Auto Solutions cannot stress enough how important it is to have the oil and oil filter changed every 3,000 miles. If you use synthetic motor oil in the engine, the oil and filter should be changed every 5,000 miles. Failing to change the oil when it needs it can clog the oil filter. When this happens, you will start to have problems with your vehicle’s engine performance that may cause unnecessary damage to the engine. Let’s talk more about this below.
Iffy Performance From the Engine
Your engine’s performance is going to get sporadic and the engine is going to run hotter than it normally does if the oil filter is failing to clean the motor oil because it is clogged. Unfortunately, this leaves you with dirty motor oil circulating through the engine and dirtying up the engine. This directly affects how well your engine performs and causes the temperature to increase.
Noticeable Reduction in Gas Mileage
Unfortunately, this also causes a noticeable reduction in your automobile’s gas mileage. This can be a huge problem with gas prices at an all-time high. The last thing you need is to have to fill the tank more often. If you do the math, you will discover that it is much cheaper to have the oil changed regularly than it is to suffer from poor gas mileage.
An Illuminated Oil Warning Light
The engine control unit is also going to turn on the oil warning light because the clogged oil filter is reducing the oil pressure, i.e., how forcefully the oil is circulating through the engine. This is one reason why the engine runs at a hotter temperature. The oil not only draws dirt away from the moving parts but also lubricates them to reduce friction and the heat it causes.
Noticeable Metallic Noises
Speaking of moving parts, when the oil filter is severely clogged it can prevent the oil from making its way through the engine. Consequently, you will hear metallic noises coming from the engine such as grinding and clanking. Stop driving your automobile right away if you hear these noises. This is an indication that the engine has very little or no motor oil circulating through it.
Problems With the Vehicle’s Emissions
Finally, if you live in a state that conducts emissions testing, the dirty engine increases the hydrocarbons found in the exhaust. Consequently, your vehicle will fail the emissions test if the oil filter is clogged.
Auto Solutions in Orlando, FL, would be happy to help, so give us a call today to set up an oil change if your vehicle needs one.
