If you’re taking your car to a shop, the cost of an oil and filter change will vary depending on where you live and the kind of vehicle you drive. However, in general, the filter gets better the more money you spend on it.
Low-cost oil filters may have weak gaskets, loose (or shredded) filter material, and light-gauge metal, all of which increase the risk of filter failure. There are some filters that might last longer and filter out smaller dirt particles a little better, but they also cost more. Read on to learn more about the average cost of an oil filter.
What Is An Oil Filter?
The oil filter aids in removing impurities and debris that may build up over time in your car engine, which keeps it clean and efficient. It is important to keep motor oil clean because, if not filtered, it could become saturated with microscopic, rigid particles that can wear down engine surfaces. The engine's bearing surfaces can be damaged by this unfiltered oil, which wears down the oil pump's other components.
Do Engine Oils Wear Out?
The function of the engine oil is really vital to your vehicle’s performance. In order to sufficiently protect your complex and expensive-to-repair engine, oil is pushed through a number of narrow tubes that lubricate a variety of fast-moving metal parts.
When you start your vehicle, the oil must circulate almost immediately. Additionally, it must continue to operate flawlessly in conditions ranging from subfreezing to scorching temperatures over many months and thousands of miles.
As the oil performs its function, abrasive particles of soot, dirt, metal shavings, and other contaminants gradually slowly decrease its quality and efficacy. Your engine's bearings and other internal surfaces will be damaged by old and unfiltered oil, which eventually leads to engine failure.
For this reason, your engine requires an oil filter of the highest caliber and effectiveness to avoid damage and wear.
How Often Should You Change Oil Filters?
The frequency of changing your oil filter depends on a variety of factors. Many manufacturers advise replacing your oil filter every other time you get your oil changed. Therefore, if your filter has 3,000 miles on it, you should replace it every 6,000 miles; if it has 6,000 miles, you should replace it every 12,000 miles.
However, in a study by the DSTC, mileage can be extended furthest in gasoline engines by using higher-quality oil filters. With premium filters, oil change mileage for most modern cars can be doubled to 10,000 miles from the original change interval of 6,000 miles. The largest diesel engines can go 50,000 miles or more using high-efficiency filters without needing a replacement.
Are Oil Filters Expensive?
Everyone who drives a car knows that you should regularly change your oil, but few people are even aware that your vehicle also contains an oil filter that needs to be replaced.
Regular oil and filter changes are one of the most important maintenance services you can do for your car. Fortunately, a decent oil filter need not be expensive.
Brand-name oil filters of great quality can be purchased for between $7 and $15 from well-known companies like Mobile1, Bosch, Fram, Motorcraft, and more. Most oil filters are also easy to change, so there's no reason for you to shy away from doing the job yourself—this might also help you save a few bucks.
If you own a Fiat Bran, check out this Keep Driving article about five maintenance tips to keep your car brand new.
