There is a reason why auto technicians stress the importance of regular oil changes. The oil filter is changed when the oil is changed. This ensures you never end up with a clogged oil filter in the engine. LP & Sons Auto Care advises that if the oil filter does get clogged, it can cause the motor oil to damage the engine as it circulates through it. It can also block the motor oil from circulating through the engine.
1. Lagging/Overheating Engine
You may not realize this, but the motor oil helps your engine to run efficiently and cooler. Consequently, one of the first signs of a clogged oil filter is inefficient engine performance. The engine will lag and struggle to produce power because the motor oil is depositing grime onto the moving engine parts. The clogged filter is unable to clean the oil. This grime will also cause your engine to run hotter.
2. Reduction in Fuel Efficiency
A problem directly related to the engine’s poor performance is a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, you will not be able to get the mileage that you normally get if the engine has dirty motor oil circulating through it. Because the dirty motor oil causes the engine to run inefficiently, it will burn more fuel while it is in operation.
3. Illuminated Oil Warning Light
Another sign that the oil filter is clogged is an illuminated oil warning light on the dashboard. This is an indication that the oil pressure has been reduced by the clogged oil filter. This means you do not have the normal amount of oil circulating through the engine under the normal pressure level. This, too, causes the engine to run inefficiently and burn more fuel.
4. Metallic or Grinding Noises
Unfortunately, there may come point when the oil pressure is so low that you barely have any oil circulating through the engine. When this happens, the oil is not there to prevent the metal parts from grinding against each other. As such, you will hear metallic or grinding noises coming from the engine. Stop driving your automobile immediately if you hear these noises. The operating engine is being damaged.
5. Excess Exhaust Hydrocarbons
Finally, if you live in an area where you have to have the emissions tested in your vehicle, your automobile is more likely to fail the test if you have a clogged oil filter. As we mentioned above, the oil deposits grime throughout the engine, and this grime increases the hydrocarbons in the exhaust.
LP & Sons Auto Care in DeLand, FL, is here to help, so give us a call today to set up a service visit.