Understanding the Different Types of Oil Filters

The motor oil that you put into your engine, along with its additives, works to absorb and hold organic and inorganic contaminants. Organic contaminants can include bacteria, bugs, and oxidized oil. Inorganic impurities can include metallic particles, wearing off the components of the engine, and dust. Thus, motor oil helps to helps to protect the engine, and improve its efficiency and performance.

However, to prolong the life of your engine and provide better performance, car manufacturers also install oil filters that clean the oil before directing it to vital moving parts of the engine.

Types of filter media
Oil filters have different media, or membranes, inside them that filter out and clear the contaminants of the motor oil as it circulates.

Cellulose filter media: Typically, disposable oil filters have cellulose filter media. This media can hold back particles 8 to 10 microns in size and can clean up to 40% of the motor oil. It is advisable to have your mechanic check/replace them at every 3,000 miles.

Synthetic filter media: Higher quality oil filters use synthetic media. This media is effective in removing 50% of the particles in sizes ranging from 20 to 40 microns, and 24% of particles in the 8 to 10 micron range. These oil filters should be checked/replaced every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

Microglass filter media: Most high-end oil filters include an extremely fine metal media or microglass. This microglass mesh is made with fibers that are 10 times finer than cellulose fibers. They also present far less of a restriction to the flow of motor oil and only need to be checked/replaced ever 2 to 5 years or 10,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Types of oil filters
There is a wide range of oil filters in the market and the type of engine in your car; its size and manufacturing company dictate the kind of oil filter it uses.

Primary oil filters: Most car engine manufacturers install primary oil filters. These oil filters, also known as full flow filters, filter 100% of the motor oil. Since it is essential for these oil filters to work efficiently in order to keep the engine lubricated, they have lower flow restrictions. In colder temperatures, motor oil thickens, and a restrictive oil filter can result in damage to the engine. Thus, primary oil filters allow smaller particles of contaminants to pass through them. Manufacturers also install a fail-safe bypass valve in case the membrane of the filter becomes too clogged. If the filter becomes clogged and does not allow motor oil to reach the engine, a specific pressure system will redirect the motor oil around the membrane to the engine so it continues to lubricate it.

Secondary oil filters: In addition to the primary oil filters, some manufacturers also install secondary oil filters. These oil filters work on a small portion or about 1% to 10% of the motor oil and clean it before routing it back to the engine. They work independently of the primary oil filters and help by removing additional contaminants. As a result, you need to replace the motor oil less frequently. Even if your vehicle does not have a secondary oil filter, you can choose to install one after purchase. These oil filters are also called bypass filters. However, it is important to remember that they are completely distinct from the bypass valve.

Conventional oil filters: These oil filters are a form of secondary filters and use basic cellulose membranes. Since they filter out smaller contaminants, they need replacing more frequently.

Thermal chamber oil filters: These oil filters work in two ways. They filter the motor oil to remove impurities and in addition, raise its temperature so that certain contaminants in the motor oil burn off or get destroyed. In a way, these oil filters work to refine the oil, but to do so, they need to consume electricity. This is why they can reduce the fuel efficiency of your car.

Spinner filters: Also called centrifugal oil filters, these filters use a spinning motion to trap and hold motor oil contaminants. Typically, these oil filters have two sections, a housing chamber and membrane. When the media gets clogged, you only need to replace it while the housing chamber remains usable. The base gasket is an important component of a spinner filter. It works to prevent motor oil from leaking, but is not very durable. If your car uses a spinner filter, have your mechanic check the base gasket, at least once every three months or 3,000 miles.

Magnetic oil filters: These oil filters work to remove the metallic impurities from the motor oil and are ineffective on dust. You do not need to replace this oil filter; simply cleaning it periodically should keep it functional.

Keep in mind
It is always advisable to use the oil filter that your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) recommends. Also, follow the instructions carefully on the frequency of oil filter maintenance or replacement. These instructions are typically based on the conditions in which you regularly drive and the mileage.

If you drive in dusty conditions very often, you might want to have your oil filter checked more frequently.

Symptoms and Effects of Wrong Engine Oil in Car

The motor oil in automobiles has to function under various temperature and pressures. For example, vehicles must endure the cold weather of the winter and the hot weather of the summer. Oil has a harder time flowing in the cold and an easier time flowing in the summer. And if you’re hauling a heavy load on top of that, it is even more work for the oil. This resistance to flow calculation is known as viscosity.

There are standards for measuring the characteristics of oil which have been determined by the American Petroleum Institute. SN is their latest standard set forth for all gasoline engines. Because of this, all the oil you buy in the present will have to be equal or better than the previous standards such as SG, SF, SJ, SL, and SM. Check your owner’s manual to find the right oil for your car and at least 2 accurate multi-grade specifications that coincide with the engine of your vehicle. Do not just look for a brand name when choosing oil. Your manual should recommend an oil that has a requirement such as “compliant with standard SN of API.”

