Oil filter maintenance and replacement

Oct 26, 2022 | Engine oil, Maintenance and polishing | 0 comments

An oil filter is an essential part of the internal combustion engine. On this page, more info on replacing the oil filter and fuel filter.

Oil filter

Every engine needs oil to lubricate things, whether it is a diesel or petrol engine does not matter. Some of the engine oil will burn because of the great heat in the combustion engine which requires the oil filter to work. The filter separates the burnt engine oil from the other lubricants and also removes dirt, soot and other particles. If that dirt gets into the engine, the unfiltered oil can damage the engine. Therefore, the oil filter plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity of the vehicle's engine. Simply put, the oil filter is responsible for keeping the internal combustion engine clean.

Generally, the oil filter is changed between 10 and 25,000 km. But this depends a lot on how often you change the oil and how many miles you drive. You should also remember to change the oil filter together with the oil. To change it, you need a special spanner, consult your car's owner's manual. Long-term use reduces the filter's performance. So regular maintenance is essential for the preservation of your car.

Cause of faulty oil filter

The oil filter fails when its components become dirty or damaged over time. The causes of oil filter failure may be as follows:

• If the grease or spare parts used are of poor quality.
• If the spare parts used are not suitable.
• Improper use of the car engine, such as speeding while the engine is not yet warm.
• The oil filter also breaks down if the spring of the part is too tight.

Signs of faulty oil filters

Look for the following signs to recognise a faulty oil filter:

• If you notice grease dripping under the engine while parked.
• If the oil pressure light on the dashboard is on.
• If the oil filter housing becomes swollen.

Changing the oil filter

If you encounter any of the above signs, it is time to replace the oil filter. It is not possible to repair the oil filter. Remember that the filter should be replaced together with the engine oil. Preferably have this done by a specialist in the garage. If the replacement is not done at the right time, it can harm the engine.

Fuel filter

There are one or two fuel filters in every vehicle, which should filter the fuel before it enters the injection system. Regular loading and contamination can reduce the fuel filter's performance over time, making it less efficient. Therefore, the fuel filter should be changed frequently to ensure that the fuel is free from contamination.

There are essentially two types of fuel filters - the first is a strainer whose job is to refine the oil going from the fuel pump to the tank. And the second filters the oil back from the fuel tank to the engine.

Fuel filter fault signals

You should pay attention to the following fault signals to replace the fuel filter in time:

• Decreasing engine power
• Decreasing engine power under acceleration
• Difficult terrain conditions cause engine stalling
• Regular engine failures
• When the engine lights come on

The fuel filter is responsible for removing dirt from the fuel for efficient operation. Clogging in the filters is often noticed only through improper engine function and reduced power. If you encounter any of the above symptoms, it could mean it is time to replace the fuel filter.

Replace fuel filter

Although most fuel filters have a lifetime guarantee for fuel filter maintenance, a second fuel filter should be replaced regularly as it has a shorter service life than the primary fuel filter.

The primary filter lasts about 150,000 km, while the other fuel filter should be replaced every 60,000 km.

To replace the fuel filter, it is best to visit a mechanic at the nearby garage or follow the following steps:

1. Disconnect the fuel line from the MPFI engine and reduce the inlet pressure of the electronic fuel pump.
2. Make sure the engine is in neutral and the handbrake is on. Now start the engine and reduce the pressure in the fuel line.
3. Now turn off the engine as soon as the pressure decreases. Refer to the user manual and follow the instructions. For safety reasons, remove the pump fuse from the fuse box. If this requires additional tools, it is best to go to specialist garage.
4. Before attaching the fuel filter - check the slot mark on the new filter compared to the old one. And attach it accordingly.
5. Secure the filter by tightening the screws, nuts and bolts. Replace the pump fuse in the fuse box.

And you are done replacing the fuel filter.

Sources:

• Oil filter information from bestparts.co.uk
• Fuel filter information from inauto.co.uk