The oil filter is one of the most important parts of a modern car. The maintenance process involves changing the oil filter regularly. Replacing the oil filter is a simple procedure, but requires a minimum of knowledge to complete it correctly.
The internal combustion engine of a car needs high-quality and proper lubrication during operation. In addition, if the lubrication system does not work properly, then you cannot rely on the car. The likelihood of failure increases significantly and you can find yourself on the track with a car that is not able to continue further movement.
The lubrication system of a vehicle includes engine oil, an oil pump and an oil filter. There are other elements that will not be covered in this article. In addition to using quality engine oil, which requires regular replacement, the oil filter also needs to be replaced.
Oil filter and its functions
An oil filter is a device through which oil flows when the engine is running. The function of the oil filter is to clean the engine oil from various types of contaminants that form during engine operation.
Some of these pollutants appear in the oil as a result of friction and wear of engine parts, some comes from the fuel, and some enters the engine from the outside (for example, through the air supply system). It is difficult to enumerate all the ways in which the contaminant enters the oil. It is important to understand that. Accordingly, and the preservation of all its properties.
The design of the oil filter is pretty simple. If we simplify its description, it turns out that the oil under pressure is constantly circulating through the paper filter material. The filter material is located in a metal cup, which is equipped with special valves and threads., and it ceases to fulfill its functions. In addition, the aging of the rubber bands and mechanical elements such as springs occurs. The oil filter is no longer able to clean contaminated oil and the engine is not properly lubricated during operation. Accordingly, the filter requires replacement and is a consumable item. The average interval is always indicated in the service manual for the vehicle. Usually he is.
Replacing the oil filter
The process is quite simple. To replace the oil filter yourself, you just need to unscrew the old filter cartridge from the engine and screw a new filter onto its seat. You must first clean the old filter with a dry cloth to prevent dirt from entering the engine.
You can unscrew the filter. There is a universal way - to pierce the filter housing with a screwdriver and twist it in this form. The method is used if the filter cannot be unscrewed by standard methods.
By unscrewing the used oil filter,. A small amount of oil remains in the housing of the old filter, which can also leak out.
If the filter was installed "dry", then it may be difficult to unscrew it. and is not unscrewed with a standard puller. In this case, you can punch through the filter housing with a screwdriver or grab it with a gas wrench. In addition, an increased leverage can be applied. It is important to understand that the old filter is unlikely to be useful to you, and its body can be deformed or pierced. The main thing here is not to damage the seating thread on which the new filter will be screwed.
When installing a new oil filter,. The tightening torque should be specified in the manual. It is important not to overtighten this threaded connection, as this will cause engine oil to leak. But you cannot leave the filter half-spun.
How to choose the right oil filter
The oil filter is selected individually for your engine according to the user manual. There are original oil filters, and there are their substitutes. Each manufacturer issues recommendations for the selection of consumables. Usually the manufacturer advises to use only original filters. But,.
Genuine consumables will always be preferred as they are designed specifically for your vehicle. Design flaws in substitutes and attempts to make products more versatile do not always have a positive impact. But a properly selected high-quality substitute allows you to use it for some time. However, it is generally best to shorten the mileage between maintenance.
It's obvious that. A poor quality filter can cause very serious damage. It is not uncommon for it to clog the oil channels in the engine with its debris.
The main reason for the emergence of such serious problems is the existence of a huge number of counterfeits on the market.
Fake oil filters come in all types, from any manufacturer, and can be sold for any price. You can buy a branded SUZUKI oil filter, which turns out to be fake and ruin your engine, or you can purchase a replacement filter from MANN, which also turns out to be counterfeit. Both cases are equally dangerous.
How to tell a fake oil filter
Unfortunately,. The thing is that fakes are becoming more and more perfect. But the quality is not getting better.
If you place two filters next to each other on the table, one of which will be original, and the second fake, then you can recognize a fake. But for this you need to have an example for comparison.
There is a set of parameters that you should always pay close attention to when choosing a filter. Users have identified characteristic signs of counterfeiting. An attentive buyer will always notice them. After all, outwardly, a fake oil filter looks much cheaper and of poor quality than the original.
1. The threads on the counterfeit oil filter will always not be rolled, but cut. The thread itself is shorter than the original. If you touch this thread with your finger, you can easily cut yourself.
2. A counterfeit oil filter is often lighter than its original counterpart. The weight of the original filter can be found from the official data on the manufacturer's website. A counterfeit oil filter is easier because fraudsters use less filter paper and have a lower density.
3. The quality of printing on the box is always very conditional. The box is either very glossy, or, on the contrary, poorly designed. If the fake is very crude, then the appearance of the boxes sometimes differs from the originals. This box is also poorly sealed.
4. Rubber seals are made of hard rubber and often do not hold well in place. The rubber valve sometimes just lies inside the filter and is removed with a screwdriver.
5. The holes are cut very, very badly. Chamfers are not removed anywhere. All parts of the structure can be injured. Sometimes some holes are not even cut, but only marked.
6. The most important feature is the presence of glue inside the filter. It is enough to shine a flashlight inside the filter and the adhesive bond is immediately noticeable. Cheap manufacturing does not allow the product to be made to exact tolerances. The pirates have to use glue. During the operation of the filter, the glue can fall off and get into the engine channels.
7. The print quality on the filter itself is rather mediocre. Often the letters merge, are faded, or vice versa - very bright. The paint is usually applied in a thick layer and the type is easily felt with your fingers.
8. A counterfeit filter is usually devoid of elementary degrees of protection from the manufacturer. For example, filters from the German company MANN have special protective signs that glow in ultraviolet light.
9. A poor quality oil filter can make different sounds when shaken and smell like cheap plastic.
10. A fake oil filter usually has a low price tag. If you were offered a filter that costs 300 rubles cheaper than the original filter in an official dealership, then be very careful. Most likely it is a fake.
11. The film that seals the counterfeit filter is usually very mediocre. It is considerably thicker than the original. Sometimes it can be removed from the filter without even damaging it. In addition, the film must have holes for airing, while fakes are sealed with a solid piece of film.
Is it worth installing a fake oil filter
If you find a fake filter, then it is best not to use it. Breakage of such a product can occur at any time. True, a high-quality fake is sometimes capable of passing half of the scheduled time. However, using a counterfeit filter will require constant attention and monitoring of the engine lubrication system.
the best solution would be to return it back to the store, and of course, you should not give up the option to indicate your claim in the store's complaint book.
If the seller refuses to accept the filter voluntarily, then you need to complain to the regulatory authorities. Being irresponsible on the part of the seller can cost you and other buyers dearly and lead to serious damage to your vehicle.
When a salesperson faithfully sells low-cost filter replacements with a warning, this is not a major problem. Everyone is free to make a decision.
A much more dangerous and offensive scheme is the sale of counterfeit branded products - Suzuki, FORD, Toyota, MANN, Filtron, etc. Such products, but their quality is even lower than that of the Chinese copy.
