We here at J&S Auto Repair cannot overstate the importance of regular oil changes for your automobile. Oil changes not only give us the opportunity to put fresh oil in the engine but also to replace the oil filter. If your oil filter gets dirty and clogged, it can damage the engine beyond repair. We aren’t kidding. Let’s talk more about a clogged oil filter below and the symptoms it will cause.
Poor Engine Performance
Your engine relies on clean motor oil to help it run efficiently. If the oil filter gets dirty, the engine will end up with dirty motor oil circulating through it. The motor oil will deposit grime onto the moving engine parts and affect their performance. Consequently, this will affect your engine’s overall performance. You will notice that your engine is lagging and not operating as it normally does.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
Any time the engine performance is compromised, your fuel economy is compromised. This means you’ll be heading to the service station more often to fill your tank. It’s less expensive to have the oil changed every 3,000 miles than it is to put gas in your vehicle more often. As you know, gas prices are currently at an all-time high in the nation.
Reduction in Oil Pressure
Another problem that is caused by a clogged oil filter is a reduction in the oil’s pressure. This means the oil will not be circulating through the engine as well as it normally does. Consequently, this can cause the engine performance problems listed above as well as trigger the engine control module to turn on the oil light. When the oil light comes on, you should head straight to our shop.
Growling or Metallic Noises
If the oil light is accompanied by growling, grinding, or metallic noises, pull your vehicle over immediately and cut the engine. These noises are made by an engine that does not have oil circulating through it. In other words, the filter is so clogged that the oil cannot pass through it. If you drive your automobile in this condition, you will damage the engine beyond repair.
Overabundance of Hydrocarbons
Finally, your vehicle will not pass an emissions test if the oil filter is clogged. The engine is dirty because it has dirty motor oil circulating through it. Consequently, this grime increases the dangerous hydrocarbons that are found in your vehicle’s exhaust.
Call J&S Auto Repair in Warwick, RI, today if you are overdue for an oil change. We will change the oil and the oil filter.
