When it comes to the maintenance of your car, an oil filter is arguably one of the most important components. Designed and constructed to filter the oil contaminants like small metal pieces from entering the engine, an oil filter ensures the smooth running of the engine. Metaphorically speaking, it is the kidney of your vehicle.
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Packed in a metal sheet, an oil filter functions in such a way that the oil passes through two media, the primary and secondary. Primary media clears out particles up to 25-30 microns and the secondary media traps particles as small as 5-10 microns. The longer the size of the filter, the better it is since more contaminants can be cleared. That being said, the filters are application-specific. The filtration media or the bypass valve rating could be different which could adversely affect the oil flow to the engine.
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1. Mechanical Oil Filter
Mechanical Oil filter consists of pleated filter paper, this filtration media allows the oil to pass through it and the dirt and debris are screened on the external surface. However, as the impurities start building up, the oil flow is restricted. Due to this, you will have to replace the filter oftentimes. On the brighter side, these filters are inexpensive and easy to install thereby creating less hassle for you.
2. Magnetic Oil Filter
Magnetic filters are used to eliminate metallic contaminants. Magnetic oil filters use magnets or electro-magnets as their filtering agents. The magnets suspend the flow of debris into the engine. As the oil flows through it, the contaminants are deposited on the magnetic surface, allowing just the oil to flow. But this filter does demand cleaning since the pollutants can clog the surface over time and eventually block the oil flow. Cleaning just the magnetic surface would suffice the maintenance requirement of it.
3. Sedimentation Oil Filter
Fondly known as the “gravity bed oil filter”, it does not have any specific filtration media. It relies on gravity to do its job on the pollutants present in the oil. As the oil enters the filter, the heavy debris goes down while the clean oil rises up. However, this is not the most efficient way to filter the engine oil since it enters at a certain velocity and pressure, not giving enough time for the debris to sediment. Consequently, there is a good chance that the pollutants escape the clutches of gravity and enter the engine.
4. Centrifugal Oil Filter
An interesting yet simple physics is implemented here. You would have found yourself being pushed out in a merry-go-round. This is because of centrifugal force, a force that pushes the body outwards when in a circular motion. With the same principle, the filter is constructed in such a way that the inside drum rotates, and the oil exits through the bottom of the drum. The debris, due to its weight is stuck to the walls of the drum and hence cannot go any further with the oil. Like the other filters, even this one requires cleaning of the drum, causing it to stop rotating otherwise.
1. Cellulose
Cellulose is used on economy filters. It is typically used in making disposable filter types, they can hold pollutants upto the size of 8-10 microns which is just about enough to purify 40% of the oil. Since the debris easily clogs the surface obstructing the oil flow, it is recommended to replace the filter every - miles.
2. Synthetic
There is synthetic fiber media for the high-end filters that has smaller passages to trap smaller particles but can also pass more fluid through because it has more passages, thus increasing the inherent surface area. Synthetic filters are usually made of nylon, glass, or polyester. Synthetic filters perform better than cellulose ones in filtering out the contaminants from the oil. They last longer as well, typically - miles before replacement.
3. Micro-Glass
Most high-end oil filters include an extremely fine metal media or micro glass. Close to 10 times finer than the cellulose fiber, this ultra-thin fiber is something you can count on for filtering even the finest of particles. They also boast a long life of 10,000 miles before demanding a replacement.
1. Filtration Media
The type of media used in an oil filter determines its effectiveness in blocking the contaminants. By far, the most efficient and long-lasting ones are Microglass, but they are expensive. Though cellulose media filters are affordable, they aren’t very efficient. The one that shares a good balance between cost and performance is synthetic media.
2. Price
Often the price can be a good indicator of the filter quality in terms of longevity and performance. While microglass filters are expensive initially, they last a long time which reduces the need for regular replacements and saves you in the long run. They can also provide added performance benefits. Cellulose oil filters are more affordable but with regular replacements and poorer performance the scale evens out. A good compromise between the two is synthetic filters which offer better performance at fair prices.
