Guaranteed Auto Air & Repair advises that if your car is overdue for an oil change and the engine is sputtering, you likely have a clogged oil filter. The oil filter is changed when the oil is changed to ensure that it is always clean and capable of removing dirt and grime from the oil. If the oil filter is clogged, the motor oil will remain dirty and deposit grime throughout your vehicle’s engine. When this happens, the engine’s performance is affected and the engine’s temperature will rise above normal. This is just one sign that your oil filter is clogged. Here are other signs.
Reduction in Gas Mileage
Because the engine is struggling to perform you may also end up with a reduction in your vehicle’s gas mileage. You may not have realized this but regular oil changes ensure that your engine runs efficiently. This helps you to get the best gas mileage out of each full tank. With gas prices what they are these days, it’s important to get as many miles per gallon as you can.
Reduction in Oil Pressure
The other thing that is going to be reduced by the clogged oil filter is the oil pressure. This will also affect how well your engine performs and its temperature. Because you need a certain amount of oil pressure in the engine for everything to operate properly, the engine control unit is going to turn on the oil light if the oil pressure is too low. Do not ignore this light. Bring your vehicle to our shop right away.
Increased Engine Noises
You may also notice that your engine sounds louder than normal and is making metallic noises. If this is the case, we recommend that you stop driving your automobile because the oil filter is so clogged that the oil cannot pass through it. Unfortunately, this can mean that you are driving without motor oil in the engine. Continuing to operate the vehicle can cause serious engine damage.
Increased Hydrocarbons
Finally, if you live in an area where vehicle emissions are tested, the clogged oil filter is going to increase the number of hydrocarbons found in your vehicle’s exhaust. This is a bad thing that means that your vehicle will fail the test. If you are due for an oil change and an emissions test, have the oil changed first.
Guaranteed Auto Air & Repair in Rockledge, FL, is here to help, so ring us up today to set up a service appointment for your automobile.
