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What Happens If You Change Oil but Not the Oil Filter?

When it comes to maintaining our vehicles, changing the engine oil regularly is a well-known practice.
August 7, 2023

When it comes to maintaining our vehicles, changing the engine oil regularly is a well-known practice. However, some vehicle owners may overlook or underestimate the importance of also replacing the oil filter during this process. In this blog post, we will explore what happens when you change the oil but neglect to replace the oil filter, shedding light on the potential consequences and highlighting the significance of this often-forgotten component.

The Function of the Oil Filter

The oil filter plays a crucial role in the overall health and performance of an engine. Its primary function is to remove contaminants and impurities from the engine oil, ensuring that clean oil circulates throughout the system. Over time, the filter accumulates dirt, debris, and particles, which can hinder its effectiveness and compromise the engine's well-being.

What Will Happen If You Do Not Care About Your Oil Filter?

Oil filter is a critical component of your car, and you need to pay attention to it. If you fail to take care of your car’s oil filter, you might experience certain problems.

Reduced Oil Filtering Efficiency

When the oil filter is not replaced, its filtering capacity diminishes significantly. As the filter becomes clogged with contaminants, it struggles to pass oil through its fibres, leading to decreased efficiency in removing harmful particles. This compromised filtration process can allow contaminants to circulate freely, potentially causing damage to various engine components.

Impaired Engine Lubrication

Without a clean and effective oil filter, the engine oil can become contaminated with particles such as dirt, metal shavings, and sludge. These contaminants can compromise the oil's ability to lubricate engine components properly. Insufficient lubrication leads to increased friction and wear on critical engine parts, potentially resulting in premature engine failure or decreased performance.

Negative Impact on Fuel Efficiency

A neglected oil filter can contribute to reduced fuel efficiency. As contaminants accumulate in the oil, they can hinder the oil's ability to flow smoothly through the engine. This increased friction requires the engine to work harder, leading to higher fuel consumption. Over time, this can translate into increased expenses at the pump and a decrease in overall mileage.

Potential Engine Damage

Continuing to use a clogged or ineffective oil filter puts your engine at risk of severe damage. The accumulation of contaminants can lead to increased wear and tear on vital components like pistons, cylinders, and bearings. Additionally, unfiltered particles may cause blockages in narrow passageways, impairing the engine's proper functioning. In extreme cases, this can result in catastrophic engine failure, requiring costly repairs or even engine replacement.

You can also view our most preferred oil filters by clicking on the links.

Şampiyon Filter was founded in 1985 as a small family business that was founded in İskenderun. Our company, which has been named “Champion” since its first foundation, has been targeted as “Success in filtration”, and has been transformed into a larger family with more than 35 years of experience, and continues to produce high quality oil, fuel, air and hydraulic filters to automotive, agricultural, business machinery and commercial bus and truck groups in accordance with national and international standards.