If your engine starts to make ticking, knocking, or rumbling sounds, it's time to check the oil filter. These sounds can occur when the oil is not lubricating the engine parts adequately due to a blockage in the filter.
When the oil filter is not working correctly, it can cause a buildup of pressure in the engine, which can create a ticking sound. It is important to ensure that the oil filter is installed correctly and is the correct size for your vehicle to avoid this issue.
Every Oil Change
In general, most newer vehicles are designed to run on 6,000 or 7,500-mile cycles for oil changes (the old 3,000-mile cycle is a myth in terms of newer vehicles). Most mechanics agree that it's just a smart idea to have the filter swapped out every time you take your car in for an oil change.
A severely clogged oil filter can impede oil flow, which might lead to insufficient lubrication and cooling of the engine. This could potentially result in higher engine temperatures. However, engine oil is not the primary cooling medium – that role is played by the coolant in the engine's cooling system.
Fresh Drops or a Puddle of Oil
If you notice a few fresh drops of oil or, worse, a large puddle forming beneath your car, a loose filter could be to blame.
Impaired Engine Lubrication
Without a clean and effective oil filter, the engine oil can become contaminated with particles such as dirt, metal shavings, and sludge. These contaminants can compromise the oil's ability to lubricate engine components properly.
While technically you don't have to get the oil filter changed with every oil replacement, it is still a good idea. The oil filter keeps the oil in your engine clear of larger contaminants and replacing it at the same time that you get an oil change makes sure that everything can run smoothly.
An oil filter obstruction or blockage can also cause oil pressure to suffer. Oil filters include pressure relief valves. If this valve is damaged, oil will easily pass right through, reducing pressure. It may go without saying, but it is important to also change the oil filter with each oil change.
Warning Signs of Incorrect or Clogged Oil Filters
The rubber seal on an incorrect oil filter might not line up and lead to oil pressure problems and leaks. It's important to check your owner's manual or your vehicle manufacturer's website to make sure you are using the right oil filter for your vehicle.
One of the lights on your dash that comes on briefly when you start your car's engine is your low oil pressure warning light. This is not a light to be ignored, as low-pressure engine oil can cause serious harm to your car.
You might look at the center tube of the filter to see if it has collapsed or buckled. Look for evidence of mechanical damage to the center core of the filter. You always want to make sure the filter did the job it was intended to do. If it doesn't look like it has any particles, perhaps it was in a bypass condition.
A drop in oil pressure, often indicated by the oil pressure warning light on your dashboard, can signify a clogged filter. This reduction in pressure can cause the engine to overheat and reduce its performance. Regular checks can prevent such issues and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
**Oil Filter**: The cost typically ranges from $5 to $30 for the filter itself. If you're changing your own oil (which usually costs between $20 to $60 for oil), expect an overall DIY expense of about $25 to $90.
Loose Filters Can Create Leaks
Oil is constantly pushing through the filter at high pressure and elevated temperatures. This means a leak can happen at any time. If the filter is loose, the liquid will escape more quickly, creating even more problems.
There are many symptoms to look for when the oil pump goes bad. Some of the common symptoms are: noise from the valve train, strange noises from the hydraulic lifters, reduced oil pressure, a hotter engine, and a noisy oil pump. Usually, the oil pump does not get servicing until it actually starts to fail.