Oil filter for your car

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Sufficient lubrication for healthy engine

Lubrication of a car is a central component of its construction. Without a reliable supply of lubricating oil the engine would destroy itself after a few metres. In four-stroke engines the oil circulates in a closed circuit. Nevertheless it requires regular change. As a rule the oil filter is also replaced on this occasion.

The way of the oil

The oil is added via the valve cover, lubricating the camshaft, valves and the connected cog wheels. If a car has a timing chain, it is also supplied with oil. The oil runs vertically through the engine and collects in the oil carter, located at the bottom of the engine. From there the oil is pumped towards the engine through a system of ducts. On its course it passes the oil filter. The oil filter serves to filtrate abraded particles and dirt from the oil, largely succeeding in doing so. Very small micro-particles, mainly combustion residue, remain in the oil stream. They are not relevant to lubrication. Nevertheless the clear-brown oil gradually turns black because of this residue.

Maintaining intervals

As a rule, manufacturers prescribe the intervals for oil change. Changing oil in between is generally not necessary. The prescribed intervals should however not be ignored. As a rule no oil is lost in an intact engine, but it gradually loses its effect. The oil becomes thinner and additives evaporate. Extreme use can lead to the oil film rupturing, causing engine damage. A jammed engine piston means a very expensive engine repair. For older cars it generally means a financial total loss.

Standard procedure when purchasing a used car

When purchasing a used car whereby the last oil change cannot be verified, an immediate oil change is urgently recommended. Fortunately this is one of the most simple maintenance procedures you can perform yourself with few tools. You need:

• A ramp or stable car hoist (a jack is INSUFFICIENT and by all means desist from experiments with bricks or wood blocks)
• fresh oil
• a ring spanner set
• a bowl
• an oil filter wrench
• a new oil filter
• drain plug gasket
• a large piece of cardboard
• Just to be on the safe side: a small bag of cat litter

First take the car for a spin to warm it up. This makes the oil thinner enabling easy drainage from the engine. Subsequently the car is hoisted. The cardboard is placed under the car front and the bowl under the oil drain plug. With the ring spanner the drain plug is removed.

Be careful – the oil starts flowing out immediately!

Be careful – too much oil is just as harmful as too little. Always follow the instructions of the manufacturer!

Mind the quality

Both oil and oil filter meet same requirements as all the other car spare parts: only quality can extend the life span of the car. Therefore do not economise on this, even if it is an old car. Consequent use of high-grade oil can make a difference of 100.000 kilometres.