When to Change the Car Oil Filter? Recognize the Signs and Tips for Choosing It
The car oil filter is a component used to filter dirt or dust that sticks to the oil before it is circulated to all components in the engine.
Thus, the function of oil as a lubricant can work well and optimally. Although its function is considered important, many still underestimate this component. So when is the best time to replace this component? For more details, please pay attention to the following review.
When is the Right Time to Replace the Car Oil Filter?
You must be curious about when the right time is to replace the oil filter. If you refer to the periodic service rules from the car manufacturer.
The right time to replace the oil filter should be done every six months or when the car reaches 5,000 kilometers. You are indeed advised to replace the oil filter along with the oil change.
However, in the general public, there is an opinion that the oil filter replacement can be done every 10,000 kilometers. Or every two engine oil changes. According to automotive experts and professional mechanics, it is better to follow the recommendation to replace the oil filter every time you change the engine oil.
Read Also: How Many KM to Change Car Oil? This is the Right Time
Signs That the Oil Filter Needs to Be Replaced Immediately
Here are the signs you need to know that the oil filter needs to be replaced immediately.
1. The car engine is hard to start
A damaged or worn-out oil filter can cause the engine to be difficult to start. This condition is caused by the oil filtering process becoming less optimal.
As a result, the function of oil as a lubricant is less optimal, leading to damage to components inside the engine. This causes the components inside the engine to wear out quickly, making the car hard to start.
2. Friction between components in the car engine is clearly audible
As explained earlier, the function of oil will be disrupted if the oil filter has started to wear out. Consequently, the friction between components in the engine becomes irregular, increasing the friction force. This condition causes the sound of friction to be quite loud, making it audible.
3. The oil pressure indicator on the dashboard lights up
Generally, the standard oil pressure is in the range of 1.0 kilometers per square centimeter to 2.0 kilometers per square centimeter. If the oil pressure is below the standard value, it indicates that the oil filter needs to be replaced immediately. When the oil pressure drops drastically, the oil pressure indicator light on the dashboard will automatically light up.
4. The engine becomes overheated
An oil filter that needs to be replaced can also cause the engine to overheat. This condition can occur because the friction between components in the engine increases due to the oil's function as a lubricant being less than optimal.
5. Black smoke appears from the exhaust
The emergence of black smoke from the exhaust is a sign that the oil filter needs to be replaced immediately. This condition occurs due to oil leakage or oil seeping into the exhaust. The leakage occurs due to the accumulation of dirt in the oil filter, causing a blockage.
Tips for Choosing an Oil Filter
Here are some tips you need to pay attention to when buying a new oil filter.
1. Pay attention to the size of the filter and the threaded part
The first tip is to pay attention to the thread size and diameter of the filter. Usually, the oil filter has a diameter of 8 cm and a length between 10 cm and 15 cm.
2. Ensure it has a bypass valve and a non-return valve
The bypass valve on the oil filter can prevent blockages in the filter. Meanwhile, the non-return valve functions to prevent dirty oil from returning to the sump.
3. Choose a quality and original oil filter
Make sure you buy a quality and original oil filter at the nearest Daihatsu dealer or a trusted automotive store.
After reading the review above, let's replace your oil filter according to the recommendations of experts in the automotive field.
