Introduction
The oil filter is one of the most important parts for protecting your engine. It cleans the engine oil by removing dirt, metal particles, and sludge before the oil goes back into the engine. A clean filter means a healthy engine, better performance, and longer engine life.
What Does an Oil Filter Do?
Your engine oil circulates through the engine thousands of times during every drive. As it moves, it picks up contaminants such as:
- Dust
- Metal shavings
- Carbon deposits
- Sludge
The oil filter traps these particles and prevents them from damaging critical engine parts like bearings and pistons.
Types of Oil Filters
- Spin-On Oil Filter – the most common, easy to remove.
- Cartridge Filter – found in modern engines, eco-friendly design.
- High-Performance Filter – used for racing or heavy-duty engines.
Symptoms of a Bad Oil Filter
- Low oil pressure
- Dirty or dark oil
- Engine knocking
- Oil warning light
- Decreased engine power
When Should You Replace It?
Typical replacement is every 5,000–10,000 km, depending on:
- Engine oil type
- Driving habits
- Manufacturer recommendation
Why It Matters
A clogged oil filter can cause engine wear, overheating, or even complete engine failure. Changing it on time is one of the cheapest ways to protect your car.