Ideal Automotive would be happy to change your motor oil when it needs it. Generally, this is every 3,000 miles. Part of an oil change is replacing the oil filter, which can get clogged with dirt and debris from the engine rather quickly. We are going to list five signs that your oil filter is clogged below. Make sure to have the oil filter changed right away to avoid further engine damage.
1. Lagging Performance
It might seem strange that barely motor oil can affect your engine’s performance, but it can. The engine can only run efficiently if everything is operating as it should be. Clean motor oil lubricates the moving parts and draws heat away from them. This helps your engine to run efficiently and prevents it from overheating. Dirty motor oil can deposit grime onto the engine parts and reduce their efficiency. Consequently, your engine performance will lag as a result.
2. Reduced Gas Mileage
This, naturally, will reduce your gas mileage because the engine will burn more fuel. Vehicle manufacturers like to boast about the mileage their automobiles will get, but what they may fail to mention is that the engines only get this gas mileage if they are running as efficiently as possible. Changing the motor oil regularly helps your engine’s performance and fuel economy.
3. Metallic Engine Noises
This next sign of a clogged oil filter is a dangerous one. If you hear metallic noises coming from your vehicle’s engine, the oil filter is preventing the motor oil from circulating through the engine. This can kill your engine in less than 30 minutes, so stop driving your automobile.
4. Oil Dashboard Light
You may also end up with a dashboard warning light if the oil pressure is too low, which can happen when the oil filter gets clogged. The oil light will turn on until you have the oil changed and the filter replaced. This restores the oil pressure to normal levels.
5. Emissions Test Failure
Finally, we do not need to worry about this here in Minnesota but if you live in a state that requires emissions testing, your vehicle will fail the test if the oil filter is clogged. This is because the dirty motor oil increases the hydrocarbons found in your vehicle’s exhaust.
Ideal Automotive in Blaine, MN, is here to help, so call us today to schedule an oil change. We will replace the oil and oil filter so your engine is protected and efficient.
