The primary function of an oil filter is to clean the engine oil.
Based on the provided information, the role of the oil filter is specifically to remove impurities such as carbon residue and metal particles from engine oil.
Engine oil circulates throughout your engine, lubricating moving parts and helping to cool them. As it does this, it picks up contaminants. These contaminants can include:
- Carbon residue from the combustion process
- Metal particles worn off internal engine components
Without an effective filter, these impurities would circulate through the engine, causing increased wear and potential damage over time.
Why Filtering is Crucial
The filtering process is vital for maintaining engine health. As highlighted in the reference, if an oil filter is used beyond its recommended replacement time:
- The engine oil will become more viscous.
- The filter itself will become clogged with the accumulated impurities.
This situation significantly reduces the oil's ability to lubricate effectively and can lead to serious engine problems. Regular replacement of the oil filter is therefore essential to ensure the engine oil remains clean and performs its function properly.
| Component | Primary Function | What it Removes |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Filter | Cleans engine oil by removing impurities | Carbon residue, Metal particles |
