An oil filter is a critical component inside your vehicle. While drivers have a general sense of how often they need to change the oil, they may be hazy about how often they should swap out the oil filter. Getting a new filter is not as simple as getting a car headlight bulb replacement, and you will generally need to go to your mechanic to get this work done. When you go to an auto shop to get a car paint scratch remover, make sure you also ask about your oil filter.
Replace It With Every Oil Change
Most motor oil companies recommend getting an oil change once every 3,000 miles. Unless you drive an ancient vehicle with an outdated engine system, you can take your car further than 3,000 miles with the same oil. All vehicles are different. You can find information about your specific one online or in. your owner’s manual. Some cars can go as far as 7,500 miles before needing another oil change.
The reason you want to do this is that the filter will quickly degrade by collecting contaminants. It catches substances that are a few microns in size and prevents them from circulating in your car. The filter becomes entirely saturated at a certain point, and it cannot get any more contaminants. You do not want to leave this up to chance, so most people will need to get new filters a few times yearly.
Replace It More Often If You Drive in More Extreme Conditions
You may need oil changes more often if you drive in difficult situations. If you constantly go in extremely hot or cold temperatures, you will need new oil more often. You should also get filters replaced regularly if you have to tow heavy loads or find yourself in constant stop-and-go traffic. These conditions put a greater strain on your car’s engine so that it will require maintenance more often.
Replace It If the Service Engine Light Comes On
You will need to do more than purchase the best windshield wipers you can find when the Service Engine light turns on. Numerous things can trigger this light. Before you do anything drastic, you should rule out some of the simpler causes of this light turning on. You can head over to your local auto parts store to get an engine reading to see what the issue is.
It could turn on due to the oil filter no longer being able to do its job. The engine is not working as well as it should, and the filter could be behind it. Additionally, another issue in the engine system could cause more debris and grime to enter circulation, which clogs up the filter sooner than expected.
You can talk to your mechanic if you have any questions about your oil filter or when you should replace it. In general, it is a good idea to replace it every time you need an oil change. You can find the best motor oil for your vehicle and a wide array of filters at your local auto parts shop, so contact the store today.
