They’re able to suspend ferromagnetic particles, capturing them as oil flows through these filters. Magnetic oil filters actually use magnets to pull particles out of your engine oil. Design can vary, but most cartridge or spin-on filters are made with synthetic materials. Spin-on oil filters make it easy to change your filter, as they’re more convenient to take out and replace. Cartridge oil filters evolved into spin-on oil filters over time, with self-contained housing as well as replaceable components. They have a cartridge, or a permanent housing, and replaceable filter media. Cartridge and Spin-On Oil FilterĬartridge oil filters were some of the earliest filters used for engine oil. Mechanical oil filters do need to be replaced regularly, and you can either replace the whole filter or the filter media alone. As the filter media pulls dirt out of the oil, the oil flow can become hindered. These include the following: Mechanical Oil FilterĪ mechanical oil filter uses filter media that’s made out of bulk materials, like cotton waste or pleated filter paper, to separate contaminants from engine oil. Oil will pass through the secondary filter to get a finer filter and catch any contaminants that snuck through the primary filter.įrom there, oil filters are broken down into more specific types. If you drive a car that runs on diesel, this type of oil filter will act as a backup filter to the primary. A secondary filter is typically only found in diesel vehicles. These filters are designed to filter engine oil in large volumes. A primary oil filter is the most common variety, and it’s what you’ll find in most vehicles today. Oil filters are typically divided into two categories: primary or secondary. There are a number of different types of filters too - and it’s important to know some of the most common types to ensure you’re picking the right one for your needs and your vehicle.
When you shop for a new oil filter, you’ll have a wealth of options available to choose from. Each oil filter should indicate just how small of particles it’s able to capture to give you an idea of the filtering capability. Oil filters can capture particles between 5 to 30 microns in size. There are usually two types of filter media, so the oil is filtered once as it passes through the primary medium and another time as it passes through the secondary medium. Typically, oil filters are made up of a few parts: a tapping plate, an anti-drain back valve, filter medium, pleats, a steel tube, a relief valve, an end disc, and a retainer. So, your oil filter helps ensure everything is running smoothly and cleanly. And those impurities present in the oil can wreak havoc on larger parts and pieces, including the engine.
Without an oil filter, your vehicle’s oil would be “dirty,” or at the very least it’d be filled with those particles and contaminants. With these impurities removed, oil can move onto the engine without causing damage or wear and tear. It’s a relatively compact component that filters oil, separating small particles of dirt or other contaminants out so that oil flows cleanly. What is an Oil Filter?Īn oil filter is a part that helps maintain your car and its many moving pieces. You can narrow down your options and find the top oil filter for your car with our handy buying guide. While oil filters are simple, each one is different in its fit, effectiveness, and its lifespan. Ready to replace your car’s oil filter? You have a lot of options - and that can make the task of choosing which one is the best of the bunch challenging. Because of the silicone material, the valve can both withstand extreme cold and hot oil temperatures. The silicone anti-drain back valve, on the other hand, removes the drain back of oil when the engine is shut down, preventing dry starts. When installing or removing this oil filter, torque is greatly reduced with the use of the gasket that’s constructed with nitrile rubber and lubricant compound. While the filtering media provides great filtration, it keeps the flow restrictions at low. Metal end caps are present to provide the unit an incredible seal. This oil filter features its shell that’s constructed with a thick material to provide additional strength and protection against the harmful effects of road debris and other substances. The system utilizes a 100% synthetic micro-glass component to allow optimum suspension of dirt particles that are as small as 25 microns, having a 99% efficient filtration. As has been mentioned in the unit’s name, not only does it extend the life of the oil filter itself, it also gives protection to your engine to avoid fast wear out. Royal Purple claims to manufactures only the high performance oil filter, the Extended Life Oil Filter, specifically designed and produced to filter your oil for contaminants.