With so many parts inside your engine, it's unrealistic to expect an everyday motorist to know them all. However, of the top engine parts which each driver does know, you can bet that the oil filter will be one of them. However, knowing the name is as far as the knowledge goes into what an oil filter actually does.

A General Guide to the Function of Your Oil Filter

Knowing all about engine oil and how your engine works, Jim Ackney has a post to share which will provide a basic understanding of the purpose of your oil filter, how and why it works, and what happens if you ignore replacing it.

Start at the Beginning

If you were to think about your engine on the most basic of levels, it would comprise of small and large metal parts moving up against each other at high speed, and at high temperatures. To prevent these parts from scraping away at each other as you drive, your engine oil flows through and lubricates the process. The result is an engine which runs smoothly and efficiently. Of course, until your engine oil wears out and you forget to replace it.

Why Does Clean Oil from the Bottle Need to Be Later Filtered?

A question asked by many motorists. And a fair question, considering that oil the that you put in is clean. The reason for filtration comes once the engine has begun to work and is flowing through your engine. While motor oil does a great job of helping your engine flow, over time, it starts to break down and lose its effectiveness. This time is often marked by a red light on your dash. If you ignore the light for too long and your engine lubricant wears down, it can't do its job anymore. When this happens, the damage mentioned earlier begins; leaving you with an engine that is being damaged and potentially high mechanic costs.

But How Does It Work?

To get a very, very basic idea of what an oil filter does, think about an empty can of soda with a hole at each end. Stuffed inside the can is a thick fibrous material. As you drive, the flow of oil makes its way to your oil filter where, at high pressure, it is pushed through one end of the can. Because of the constant pressure, the oil is forced through the material, where impurities in your oil are filtered out. Once it passes through the material, the filtered oil gets pushed out of the other and is then used again throughout your engine. If your oil filter is ready to be replaced, give Jim Ackney a call at 1 (888) 476-0545 and get the right product for the job. With a range of high-quality AMSOIL engine lubricants available, Jim Ackney has something for a range of motors in your garage.

Why Do I Need to Replace It?

If you keep thinking about the can description above, once the material becomes too full of debris and impurities, it can't keep working. However, instead of depriving your engine of motor oil and causing serious damage, it simply shuts off and lets dirty oil flow back into your engine. As you can imagine, after a while, this can lower the performance and fuel economy of your car. Even worse, if it happens too much, it can start to impact just how long your engine will live for.

Can I Replace It at Home?

Of all the engine parts which an everyday driver can change, the oil filter is definitely one of them! It just takes a small amount of time and a little bit of elbow grease. And of course, a whole lot of oil, so don't be afraid to get a little dirty. How you will go about it will differ slightly, depending on the make and model of your car. The best place to start is with your owner's manual or welcome pack for instructions or diagrams. Alternatively, speak with your dealer about any information they can provide.

A Synthetic Oil Change Starts with a High-Quality Motor Oil

If you are going to do it yourself, you will need the right oil for the task. Give Jim Ackney a call at (780) 476-0545 and ask which purpose designed AMSOIL engine lubricant is best suited to your engine. If you have other engines in your garage, such as a jet ski, a boat, or even your lawnmower, Jim Ackney can help with a product for that too. If you prefer, the online store has more information about each product.