Top Picks For Oil Filter Related Parts

Clean engine oil is extremely important to run your car's engine, hence the necessity of an oil filter. An oil filter, as the name suggests, filters the engine oil and is a part of your vehicle's engine. It is a device very crucial to the smooth functioning of your engine and removes all the impurities or contaminants from your engine oil. It is an important part because if any hard particle goes unfiltered into the oil stream, it can rub against the vital pieces of machinery and wear out the engine components. An oil filter is a metal can that houses a filter material inside, which is mostly made of synthetic fiber. The filter features perforated holes at the perimeter of the base plate where the engine oil enters. The engine oil is then forced through the filter media, where it gets filtered and enters the engine via a central hole threaded to mate with the engine block.

The oil drain plug has a very important role to play in a vehicle. It sits at the bottom or on the side of the engine oil pan and keeps the oil from pouring out. It is located at the lowest possible point on the pan or to the side to protect it from damage that can be caused due to a speed bump or a pothole. An oil drain plug construction is very simple and is usually a threaded bolt made from a soft metal like aluminum. Some drain plugs are also designed to be magnetic in nature, which adds another layer of protection. Magnetic oil drain plugs are very effective in removing metal particles suspended in the oil as they stick to the plug and keep the oil free from contaminants. This also helps in reduced gunk accumulation on the oil filter, better flow, and increased lifespan of your engine.

If your engine oil level is decreasing, then the first thing you need to check is the oil drain plug to ensure that it is not leaking. If you find streaks or puddles of oil on the floor after leaving the vehicle parked overnight, then it's a sign of an active leak. Another way to check a bad drain plug is to visually inspect for any leaks around the drain plug area. If it's too dirty to tell, use a rag to clean the area and watch for any oil accumulation. It might take a little while if it's a slow leak. In such a case, it is important to check and get your oil drain plug replaced before it damages the oil pan.

An oil drain plug gasket seals the gap between the oil drain plug and the oil pan, which prevents the engine oil from leaking out. When the engine heats up, the parts begin to expand at different rates, which causes the drain plug to loosen. In such a condition, a drain plug gasket fills up the gap and prevents leaks. The oil drain plug gasket is a very simple component and is made from different materials, including copper, rubber, nylon, aluminum, metal, and synthetic materials.

Over time, the oil drain plug gasket wears out due to high engine temperatures and pressures. Therefore, it is a good habit to replace your old drain plug gasket before it reaches its failing point. It is recommended to change your oil drain plug gasket every time you change your engine oil to prevent further leaks. Most manufacturers use copper gaskets which deform when you tighten the plug. Therefore, they cannot be reused and have to be replaced at every oil change. If you witness any oil marks underneath the vehicle or on the floor after leaving it parked for a while, it can be due to a failing drain plug gasket which should be replaced immediately as it can cause the engine oil level to drop drastically.

The oil pump is an essential part of the lubrication system of an engine and is a mechanical device used to circulate oil to the moving parts of the engine, like the camshaft, piston, and bearing, in order to prevent wear and tear. The oil pump transfers engine oil from the oil pan to the oil galleries designed to channel the lubricating fluid to the required engine parts. It is a very crucial component and if it fails, it can lead to expensive engine repairs. The oil pump is a gear-driven assembly that draws its power from the crankshaft and starts pumping oil as the engine is started. Although the pump design varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, the concept remains the same, which includes a set of gears or rotors that pressurize oil against the pump housing. Each type of pump forces the oil through the oil filter and then to the engine components, where it eventually drips down to the oil pan. 

The oil pump lubricates the engine by supplying it with oil, and any failure in the oil pump can cause serious damage to the engine. Even though an oil pump rarely fails, it is important to recognize the signs of a failing or an old oil pump that needs replacement. A most likely symptom of a bad oil pump is a low oil pressure warning light on the dashboard. The low-pressure warning light can also come up due to low oil level and if the oil level is optimum, and the light is still on, your oil pump might be faulty and needs to be replaced. Other signs are increased engine operating temperature due to improper oil supply and engine noise. Also, the oil pump may begin to make noises and loud whirring sounds if the internal gears wear out and begin to fail. Oil pump failure is a rare occurrence, but if you witness any of these symptoms, you may have to get your oil pump checked and replaced to prevent a major vehicle breakdown.

