Signs of a Clogged Oil Filter in Your Car from Certified Mechanics in Tempe

by admin October 14, 2021

Regular oil changes are the best type of maintenance you can invest in for your vehicle. Sure, it can take time out of your day and be a bit costly, but this preventive measure reduces the likelihood of more serious powertrain issues occurring in your car. It replenishes used oil with fresh lubrication to be circulated throughout your car’s most sensitive engine components. This also gets rid of any dirt and debris that may have begun to build up. However, there are times when oil issues can be the source of the problem in your car.

A clogged oil filter can develop as a result of reduced maintenance efforts or neglecting to install a replacement upon recommendation. While it may sound like a small problem, a clogged oil filter can cause your engine to sputter, result in poor performance, reduce oil pressure, and create a noticeable noise, among others.

A clogged oil filter is certainly something you don’t want to deal with in your car, but if that time comes, the professionals at McIlvain Motors are available to help.

Important Tasks for Clogged Oil Filter Prevention

Low oil pressure and a leaking oil filter can be signs of a clogged oil filter. Neither of these sounds fun, so let’s look at a few things you can do to prevent your oil filter from becoming clogged in the first place.

Most vehicle owners have different ideas about the efficacy of these tactics, so it’s important to consult with your mechanic and do some research for yourself before committing to these practices.

• Regular Oil Changes: Depending on your vehicle, you may have to decrease the time between oil changes or increase the number you get per year to satisfy the needs of your vehicle. Older vehicles usually need a bit more attention than newer ones, and performance vehicles may need more frequent oil changes, too. Eliminating the dirty oil that is responsible for oil filter clogging is the best way to prevent this from happening.
• Oil Bypass Valve Replacement: If oil isn’t flowing freely through this component it can cause your engine to have an inadequate supply of oil to keep it well lubricated. A mechanic can detect an issue with your oil bypass valve, which may need to be replaced to allow your oil filter to work properly.
• Use a Different Type of Oil: Every vehicle has a specific oil type best suited for your make and model. We wouldn’t recommend making this change without professional advice and assistance, but in certain circumstances, it can help prolong the life of your oil filter and prevent it from becoming clogged.

Replacing a Clogged Oil Filter

If you’re a DIY person, you may be able to handle changing the oil in your vehicle. However, with the time and money it takes to do so, it is often a better idea to leave this task to an experienced automotive repair shop.

Replacing an oil filter that is clogged is a bit more involved than changing the oil, and additional issues could arise that you aren’t prepared for. Signs of a clogged oil filter include:

• engine sputtering
• dirty exhaust fumes
• engine overheating
• reduced engine performance
• low oil pressure

Oftentimes, you may not even suspect a clogged oil filter with these types of issues occurring. That’s why it is best to take your car to our certified mechanics in Tempe when you experience any of these problems.

McIlvain Motors is Here to Service Your Car and Resolved Clogged Oil Filter Problems

A clogged oil filter in your car may seem like a minor problem, but it can undoubtedly lead to larger issues when left unresolved. Without the knowledge of how a clogged oil filter can affect your car, you may be left wondering what to do.

Bringing your car to McIlvain Motors is one of the best things you can do for your car when you suspect a clogged oil filter or are experiencing problems that are typically related to this issue. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you may need to have your oil filter inspected for clogging and blockage.

If you’re in the areas of Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tempe in Arizona, come to McIlvain Motors or give us a call at (480) 968-2858. We look forward to servicing your car today!