The modern oil filter looks simple from the outside: a metal housing, a thread and a rubber ring. But the main component is hidden inside, so the driver cannot see the quality of the filter element and valves before purchase. This is exactly what the manufacturers and sellers of cheap imitations exploit.
Why oil should not be poured into the oil filter
It used to be clearer. Many cars used removable housings and when replacing them, they simply installed a paper insert. Such a part was cheap, and forging it was almost unprofitable. Filters are now often sold as a single unit, which means it’s harder to tell a good part from a bad one.
Particular attention should be paid to the rubber ring inside the filter. It should fit snugly in its bed and prevent oil leakage. If the rubber is of poor quality, it quickly hardens, cracks or fits unevenly from the beginning, resulting in oil leakage. This leads to a drop in pressure in the lubrication system and the engine starts to run without oil. And this can lead to accelerated wear of parts and expensive repairs.
That’s why it’s important to look beyond the brand and packaging when buying. Check the housing, threads and rubber ring. It should be smooth, flexible and free of cracks, distortions and signs of rough handling. Low quality rubber does not do well with hot engine oil. It can swell, become sticky and too soft or, conversely, harden and crack.
In both cases, the filter loses its seal, which increases the risk of oil leakage. You can check the seal in advance: lubricate the ring with engine oil and leave the filter for a few days. If the rubber has changed shape, expanded, or become too soft, it is best not to use the part.
Then inspect the case. Thin metal in itself does not always indicate poor quality, but the weld must be clean. A joint without warps, dents, roughness or rough edges is a good sign. If the connection appears loose, the filter may not be able to withstand the pressure while the engine is running. It is also worth paying attention to the packaging. A high-quality part usually has a sturdy case, clear printing, and easy-to-read markings. Smudged font, thin cardboard, crooked letters or oddly designed parts are all reasons to choose a different filter.
It is best not to install a new oil filter immediately after purchase. First, compare it to the old, original part. The most important place to check is the bottom of the housing with the holes through which the oil passes. A high-quality filter should have the same number of holes and their placement as the original. If they differ, it is best to choose a different part. Such a difference may indicate a counterfeit or a filter not intended for its intended application.
Smell can also indicate questionable quality. After removing the protective film, the regular filter has almost no smell. A slight smell of grease is acceptable, but a strong smell of a chemical, solvent or cheap rubber is a bad sign.
It is best to buy a filter from a verified seller. Only the logo of a famous brand on the box does not protect against counterfeiting. It’s best to choose stores that have been selling parts for a long time and don’t sell random items. The significantly reduced price is another reason to be cautious. The filter is cheap, but engine lubrication depends on its quality. Missing a questionable part can result in much higher repair costs later.
Source: Actualno
