As your engine runs, dirt gets into the oil. Oil sludge can also start to build up. Fortunately, motor oil contains detergents that clean the engine and gather up contaminates. The oil circulates through the oil filter where clumps of dirt and harmful sludge are captured. An oil filter can eventually get clogged up so much that oil cannot flow freely through the filter material.
Of course, drivers don’t want to starve their engines of oil, so a valve opens in the oil filter allowing oil to bypass the filter material. This keeps your engine lubricated, but dirty oil is circulating through the system.
Back in the day of 3 month, 5,000 kilometer oil changes, this was only a problem for drivers if they forgot to change their oil on schedule. Modern vehicles, however, usually have much longer recommended oil change intervals. 12,000, 16,000, and even 24,000 kilometer intervals are common. Of course, you need to use your car maker’s recommended type and grade of oil – but you also need to use a higher capacity oil filter.
A standard capacity oil filter could go into bypass mode many months and several thousands of kilometers before the recommended oil change interval. Your vehicle engine would not be fully protected.
Many drivers are choosing to upgrade to synthetic oil for better protection and to increase their oil change interval. This is a great idea. But remember it is vital to have an oil filter that has a higher capacity to match.
You can talk with your Precision NAPA Autopro service advisor about your oil change intervals and how you use your vehicle. They will tell you how to choose the right oil for your needs and will make sure that your new oil filter is compatible with the performance of your oil.
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403-293-3438