The numerical codes of these standards are defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers. For example, winter is represented by the letter “W” and it is only suitable when the viscosity is equal or less than 25. This means it is best used in the wintertime or cold temperatures. If the viscosity of the oil is over 25, then it is too thick and should only be used in warmer temperatures.

Wrong Engine Oil Effects
If the cold viscosity of your oil is too much, then you won’t be able to start your car in colder temperatures. If the hot viscosity of your oil is too much and then you start your car, the oil will lose its strength and it won’t lubricate the components of the engine properly. This will result in the oil being burnt.

It does not matter which motor oil brand you use. The only thing that matters is the viscosity rating such as 10W30 or 5W20. Your owner’s manual will tell you which one to use. If you end up using the wrong oil in your vehicle for too long, the components of the engine won’t be lubricated as much which will result in the engine’s life being shortened. If the owner’s manual recommends you use synthetic oil, then that is what you should use. Do not believe the myth that mixing synthetic oil with regular oil is bad for the engine because it is not. You won’t benefit from doing this, though.

Use the oil that is recommended by the manual. Just make sure it is a multi-grade oil which matches the service standard that is required. If you get your oil changed and end up putting a heavier oil in your vehicle one time, then it won’t become a huge issue. All it will do is lower your fuel mileage. However, the manufacturer could provide a recommendation to go with an oil that has a higher viscosity if the usage of the oil is more demanding.

Can You Switch Between Regular and Synthetic Motor Oil?

If you have ever wondered if you can switch between regular and synthetic motor oil, you need to consider what type of oil works best for your engine.

Although most of today's new cars, trucks and SUV's have synthetic motor oil inside their engines, there are still a few that utilize conventional motor oil as their primary source of lubrication. 

The truth is - this is not a cut and dry, yes or no answer. In fact, depending on your individual application, The swap from conventional to synthetic or vice-versa may cause more harm than it's worth. In order to simplify the equation and to provide you with facts so you can make an informed decision.

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is made from chemical compounds that contain some petroleum elements combined with highly refined crude oil, organic, and inorganic compounds. In addition to synthetic oils, there are also synthetic blends that combine synthetic oils with traditional petroleum-based oils.

Synthetic oils were developed to address a major problem all combustion engines deal with each time they are started: oil and solvents do not mix well together. Engine oil is designed to lubricate moving parts inside the engine, especially inside the combustion chamber. However, most fuels are petroleum based and are solvents, which literally wash away conventional oil which coats components.

Synthetic motor oil provides a protective layer of thin lubrication on metallic components so they maintain lubrication for longer periods of time. As such, most synthetic oils have distinct advantages over regular motor oil, including:

• Better high and low viscosity performance
• Decreased evaporation
• Resistant to oxidation and sludge issues
• Improved lubrication during extreme cold weather
• Improved horsepower and torque
• Increased fuel economy

Synthetic oil typically lasts longer than conventional motor oil, which can reduce overall costs or at least help justify the higher price tag that comes with synthetic oils. For example, a person might change his or her oil every 3,000 miles with regular oil and only every 5,000 miles with synthetic oil.

Switching to Synthetic Oil from Conventional

When synthetic oil was originally developed it was meant to be used only in engines engineered to be specifically compatible with it. Older synthetic oils used esters, which are chemical compounds mixed with alcohol, and were harder on the components, including engine seals and gaskets. The esters would cause wear and create oil leakage, and potentially overheating problems. Today’s synthetic oils use less alcohol compounds, and engine gaskets and seals are made to withstand synthetic oils.

In general, there are three primary benefits to switching from conventional to synthetic oil:

• To reduce oil change intervals
• To remove carbon deposits on moving internal engine components (like cylinder head valves)
• To extend engine life

As you made the switch from conventional to synthetic, it is recommended to do this progressively. Here are a few tips to consider:

• For the first oil and filter change, switch from conventional to conventional/synthetic blend. Continue with synthetic/conventional blend for at least two other oil changes.
• Always replace the oil filter anytime you change engine oil.
• On the third oil change, switch from the conventional/synthetic blend to full synthetic.

The one thing you do not want to change is the recommended oil weight or viscosity. If the above process is followed, it should be safe to switch from regular to synthetic or use a synthetic blend as long as you use the same weight of oil.

Concerns About Switching to Synthetic Oil

Most newer model vehicles will adapt to the change with no problem. However, older models with high mileage may not adjust to the change. Their seals are likely to be thinner and worn and you may find that they start burning oil as it seeps into the combustion chamber. It is important to consult your owner’s manual or ask a trusted technician before making the switch in a vehicle.

No matter what type of oil you use, regular maintenance with oil changes is essential to extending the life of your engine. Follow the guidelines by the manufacturer or ask the technician how often you should have your oil changed based on the make and model and how the vehicle is used.