Oil Filters

What is an oil filter?

An oil filter has the task of removing tiny particles and impurities from the engine oil. It is important that engine oil is clean and free from debris as oil that contains particles can cause damage to the engine. Changing your oil filter regularly can be one of the most important maintenance jobs you can do for your engine. There are 2 types of oil filter.

These are:

• Spin-on oil filter

• Cartridge (element style) oil filter

How do I choose the correct oil filter?

Always fit the oil filter that is recommended for your vehicle. Some vehicles engines have a choice of either a spin-on or cartridge style filter. Sometimes you need to inspect your engine to see which you need. When choosing the correct filter you may need to check if there are any compatibility notes which may include:

• Engine code

• Transmission type / transmission code

• Vehicle manufacture date (this is not the date the vehicle was registered but the date it was made

• Engine number sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

• VIN (chassis number) sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

What brand of oil filter should I choose?

There are hundreds of makers of oil filter available so choosing the best brand is not easy. The original equipment maker brands such as Bosch are considered among the best quality. Aftermarket brands such as Borg and Beck, Febi, Mann and Blue Print offer an alternative that is both high quality and easy on the budget too. The choice really is down to your budget and brand preference.

How can I tell my oil filter needs replacing?

Oil filters should always be replaced when changing the engine oil. Always follow the guidance from your vehicles manufacturer when it comes to the oil service intervals and oil grade. If you are experiencing these issues listed here it could be that your oil filter needs to be exchanged:

• Engine does not accelerate as it usually would

• Dark/black smokey exhaust fumes

• Low oil pressure

• Engine is overheating

• Metallic friction noises from the engine