The lifeline of your car’s engine is oil. Plain and straightforward! However, the engine heat and contaminants (call-it dirt) that the oil collects when running in the engine can damage the engine. In the end, it could ram the engine of the car to its death. To keep your engine oil clean, you need to change the oil filter when it gets used up. This brings about one key question: “When should you change the car’s oil filter?”

A Closer Look at Oil Filters: How Do They Work?

Before demonstrating the ideal time to replace your oil filter, it is important to start by understanding how it works. To learn this, we will go back to the beginning.

• The Old and Modern Oil Filters In early internal combustion systems, there were no oil filters. This, coupled with the low quality of oil at the time, meant that vehicles required frequent oil changes. However, modern engines are designed with an advanced full-flow oil filtration system. This system allows the oil to first flow via the filter before going into different engine components. Though this looks perfect, it has some limitations that still allow unfiltered air to get into the engine: Many engines today use pressurized lubrication systems that have a bypass for protecting the engine in the case of starvation. For example, in cold weather, the oil might be too thick to get through the filter. Internal combustion engines also allow the oil to bypass the filter if the filter is clogged.

• Types of Oil Filters In today's cars, there are many types of filters; standard filters, high-performance filters, synthetic filters, and race filters. To pick the right filter, it is important to consider the mission of your vehicle. For example, if you have a race car, you should consider race or high-performance filters. Notably, filters are designed with different materials. In some cases, the filters are made with synthetic filter papers that are capable of trapping even small-sized contaminants. In other cases, the filters are designed with plastic to increase their life. The goal is to increase the efficiency of your car’s oil filter, and longevity.

How Often Should You Change the Oil Filters?

Now that you understand engine oil filters; "When do you change them?" There is no straightforward answer to this question. Most oil manufacturers will tell you to replace the filter when replacing the oil (after doing about 2000-3000 miles/ approximately three months). Here are other times when you should consider changing the oil filter:

• Follow the car manufacturer’s manual on oil filter change: While we agree with the 2000-3000 miles rule given by oil manufacturers’, a better way to approach it is by following the car servicing manual. For example, some car manufacturers are using the latest technologies on air filters and recommend changing them after doing 7,500 miles.

• When the service light goes on: If you notice the service light is on, replace the filter right away. The light indicates that the engine is not working well, which can be accompanied by debris. This dirt is likely to clog the filter faster than expected.

• If you drive often in severe conditions: If your vehicle is used in severe conditions such as regular stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, carrying heavy loads, and doing long trips, the oil and oil filter will require regular changes.

Use 1800Autoshop to Know When to Change Your Oil Filter

The sure way to learn more about air filters and when to replace them is by working with top autoshops. One of the top options is the 1800AutoShop service. 1800AutoShop works with hundreds of world-class auto shops that will help you to get your vehicle serviced fast and professionally no matter where you are. Make sure to register your car for free at 1800AutoShop.com to get your filter replaced and other auto services at any time. Well, you want your car to keep running in top condition? Make sure to get the oil and filters replaced on time.