How to choose an oil filter

The oil system of a car is one of the most important for the correct operation of the engine. Effective lubrication of rubbing surfaces and heat removal from the cylinder walls are its main tasks. In the course of its operation, the oil becomes contaminated with fuel combustion products and oxidizes, it is susceptible to condensation and the ingress of dust and small debris. All these impurities must be separated at the stage of supplying oil to the cylinders, for which an oil filter is used. This is a special element that separates dust, debris and impurities and passes the purified oil further through the system. In order to significantly extend the life of the engine, special attention must be paid to the choice of the oil filter and its timely replacement.

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We recommend reading an article from an expert on choosing an air filter and the secrets of choosing a cabin filter.

Top oil filter manufacturers

The production of filtering equipment today is carried out by many companies, but the choice should be given in favor of exclusively proven products supplied to the conveyor of many world manufacturers:

1. Purflux;

2. Knecht;

3. Mahle;

4. Filtron;

5. Mann;

You should not overlook the opportunity to study user reviews regarding a particular product. You can find them on the Internet, on the pages of forums and communities in social networks.

The principle of operation and types of oil filters

The design of the oil filter is quite simple and functional. It is an element made of soft and dense cellulose, which is highly hygroscopic in relation to oil. The grooved structure is designed to trap dirt and keep it out of the engine block. As the vehicle is operated, a significant amount accumulates, and therefore, after 7-10 thousand kilometers of run, the filter requires replacement.

Filter insert

A cylindrical soft element without an outer shell. It is installed in a special seat – an oil cup – and is rigidly fixed by the top cover. It is made from cellulose in pure form or in combination with synthetic fibers.

Advantages

• Inexpensive;

• Variety of models and sizes;

• Oil is well filtered;

disadvantages

• Require partial disassembly of the car's engine compartment;

• Assumes frequent replacement;

External oil filter

It is installed on the outside of the engine and is a metal container with a filter element. Replacement is carried out without much difficulty and the need to dismantle the valve cover or other elements. Designed for installation in structurally compatible vehicles.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;

• No special tools or engine disassembly required;

• Easy to install;

• Protection against mechanical stress;

disadvantages

• More expensive than filter inserts;

• The resource does not exceed 10-15 thousand kilometers;

The main criteria for choosing an oil filter

First of all, you must remember that you should not save on the quality of filter elements. It is on them that the functionality and performance of the car depends, and therefore preference should be given to either original spare parts with the stamp of the manufacturer, or the products of the supplying companies to the conveyor, the list of which is listed above. In addition, you need to pay attention to the following features:

How the filter works

1. Full-flow filters provide for the passage of the entire volume of oil before feeding to the rubbing parts. Cleaning in this case is close to maximum, but there is also a significant drawback. If the replacement intervals and operation in severe conditions are violated, the engine may experience oil starvation, which is fraught with its failure;

2. The partial flow filter takes up a certain part of the oil cup volume and does not filter the entire volume of the incoming oil. The degree of its purification in this case is lower, however, oil starvation and the problems associated with it are excluded as a class.

Cellulose filter element quality

This parameter can be controlled only in insert models. The paper should not be too thick to prevent oil starvation, however, soft models are not a panacea – such filters quickly deteriorate and require replacement.

Check valve working principle

The check valve is installed either in the filter itself, if we are talking about closed non-separable models, or in an oil cup. It is intended to keep the volume of oil in the filter when the engine is turned off, which greatly facilitates the cold start of the car. The valve diaphragm must have a small stroke range and a quality workmanship.

Limiting degree of filtration

A parameter that reflects the amount of impurities that the filter is able to retain while performing its duties. It is measured as a percentage and the higher this parameter, the better for the engine. Preference should be given to those models whose filtration is at around 90-95%

Minimum fraction frequency

Refers to the physical size of the particles that the filter can stop. An extremely important parameter for the operation of a car, since particles of any size carry with them an abrasive effect on the cylinder walls, which is fraught with the formation of scoring and engine failure as a result. It is better to choose the filter, the minimum size of the filtered fraction is at around 1-2 microns.

Replacement interval

Depending on the specific model and manufacturing technology, this parameter can vary and range from 5-7 to 20-30 thousand kilometers. It is not worth bringing the mileage to the upper limit, since after 15 thousand kilometers the filter ceases to fulfill the duties assigned to it. The optimal mileage on one filter is 7-10 thousand kilometers.

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In the next article, we'll show you how to choose the best engine oil. You will learn about the best manufacturers, important nuances of choice, as well as get advice on how to use the oil.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.