Question 1

What is the use of an oil filter?

Accepted Answer

The oil filter removes any bits of dirt and other contaminants in your engine oil. These tiny particles of dirt, metal, and anything else, can cause wear on the different parts of the engine they help to lubricate. That's why it's so important to keep your oil clean and healthy and to change it when it's over-saturated.

Question 2

How often should you get an oil and filter change?

Accepted Answer

You should carry out an oil and filter change at every full service. However, it depends on how you drive and your car's use that may merit more frequent changes. Modern synthetic oils should deliver around 10k miles of driving, but depending on the weather, the type of oil, where you drive and your average speed, these can all affect the state of your oil and filter.

Question 3

Can I change oil without changing the oil filter?

Accepted Answer

You can, but it's really not a good idea. Why go to the expense of spending up to £100 on oil and then filtering it through a dirty filter? Especially when that filter only costs a few pounds. You wouldn't wash your clothes in dirty water, so please don't filter new oil through a dirty filter.

Question 4

What if I don't change my oil filter?

Accepted Answer

If you don't change your oil filter all the contaminants that have built up from keeping your last batch of oil in its best possible condition will slowly pass through into your clean oil and your engine's components. If that happens, those moving parts can wear down, and ultimately ruin your engine.

Question 5

How long will an oil filter last?

Accepted Answer

It should last as long as your oil does. There are plenty of manufacture recommendations suggesting mileages from 6,000 to 10,000, but ultimately, given that you should change your filter when you change your oil, that's as long as it needs to last.

Question 6

Can I clean and reuse an oil filter?

Accepted Answer

You can—but it's really not recommended in almost all situations. The only times we'd say it's okay to clean a filter is where they're designed to be re-used. You'll need to clean such a filter with the correct solvent as per the manufacturer's guidelines, and it should be good to go again.Generally, oil filters are pretty cheap (especially compared to the price of oil or a new engine!) so it shouldn't break the bank to use a new one at each oil change.

Question 7

Are cheap oil filters OK?

Accepted Answer

Some might be okay, but it's unlikely they'll ever be great. The difference between a cheap oil filter and a premium product is the material they're made from.A simple, high-quality paper filter can do a pretty good job, but an oil filter made with cellulose fibres will do it better. A filter with a combination of cellulose fibres and non-woven plastic or synthetic fibres can be as much as 99.5% efficient.

Question 8

Is it OK to change oil every 10000 miles?

Accepted Answer

A lot of the time it depends on your car. Older cars (those that pre-date 2006) often still merit an oil change at 3,000 miles, but due to the technical advances of engines and synthetic oils, new cars can go a lot further than once was expected.Opinions on this issue differ from mechanic to mechanic; so sitting between the two rules at around 7.5k miles is becoming a standard.

Question 9

What does it mean: Oil Life 15?

Accepted Answer

When you read a warning on your dash that suggests Oil Life 15, the 15 is the percentage of life left in your car's engine oil. After an oil change, your engine oil's lifetime is 100%, and as you clock the miles up, the lifetime it has left reduces.The percentage of your engine oil's lifetime is worked out by the manufacturer's guideline mileage between oil changes. When you get down to Oil Life 5, it's time for an oil change or a service.

Question 10

How long will 15% Oil Life last?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your car. If the manufacturer's recommended mileage between oil changes is 10k miles, then 15% of that is 1,500 miles. If the recommended mileage is less, then so will be the usage left in your oil. For example, for recommended oil changes at 7k miles, you'll have 1125 miles left.These are only guidelines, however. Your oil lifespan will depend on the quality of the oil, the type of oil, and also the usage of your vehicle.

Question 11

What happens when Oil Life hits 0?

Accepted Answer

When the Oil Life warning gets to 0, it suggests that the oil has come to the end of its useful life and needs changing. You're not in any imminent danger if you keep driving with a 0 Oil Life indicator, but you should seriously consider getting your oil changed as soon as you can.

Question 12

Does oil filter affect performance?

Accepted Answer

Much like dirty oil, a clogged oil filter can affect your car's performance. Problems you may notice can include poor acceleration, a loss in horsepower, and reduced fuel economy. When your oil becomes dirty and sludge-like, the parts of your engine that need lubrication won't get what they need for premium performance. The sludge will also insulate parts of your engine that the oil usually dissipates heat from.

Question 13

What engine oil is better, synthetic or conventional?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic oil is more stable, higher-performing, and longer-lasting than conventional oils. They use higher quality base oils and are specially formulated to provide advanced protection and performance benefits.They offer better resistance against wear, keep your engine cleaner, flow smoother in low temperatures, and protect your engine better at high temperatures.

Question 14

Is it OK to switch from conventional to synthetic oil?

Accepted Answer

Sure, but once you make the switch to synthetic, you shouldn't really go back. It's a superior oil and far better for your engine. If you do need to switch back, for whatever reason, it won't cause any harm to your engine. Just remember, conventional engine oil won't offer the same level as protection and operation as your synthetic oil did.

Question 15

Are premium oil filters worth it?

Accepted Answer

We think so. We think that every step you take to provide better care and protection for your car is a step in the right direction. A premium oil filter will strip more of the impurities from your engine oil and for longer. Reducing the contaminants that add wear to your engine will lengthen the life of your engine, and that's a good thing.

Question 16

Do you need a special oil filter for synthetic oil?

Accepted Answer

No. Synthetic oils don't need any special treatment when it comes to their filters. That said, the better quality oil filter you choose to use, the better protection you're providing for your oil and in turn, your engine. Your oil plays a huge part in your engine's lifespan, so anything you can do to protect it is money well spent.

Question 17

What is the difference between oil filter and fuel filter?

Accepted Answer

They both filter out impurities, but one filters your engine oil, and the other filters your fuel.Your fuel filter protects your engine from impurities and clogging by clearing it of pollutants before it reaches the engine. The fuel filter continually screens and cleans your engine oil of contaminants, as it's pumped around your engine.

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