Regular maintenance of the car is the foundation of the longevity of the power unit. When it comes time for planned maintenance, most owners think not only about the choice of motor fluid, but also about the accompanying consumables. The question of which filters are changed when changing the oil in the engine is one of the most frequent among motorists who want to save money or, conversely, make everything as high as possible.
Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to replace only the oil filter, ignoring other elements of the cleaning system. However, integrated approach maintenance allows you to extend the engine life by hundreds of thousands of kilometers. In modern operating conditions, when the quality of fuel and air purity in cities leave much to be desired, the condition of the filter elements plays a critical role in the operation of the engine.
In this article, we will discuss in detail which nodes require mandatory replacement, and which can wait until the next regulation. You will learn about the intricacies of the selection of parts, the risks of economy and the features of operation in the harsh Russian realities. Understanding these processes will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Oil filter: a mandatory element of replacement
The answer to the question of which filters are changed when changing the oil in the engine always begins with the most obvious element - the oil filter. His replacement is mandatory with each change of motor fluid. Ignoring this rule negates the whole point of carrying out an expensive procedure for updating the lubricant.
The main task of this element is to delay the wear products of rubbing vapors, soak, metal shavings and other solid particles. If you pour new oil into the system with the old filter, it will instantly become contaminated with residues of deposits accumulated over the previous period of operation. Oil pump will be forced to pump fluid through clogged filter paper, which can lead to work on the bypass valve.
In this case, dirty oil will bypass the filter directly into the engine line, causing accelerated wear of the crankshaft liners and camshafts. Modern engines such as Turbo Ecoboost or TSIThey are particularly sensitive to the quality of the lubricant and the pressure in the system.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to rinse or rinse an old oil filter with compressed air or diesel for reuse. Filtering paper has a certain pore structure, which irreversibly changes after saturation with contamination, and the bypass valve loses its calibration properties.
When choosing a new item, it is important to pay attention to the presence of return-valve, which does not allow oil to drain from the highways into the crankcase with the engine stopped. This ensures that the operating pressure is quickly created at start-up, preventing oil starvation in the first seconds of operation.
Air filter: breathing of your engine
Although the air filter does not come into direct contact with the oil, its condition directly affects the life of the lubrication system and the engine as a whole. The frequency of replacement of this element often depends on the operating conditions, but ideally it is changed. LAUGHTER Or even with oil if the car is driving in dusty conditions.
Through the intake system, a huge amount of air enters the cylinders. If the filter is clogged with dust, down or insects, the mixture is disturbed. The engine begins to “choke”, fuel consumption increases, power drops. But more dangerous is another: with strong contamination or destruction of the filter element, abrasive dust enters the cylinders.
This dust works as an abrasive paste, causing accelerated wear of piston rings and cylinder walls. The products of this wear then enter the oil, drastically reducing its detergent properties and clogging the oil filter. In diesel engines with particulate filters (DPF) a poor air filter may result in the inability to regenerate and in the failure of an expensive environmental system.
Modern filters are made of special cardboard, synthetic fibers or cotton (in sports versions). It is important to select an item that strictly corresponds to the manufacturer's specification, since sealing-geometry It should ensure that all air passes through the filter paper only, and not bypassing.
Fuel filter: protection against low-quality gasoline
Speaking about which filters are changed when changing the oil in the engine, we should not forget about the fuel system. Although the replacement regimen of the fuel filter is usually longer (from 30 to 60 thousand km), its condition is critical. In conditions where fuel quality at refueling stations may vary, this element takes the brunt of the blow.
The fuel filter traps rust from the tank, dirt, water and other impurities. For diesel engines (Common Rail) the presence of water in the fuel is fatal, as the nozzles operate at enormous pressure and are lubricated by the fuel itself. The ingestion of water or large particles leads to jamming of plunger pairs and expensive repairs.
Direct injection petrol engines (PI)GDI, FSI) are also extremely demanding on the purity of the fuel. The clogged filter creates additional resistance, which causes the gas pump to work with overload, reducing its resource. In addition, the stability of the pressure in the fuel ramp may be disturbed, which will lead to unstable operation of the engine at idling.
⚠️ Note: When replacing the fuel filter on the diesel engine, it is necessary to strictly observe the technology of removing air from the system. Air entering a high-pressure fuel line can cause cavitation and destruction of pump parts.
There are filters of rough cleaning (net in the tank) and fine cleaning (main element). The gas pump mesh is also recommended to be cleaned or changed periodically, especially if the vehicle mileage exceeds 100,000 kilometers.
Salon filter: driver’s health and climate control
Salon (or coal) filter does not formally affect the operation of the engine, but its replacement is often made in conjunction with other works to save time on the visit to the service. This element is responsible for the purity of the air entering the car through the ventilation and air conditioning system.
A clogged salon filter is a breeding ground of bacteria, mold and unpleasant odor. When you turn on the stove or air conditioner, you may feel musty. In addition, a decrease in the throughput of the filter reduces the performance of the fan, which in winter leads to fogging of the glass, and in summer - to inefficient operation of the air conditioner.
Coal filters can trap not only dust and pollen, but also harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur, which is especially important for urban operation. It is recommended to change them yearly or every 15-20 thousand km, and in conditions of severe dustiness - more often.
How do you know if it’s time to change the filter?
