Oil Filter Form and Function

Cleaning out the engie from inside
Oil is often referred to as the lifeblood of an automobile engine. The thin layer of oil molecules that rides in between engine parts is in reality all that prevents the friction between these moving parts from creating excessive heat and turning the engine into a useless heap of expensive scrap metal. If oil is the engine's lifeblood, then the oil filter is the liver. Like the liver, the oil filter takes in dirty oil and removes the particulates and crud. This engine damaging crud remains trapped in the filter media and the oil filter returns the clean oil back into the engine. This is important for in addition to providing essential engine lubrication oil also scrubs the inside of the engine clean. Changing the oil and filter on a regular basis gives the engine a fresh transfusion for longer life.
Inside the Filter
Choosing a quality oil and oil filter is just as important as regular oil and oil filter changes. All oil filters are not created equal. A poor quality oil filter may temporarily save a dollar or two, but can instantly cause thousands of dollars in engine damage upon burst or failure. At the heart of the engine oiling system is the oil pump. The pump circulates oil through the engine at a required pressure. The materials and construction of an oil filter must be able to withstand this pressure under torturous conditions of heat and cold. If an oil filter housing or oil filter base gasket fails due to rupture, a rapid loss of oil pressure and oil will result and it will be time for a need engine. Engines usually cost more than a few bucks.