Understanding Your Oil Filter

Understanding your oil filter. Find out why it is important to change your motor oil and your oil filter. Learn about the different types of oil filters there are available.

*(NAPSI)—Practicing good vehicle maintenance to extend the life of your vehicle is important, especially in today’s economy. One of the critical components of car care is engine maintenance, including regularly scheduled oil changes based on your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations.

It helps to know whether the quality of your oil filter matches the quality of the oil you’re using. Here are a few facts to help you make the right oil filter choice for your vehicle:

What’s in an Oil Filter???

There are several main components in an oil filter.

The shell is the solid material that surrounds the actual filter. It keeps your filter safe during the wear and tear on your vehicle and protects it from punctures.

The media is the component that filters the oil. It’s a maze of cellulose, synthetics and micro-fibers that removes harmful debris from your engine oil.

The core of the filter is inside the filter media and constructed from a variety of materials. It helps keep the shape and prevents it from collapsing under extreme pressure.

The base plate is the threaded part of the filter. It also directs the oil flow.

The gasket is the flexible rubber ring that seals the filter to the engine’s oil filter base.

Types of Filters :-

The quality of the filter depends on the material used to make each part.

In basic filters, the media is of natural wood fibers. These filters do the job but need to be changed frequently.

Middle-grade filters use a blend of fibers that are primarily cellulose with a minimal amount of synthetic fibers. These enhance the media strength and efficiency performance.

Premium filters, such as those from Royal Purple, use microglass filter technology. These advanced filters are designed to extend the life of both vehicle and equipment. In addition to superior filtration media, the other internal and structural components are of higher-quality materials, making for easier installation and removal as they are much less likely to crush in the process. Just as the company’s motor oil lasts a long time, Royal Purple oil filters can extend change intervals up to 12,000 miles.

Tune–up Tips For Today's Driver

*Tune–up tips for today's driver to help keep your car in great running condition. Learn how to do a tune-up on your car and why it's important. Spark plugs, oil and oil filter and the cooling system flush and fill are all important for your vehicle.

*(NC)—Back when your parents were teenagers, getting a Canadian drivers license was a true rite of passage. It meant independence and responsibility.

*It also meant that if you were fortunate enough to have a car, you knew how to take care of it. However, today more than 40 percent of consumers don't know how to tune–up their cars. How to solve this quandary?

Here are three must–dos to keep in mind next time your ride is in need of service.


1. Replace The Spark Plugs :-

– According to Autolite, a leading spark plug brand, one of the most economical ways to maintain an efficient engine and avoid wasting fuel is to change spark plugs at regular intervals, according to your owner's manual. As spark plug electrodes wear, the voltage required to jump the gap increases. Regular replacement of your car's worn spark plugs will help your engine to run properly. Spark plugs should be checked at least once a year, however it's best to check the owner's manual for maintenance intervals.

2. Replace The Oil And Oil Filter :-

– The job of oil is to lubricate the engine, help it run smoothly, and prevent friction between the parts. The oil filter helps remove engine–damaging dirt and grit from the oil during every pass through the filter. Regular oil and oil filter changes help keep the inside of the engine both lubricated and clean, so it can run as efficiently as possible. Check your oil level regularly and change your oil and filter at least as often as the recommended maintenance intervals in your owner's manual. Pay close attention to the description of driving conditions for normal or severe service intervals.

3. Do A Flush/Fill :-

– A flush/fill means that you flush the cooling system to clean it and remove sediments that have built up over time, and fill it with new antifreeze/coolant to keep the engine cool and prevent overheats and freeze–ups. Coolant should be checked at least twice a year, however it's best to check the owner's manual for maintenance intervals