Yes, Mike’s Auto Service & Repair advises that a clogged oil filter can indirectly cause engine damage that could be irreparable. This is why it’s important that you have the oil changed when your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends it. The oil filter is automatically replaced during an oil change service. This ensures that you always have a clean oil filter in the engine that is not clogged.
Sputtering Engine Performance
If you fail to get the oil changed, the dirt that the oil picks up as it circulates through the engine will clog the oil filter eventually. Consequently, this will affect your vehicle’s engine performance. It will slow it down and cause it to sputter. The reason why is that the motor oil is no longer being cleaned by the filter and, as such, is depositing dirt onto the engine’s moving parts.
Noticeable Reduction in Fuel Economy
As the engine struggles to run, it will burn through more fuel in the combustion chamber. Unfortunately, the clogged oil filter will also have an effect on your vehicle’s fuel economy. It is going to reduce the fuel economy to the point that it is noticeable. With fuel prices what they are these days, it’s much less expensive to have your oil changed regularly than to fill your tank more often.
Reduced Oil Pressure/Circulation
Unfortunately, another thing that is going to affect your engine’s performance is a reduction in the oil pressure and circulation. When the engine does not have as much motor oil running through it as it should, it does not run as smoothly as it normally does. In addition, system sensors will detect the reduction in oil pressure, and the engine control module will turn on the oil light.
Metallic Noises in the Engine
In severe cases, you may start to notice metallic noises coming from your engine. When this happens, we cannot stress enough how crucial it is that you stop driving your automobile. These noises are a sign that you no longer have oil circulating through the engine and the parts are grinding against each other. This is how a clogged oil filter can cause irreparable damage to the engine.
Increased Exhaust Hydrocarbons
Finally, as you can imagine, dirty motor oil cannot keep the engine clean like clean motor oil does. Consequently, the engine is going to produce excess hydrocarbons and release them in the exhaust. This is bad news if you need your automobile to pass an emissions test.
Call Mike’s Auto Service & Repair in West Springfield, MA, today to schedule a service appointment if your vehicle is overdue for an oil change.