If when you turn on ventilation at high speed from the deflectors blows a weak airflow, and the cabin smells of dampness or burning at the start of movement, the filter definitely requires replacement. Also a sign is frequent fogging of glasses in rainy weather.
Some motorists ignore this element, considering it optional. However, regularly replacing the salon filter is an investment in your health, especially for people prone to allergic reactions.
Replacement frequency and resource reduction factors
Car manufacturers indicate the scheduled intervals of replacement of filters in the service book. However, these figures are often calculated for ideal operating conditions that are rarely found in reality. The term ���heavy operating conditions” is therefore applicable to most drivers in large metropolitan areas.
Factors that reduce the resource of filter elements include: frequent trips over short distances when the engine does not have time to warm up; traffic in traffic jams; driving on dirt or dusty roads; the use of fuel of questionable quality. In such cases, it is recommended to reduce the intervals of replacement. 30-50%.
For example, if the regulation requires the replacement of the oil filter and oil every 15,000 km, then in urban traffic jams it is more reasonable to carry out the procedure every 7-8 thousand km. This applies to the air filter: if you often drive outside the city on dusty roads, its condition should be checked visually with each change of oil.
Reducing the intervals of replacement of filters by 1.5-2 times relative to the factory regulations is the most effective way to extend the life of the engine in modern operation.
The oil filter in any case changes strictly with the oil, regardless of its appearance. Even if the car did not drive much, but it took a long time, the properties of the filter materials can degrade.
Comparative table of filters and their functions
To systematize information about which filters are changed when changing the oil in the engine and how often it is necessary to do it, it is convenient to use a comparative table. It will help to orient in priorities and budgeting of maintenance costs.
| Type of filter | Substantive function | Recommended interval | Consequences of neglect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oily | Cleaning the butter from chips and soak | Each oil change (7-10 thousand). km | Oil starvation, liner wear |
| Airborne | Protection of cylinders from dust | 15,000-30 thousand. km (visual control) | Getting abrasive into the engine, fuel overconsumption |
| Fuel | Purification of fuel from impurities and water | 30-60 thousand. km (gasoline), 20-40 thousand. (Diesel) | Failure of nozzles, pump, trim |
| Salon | Air purification in the cabin | 1 year or 15,000 to 20,000. km | Allergies, fogging of glasses, smell in the cabin |
The table shows that the oil filter is the most frequently changed element. However, it is absolutely impossible to save on its quality. Cheap analogues can have a small area of the filter element or a poor-quality valve, which will lead to problems.
Despite the rare replacement of the fuel filter according to the regulations, in our conditions it is better to change more often, especially diesel cars. The cost of the filter is incommensurable with the cost of repairing high-pressure fuel equipment.
Choosing quality consumables: what to look for
The auto parts market is full of offers, and choosing a really high-quality filter can be difficult. There are many fakes under well-known brands, as well as products of dubious quality, which can harm the engine. When buying, it is important to pay attention to the packaging, quality of printing and the presence of holograms.
Leading filter manufacturers, such as Mann-Filter, MAHLE, Bosch, Nissan or Toyota (original), they value their reputation. But there are also fakes among them. Buy consumables better in proven specialized stores or official dealers, avoiding dubious points in the markets.
☑️ Checking the filter before buying
Pay attention to the weight of the filter – quality oil filters are usually heavier than cheap ones due to the more filter material and metal in the design. The rubber sealing ring should be elastic, without bullies and cracks.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a new oil filter, be sure to lubricate the rubber sealing ring with fresh engine oil. This will ensure the tightness of the joint and will allow you to easily remove the filter on the next replacement, preventing the rubber from boiling.
You should not chase the lowest price. The difference in cost between a quality filter and a frank marriage can be a couple of dollars, but the consequences of using the latter can be in the thousands of dollars for engine repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I wash the oil filter and reuse it?
Absolutely not. The filter element consists of special paper that traps microscopic particles. Washing is not able to remove contamination from the depth of the material, but only smear them. In addition, the paper swells and loses properties, and the throughpass valve can jam.
What happens if you forget to replace the air filter?
The engine will begin to experience a shortage of air, which will lead to enrichment of the fuel mixture. Fuel consumption will increase, power will fall, the amount of coar on candles and in the combustion chamber will increase. In the long run, it is possible to get dust into the cylinders, which causes bullies.
How often should I change the fuel filter on a gasoline car?
On average, every 40-60 thousand kilometers. However, if you refuel at untested refueling stations or notice floating revs and jerks when accelerating, the filter is worth checking and replacing earlier. For older cars with a remote filter, it is easier and cheaper to do this.
Does the quality of the oil filter affect the intervals of oil change?
Yeah, straight. A good filter retains throughput longer and effectively traps contamination, allowing the oil to run its full declared life. A cheap filter can clog ahead of time by opening the bypass valve, which will require an earlier oil change.
Do I need to change the fuel pump grid every time the filter is replaced?
Not necessarily for each replacement of the main filter, but it is advisable to check its condition every 60-80 thousand km. If the grid is heavily contaminated or deformed, it must be replaced, otherwise it will create resistance to the current of the fuel, loading the gas pump.
Summing up, we can say that timely replacement of all filters is not just a formality, but a necessity to maintain the car in good condition. Regular maintenance avoids sudden breakdowns and maintains a high residual value of the car.