Understand Oil Filter Ratings
Datetime:2014-10-24 Hits:
Cars today are not as simple as they once were. These days there are several types of oil filters for every make and model of car. Oil filters use a rating system to help you determine what filter is best for the application your vehicle needs, based on the amount of contaminates your oil may have in it. Oil filter ratings can be complex and finding the best oil filter for your particular car or truck can sometimes be a daunting task. The auto industry has made understanding these ratings a little bit easier in recent years.
Instructions
Understanding an Oil Filter Rating
1
Assess the type of driving that the vehicle will be doing. Different filters have different ratings based on the amount of work a vehicle will be performing.
2
Find out the single-pass efficiency of the filter. This number should be located on the packaging and will tell you the efficiency of a single pass through of oil through the filter.
3
Determine the multiple-pass efficiency of the filter. This number should be located on the packaging and tells you the efficiency of multiple passes of oil through the filter such as happens with a running engine.
4
Figure out the size of microns that the filter allows through. A filter that allows for particles of between 10 and 20 microns is better and 10 microns or less is optimal. Larger particles will result in more damage to your vehicle.
5
Look up your type of vehicle at the auto parts store to determine the recommended rating for your specific needs.
Replace the Oil Filter in Your Vehicle
6
Drain the vehicle's oil into an approved oil pan according to the vehicle manufacturer's directions on how to do so. If any oil spills onto the driveway, soak it up with the kitty litter and sweep it up to prevent environmental contamination according to law. While you have the oil pan plug, out inspect it closely to see if it's time for it to be replaced.
7
Remove the current oil filter from the vehicle using the oil filter wrench and following the vehicle manufacturer's instructions on how to do so.
8
Determine the model number of the oil filter you will need for your car. This number is printed on the filter and can also be found in your car owner's manual under the section titled USER REPLACEABLE SERVICE PARTS. Make a note of the design of the interface ports and write down all numbers printed on the side of the filter. Allow the oil filter to drain completely into the oil collection pan before disposing of it.
9
Using the Oil Filter Rating Guide determine the filter rating that most closely matches your driving conditions and the make, model, year and package of your car's engine.
10
Visit your local automotive parts and accessories retailer and ask to be shown the reference guide for your favorite brand of oil filter.
11
Look inside the reference guide for the conversion chart; it's usually in the front of the guide.
12
Find the universal rating you determined from the ratings guide and then locate the corresponding engine protection rating for the manufacturer you prefer.
13
Ask the sales associate to get the model filter you need in the engine protection rating you have determined form the reference guide.
14
Look closely at the filter you are buying and the one which you have removed from the vehicle to ensure that the connections and ports are the same before completing your purchase.
15
Install the new oil filter using the oil filter wrench according to the vehicle manufactures instructions. Make sure oil filter is snug but do not over tighten the filter.
16
Replace the oil pan plug making sure it fits tight.
17
Refill the engine with clean, fresh oil rated for your driving needs and recommendations of your vehicles maker.