Oil coolers are used to lower the engine's operating temperatures by cooling the engine oil. Cooling the engine oil also helps in maintaining its viscosity in demanding conditions, thus reducing any metal-to-metal contact and reducing the wear rate of engine components. Oil coolers can be of two types, namely Oil-to-water cooler and Oil-to-air cooler. In an Oil-to-water type cooler, the coolant is used as a heat releasing medium and this oil cooler component is placed in the engine coolant tube. The oil-to-air type uses air as a heat exchange medium and features a radiator where the oil flows and undergoes the cooling process. It is a small radiator, separate from the engine's main radiator, which is used to cool the engine oil. It is a heat-exchanger that comprises tubes and fins that allows the engine oil to drip through, which gets cooled by the upcoming air. Although any vehicle can be equipped with an oil cooler, they are mostly used in vehicles meant for heavy-duty or high-performance applications. Oil coolers extend the life of your engine by cooling your engine oil and reducing the chances of overheating under extreme conditions. Oil coolers are connected to the engine by oil cooler hose assemblies that are high-pressure lines made from tough metals.

Just like any other component, the oil cooler can also wear out and fail with time. When the oil cooler begins to fail or has broken, it will display some symptoms like oil leakage, oil in the cooling system, or coolant in the engine oil. If the oil cooler adapter fails, it can leak oil in the coolant system, which happens when the oil pressure becomes greater than the cooling system pressure. A failure in the oil cooler can also cause the engine coolant to leak. If you notice any streams of coolant coming out from the underwood of the vehicle, you should get it checked, as it might be due to an oil cooler failure. In the case of an Oil-to-air type cooler, the radiator assembly can get damaged due to an impact, and the hose assembly can get crimped or damaged, leading to oil leakage and decreased oil levels. You should also check for visual signs of wear and tear or corrosion and if you notice these symptoms, it is very possible that your oil cooler is malfunctioning and needs to be checked or replaced if damaged.

The oil cooler hose assembly helps in circulating the oil between the oil cooler and the engine to prevent the oil from overheating. An oil cooler is a smaller radiator compared to the engine's radiator that cools the engine oil by passing it through the fins. It plays a significant role in lowering the operating temperatures and offering improved lubrication to the engine components. The oil cooler hose assembly is designed with tough metals to ensure it can withstand the pressure and heat of the hot engine oil. 

The heat generated by the engine and the pressurized hot engine oil takes its toll on the oil cooler hose assembly, causing damage. Over the years, the hose assembly can wear out, leading to problems like oil leaks and decreased oil levels. In such a situation, it is necessary to inspect your oil cooler hose assembly for any leaks or visible damages that may be causing the problem. If the hose assembly or the lines have been bent or crimped and show any signs of wear or tear, it might be the right time to replace them to avoid damage to your engine, as an engine running without oil will cause major damage and costly repairs.

The engine oil pan is a simple component that stores the engine oil necessary for the lubrication of the engine parts. It is attached to the bottom of the engine with bolts and is usually made from steel or aluminum. The oil pan is provided with a drain plug at the bottom which is used to remove the oil and the oil dipstick extends to the oil pan to measure the oil quantity. Apart from being a reservoir for engine oil, the oil pan also collects the residue picked up by the engine oil and is provided with fins on the outside, which help in cooling the surface of the pan. The oil pan is designed with baffles that prevent the engine oil from sloshing around while driving, which keeps the oil flowing properly and prevents the engine from oil starvation. 

The oil pan is where the engine oil is stored, which is necessary for lubrication and any damage or failure of the part can cause numerous problems. The oil pan is situated under the engine and can get damaged or rusted due to a number of issues. If you witness oil puddles underneath the car, it may be due to a bad oil pan gasket or drain bolt. Any major damage or dent to the oil pan while riding on a rough road can also cause the oil pan to rupture and the engine oil to leak. The drain bolt of the oil pan can also get damaged due to improper installation and cross-threading, which can, over time, damage the threads of the oil pan and eventually lead to an oil leak. It's a good idea to replace the oil pan if you notice any major damage or the aforementioned symptoms to ensure the proper functioning of your vehicle.