Otherwise, the oil is too thick and unable to get through fast enough.
This prevents the engine from seizing due to a lack of oil. However, it means oil is circulating 100% unfiltered around your vehicle. Continuously running on this bypass mode means abrasive grit is blasting your engine’s bearings and cylinders.
In this situation, simply replacing the oil won’t do anything, as the filter will still remain clogged. Only a complete oil and filter change can restore your car to peak performance.
What Type of Filter Should You Choose?
You can buy cheap filters from big-box stores. However, these filters are usually lacking in the internal components that actually protect the engine. They often use thin cellulose paper that can easily collapse or tear.
Premium filters, on the other hand, use synthetic micro-glass fibers. These fibers are ten times finer, and can hold twice as much dirt and debris.
When evaluating filters, it’s important to look at their micron rating. Microns are a unit of measurement for very small or microscopic particles.
In vehicles, microns serve as the measuring stick for protecting the engine’s moving parts. The clearance for these parts is incredibly tight, usually only five to ten microns. The more particles and debris your filter can catch, the more microns of room it’s creating for the engine to move around safely.
A standard filter can catch particles at 40 microns wide. A premium filter can catch particles as small as 20 microns, which often cause the most engine wear.
You can also choose the type of anti-drainback valve you use. Cheap ones tend to be made from rubber that can get brittle over time. Premium valves use silicone, which maintains its flexibility and prevents dry starts.
Visit Planet Oil Change Today for Your Expert Car Wash
At Planet Oil Change & Car Wash, we’re the best source for oil and filter changes across the nation. With over 140 years of combined experience, our certified technicians bring their expertise to every oil change.
We use the highest-quality oils and filters, ensuring your car receives quality care. Our dedication to excellence is a priority, and we work hard to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
Each one of our oil changes includes an inspection, so you can keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Is your car in need of an oil and filter change? Contact us today or find a location near you.
