Oil filter

The function of the oil filter is to clean the oil, removing it of contaminants on the way to the engine. Contaminants including dust, metal shavings, condensation, antifreeze are all blocked by the filter, preventing damage to essential engine parts without restricting the oil flow. Oil filters come in 2 different types dependent on vehicle specification. These are spin on and eco filters, both of which available from Reisse.

Oil filter replacement is dependent upon engine type, all manufacturers will provide specific guidelines for the operating life of a filter and indications when a filter should be replaced. This is why it is important to check the manufacturers service schedule. Replacement intervals are predominantly a compromise between the wish to change a filter as infrequently as possible and the need to keep filter loss of pressure at a minimum.

The lifespan of an oil filter will also depend upon the type of oil used in the engine, the engine design, how often the oil is changed and the engine performance.

The most common cause of oil filter failure is caused by neglecting to change the oil or to replace the filter

Some oil filters are also equipped with a by-pass valve. If the filter becomes blocked and pressure build up, the valve is released to ensure the engine is still supplied with oil to lubricate it, in many engines the by-pass valve is built-in.