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3. Oil Filter Capacity
The amount of debris that an oil filter can hold, before it allows the unfiltered oil into the engine refers to the oil filter capacity. So make sure to choose an oil filter that has the capacity to hold the debris till its service life.
4. Longer Shelf Life
Synthetic filters have a longer life span when compared to cellulose but not much longer than microglass. Microglass filters can last up to 19,000 km which means that they will need a replacement every 2 to 5 years. Though these filters are expensive, they are valued for money.
5. Weather conditions
You must always consider the weather conditions when you are buying an oil filter, especially the cold weather. During cold temperatures, the oil usually thickens. Therefore Microglass filters are an ideal choice as they are non-restrictive meaning they won’t affect the flow of thicker oil through the engine.
6. Low Micron Rating
This rating shows the lowest particle size that the filter can stop and anything below manages to escape the filter. On that note, a lower micron rating translates to more efficient filtration of the oil. A micron rating below 10 suggests that the filter can clear out most of the contaminants.
7. Compatibility
This can be seen in two ways, oil compatibility and vehicle compatibility. The ”one size fits all” logic is not applicable in this case. A filter that fits in the threads of your vehicle doesn’t always mean it is suitable for the oil running in it. Therefore, a compatibility check is a must before buying.
8. Anti-drainback Valve
This is an essential filter feature which is ignored most of the time. It prevents the oil from exiting the filter when the engine is turned off. Assuming a scenario without it, the unfiltered oil could enter the engine and cause damage to it which is definitely not something that you would want. It also serves another purpose, preventing a “dry start”.
To determine the size of the oil filter you need, you will need to consult your vehicle’s owner manual or use an online tool. The size of the oil filter depends on the make and model of your vehicle.
If you have a Ford F-150, for example, the oil filter size is FL-820S. If you have a Toyota Camry, the oil filter size is -YZZD1.
It’s important to choose the right oil filter size for your vehicle to ensure that it fits properly and functions correctly. Using the wrong size oil filter can lead to oil leaks and engine damage.
Oil filters are a crucial component in any vehicle's engine system. They are designed to remove contaminants and impurities from the engine oil, ensuring that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. In this buying guide, we will discuss the importance of oil filters, the different types available, and their respective advantages.
The importance of oil filters cannot be stressed enough. They play a critical role in protecting the engine from wear and tear by trapping contaminants such as dirt, metal particles, and sludge. These impurities can cause damage to engine components, reduce engine performance, and decrease fuel efficiency. By regularly changing the oil filter, you can prolong the life of your engine and avoid costly repairs.
Vacuum Oil Filter
There are several types of oil filters available on the market, each with its unique features and benefits. The most common types include vacuum oil filters and centrifugal oil filters.
Vacuum oil filters work by drawing the oil through a filter element using a vacuum pump. This process effectively removes impurities from the oil, ensuring that only clean oil circulates through the engine. Vacuum oil filters are known for their high filtration efficiency and are recommended for vehicles that require superior cleanliness standards.
Centrifugal oil filters, on the other hand, operate by spinning the oil at high speeds, causing the contaminants to separate from the oil. The centrifugal force pushes the impurities to the outer edge of the filter, where they can be easily removed. Centrifugal oil filters are efficient at removing large particles and water from the oil, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Both vacuum and centrifugal oil filters have their advantages, depending on the specific requirements of the vehicle. Vacuum oil filters are excellent at capturing small particles and ensuring superior oil cleanliness, while centrifugal oil filters are effective at removing larger particles and water from the oil.
When choosing an oil filter, it is essential to consider factors such as the filtration efficiency, flow rate, compatibility with the engine, and maintenance requirements. It is recommended to use high-quality oil filters from reputable manufacturers to ensure optimal performance and engine protection.
In conclusion, oil filters are a critical component in maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle's engine. By choosing the right type of oil filter and regularly changing it as per the manufacturer's recommendations, you can protect your engine from damage and ensure smooth operation. Whether you opt for a vacuum oil filter or a centrifugal oil filter, investing in a high-quality filter will pay off in the long run by extending the life of your engine and saving you money on costly repairs.
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