Not all of us are mechanically minded and may not know how modern car engines actually work or how they continue to run without hiccups. But that's alright, sometimes we just need a little bit of information to get us up to speed.
A question often asked by vehicle owners is, "How often should I change my oil filter?" A good question, which deserves an appropriate answer.
Our article will cover pretty much all you need to know regarding your Mazda's oil filter. So, read on as we share in some detail all that you need to know about oil filters.
What Does an Oil Filter Do?
The oil filter's function is actually quite simple. The oil filter found installed on all internal combustion engines, whether running on gasoline or diesel, is the primary means of removing contaminants from your Mazda or any other vehicle's engine oil.
Contaminants can be sludge, metal filings, or any other solids that can accumulate over time in the oil of your engine. The importance of protecting an engine's internal surfaces from any unnecessary friction cannot be overstated, as clean engine oil prevents wear and tear and even possible catastrophic engine failure. We want to prevent that check engine light from coming on.
The modern oil filter contains cellulose (paper) and or metal mesh filtering mediums. The oil pump in the engine pumps oil around the engine to the various moving components and on its journey around the engine, the oil passes through the oil filter that catches these very fine contaminants to prevent internal damage.
How Often to Change Oil Filter?
The modern car engine is getting more efficient and more powerful as automakers seek to squeeze out more and more from the internal combustion engine. This means that the oils used have to work that much harder which in turn means that those oil producers need to develop engine oils that meet all the demands of the modern car engine.
Collaboration between automaker engineers, oil filter producers and engine oil producers has led to industry-recognised and accepted oil filter change intervals along with engine oil replacement intervals.
Most modern engines, just like Mazda's range of SKYACTIV engines, are maintained by sticking to the manufacturer's recommended or mandatory maintenance schedules. These schedules and mileage limits are specified by the engineers to allow for problem free driving for the stipulated mileage between services.
Typically, oil filter changes happen annually or every 7,500 to 8,000 miles, whichever comes first. How often to change your oil filter is also model dependent, and the driving conditions may also necessitate earlier oil filter replacement. For example, regular driving in hot, dusty desert environments will mean that the oil filter will need to work harder and be replaced more often.
Relationship Between Oil Filters and Oil Changes
It is always recommended that both oil changes and oil filter changes happen at the same time.
Changing your engine's oil but leaving the old, dirty filter in place will quickly result in the new oil becoming contaminated as it circulates through the old filter.
Factors to Consider When Changing Your Oil Filter
The better the quality, the better the filtration that the oil filter offers. Purchasing cheap imported knockoffs may be good for your pocket but bad for your engine as these products are made cheaply with substandard materials.
Sticking to well-known automotive parts brands or OEM oil filters will ensure that your engine is well cared for.
As they say, "There is no substitute for quality." Besides wondering how often to change your oil filter, car owners also want to know…
What Happens If Your Oil Filter Is Not Changed?
Replacement of your engine's oil filter is the one maintenance task that cannot be skipped. We look at why this important maintenance step is crucial for the continued good care of your vehicle's engine.
Accumulation of Contaminants
Over time, the dirt and other particles that build up in the oil filter will reduce its efficacy. These particles, if not sufficiently removed from the oil, will lead to increased friction and unwanted heat build-up, resulting in costly repairs or even complete engine failure.
Reduced Oil Flow and Lubrication
If not replaced regularly, the oil filter will clog up and effectively reduce the ability of oil to pass through the filter mediums and continue to flow to critical parts of the engine. The oil pump will be put under strain; oil pressure will be reduced, leading to insufficient lubrication of moving parts such as the crankshaft bearings, camshaft bearings, cam lobe surfaces and, in fact, every part of your car's engine where metal moves against metal. Increased friction and heat build-up will result in premature engine failure.
Increased Engine Wear and Tear
Continuing on from our above points, ineffective oil filtration will lead to accelerated wear and tear of the moving internal engine parts that will result in your car's engine failing way before its expected lifespan.
Overheating and Engine Failure
Not only does engine oil serve to lubricate the internals of the cars engine it also helps to dissipate heat as it circulates. Contaminated oils as a result of poor oil filtration will reduce this cooling function and will likely end up with the engine overheating and possibly seizing, a sure fire way to unwillingly spend money on expensive engine repairs.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
If there is more internal friction in your vehicle's engine, it will run less efficiently, causing it to work harder and use more fuel.
Costly Repairs and Maintenance
Nobody wants to fork out their hard-earned money for expensive engine repairs. Improper oil filter changes and, at the same time replacement of the engine oil will lead to possible costly repairs.
A situation can easily be avoided by sticking to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule along with the correct quality oil filter and the right specification of engine oil for your car.
Schedule Your Service with Central Mazda
Keep your Mazda running great for many more miles, just as Mazda's engineers designed your car to do. If you forget, you can always ask us how often to change your oil filter.
Contact Central Mazda, located in Plainfield, CT, where our service team is factory-trained to provide our customers with exceptional service and ensure your vehicle is performing at its best.
The Mazda Service Promise uses Genuine Mazda Parts and equipment to ensure that your Mazda receives the finest possible care.
