You hand over the keys, and you might wonder what exactly they’re doing beyond the basic oil change. I get it. As a mechanic for the last twenty years, I’ve found that one of the most misunderstood parts is the oil filter.
It looks like just a simple metal can, right? But let me tell you, it’s the silent guardian of your engine. I’ve seen cars come in with neglected filters that nearly caused a complete engine seizure.
Whether you’re just in for a minor car service or the full major car service, what happens with this little part makes a huge difference. Ignoring it is one of the costliest mistakes you can make.
What Does an Oil Filter Actually Do?
Think of your engine oil as the blood pumping through your car’s heart. It’s got a tough job: lubricating, cleaning, and cooling thousands of moving parts. But all that work creates stuff you don’t want—tiny metal particles from wear, soot from combustion, and general grit that sneaks in. If that gunk was left to circulate, it would act like sandpaper inside your engine, grinding down components.
This is where the oil filter steps in. Its only job is to be the bouncer, trapping all that harmful contamination. Inside that metal can is a special pleated paper filter that catches particles so small you can’t see them.
A good oil filter is your engine’s first and best line of defense. That’s why during even a basic minor car service, replacing the oil filter is just as critical as changing the oil itself. You’re giving your fresh, clean oil a fighting chance to do its job properly.
What’s Included in a Quality Car Service: The Full Breakdown
A proper service, whether it’s a minor or a major car service, is a full health inspection. It’s a step-by-step process that we mechanics follow to catch problems early. Replacing the engine oil filter is a key step, but it’s part of a bigger story. Here’s a look at what a thorough shop will do for you.
- Oil and Filter: This is non-negotiable. We drain the old, dirty oil and always install a new oil filter before adding new oil. It’s a package deal. Doing one without the other just doesn’t make sense. This is the core of any minor car service.
- The Air and AC Filters: Your engine needs clean air, and so do you. We check the air filter—if it’s dirty, your car loses power and drinks more fuel. We also check the cabin AC filter; a clean one makes a world of difference for the air you breathe inside the car.
- The Safety Rundown: We take a good look at your brakes, suspension, and lights. If you’re getting a major service, this is where we’d also do a tire rotation to help your tires wear evenly and last longer. It’s a simple thing that saves you money.
- The Deep Dive for a Major Service: A full major car service is more involved. We follow a detailed major car service checklist that includes replacing spark plugs, checking the AC gas pressure, and inspecting things like the timing belt. It’s all about preventing big problems down the road.
What Happens When You Ignore the Oil Filter?
I remember a customer who came in with a loud knocking sound from his engine. He’d been just topping up the oil himself for years but never changed the filter. When we took the old oil filter off, it was completely clogged solid.
Because it was blocked, a bypass valve opened, which sounds like a safety feature, but it meant dirty, unfiltered oil was circulating through his engine. All that grit acted like sandpaper, wearing out the bearings.
A repair bill for a new engine that cost more than the car was worth. The price of a new oil filter is tiny—maybe the cost of a couple of coffees. Skipping it to save a few bucks is the worst kind of false economy. Following a proper major car service checklist that insists on a new filter is the only smart move.
FAQs
Can I get away with just changing the oil but not the oil filter?
It’s not recommended. The oil filter traps debris and sludge; skipping it can reduce engine protection and shorten oil life.
How often does the oil filter really need to be changed?
It should be replaced with every oil change, typically every 5,000 to 10,000 km, depending on your vehicle and oil type.
Is there any difference between a cheap oil filter and an expensive one?
Yes. Higher-quality filters offer better filtration, durability, and longer life, which means better engine protection overall.
Is a tire rotation actually necessary?
Absolutely. Regular tire rotation ensures even wear, extends tire life, and improves handling and safety.
My air conditioning isn’t cold. Would a new AC filter fix it?
Not likely. A dirty cabin filter affects airflow, but cooling issues usually mean low refrigerant or a failing AC component.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your car’s oil filter is a perfect example of a small part with a massive responsibility. It’s a guardian that never sleeps, protecting your engine from itself.
Sticking to your service schedule, whether it’s a simple minor car service or the full major service, and always ensuring the oil filter is replaced, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your investment. It’s a small price to pay for a long and healthy life for your car.
Ready for a Service You Can Trust?
Don’t risk your engine’s health with a skipped filter. Our team uses high-quality parts and follows a complete major car service checklist to make sure nothing is missed. Give us a call +971557474273 or visit Apex Auto Garage.
