NEWS FALSH! MOTOR OIL CAN'T PROVIDE OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE WITHOUT AN EFFICIENT OIL FILTER.
We’re making this announcement in bold because while drivers often (and very wisely) pay close attention to their motor oil, they sometimes don’t give the oil filter much thought. Not keeping track of how often to change oil filter can be a big — and perhaps even costly — mistake.
To understand why the oil filter is your vehicle’s unsung hero, let’s take a step back and look at what it does. Simply put, it helps keep the motor oil clean. That sounds simple, but it’s essential. Here’s why:
Motor oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts. It helps prevent damage, friction and premature wear. Also, when the engine parts move smoothly and require less force, you may see an increase in fuel efficiency.
As oil circulates, it picks up contaminants that can damage engine parts.
Motor oil also carries away some of the heat and helps keep your engine running cool.
The filter is designed to capture the small, hard particles the oil collects as it makes its way through the engine. This debris can wear away the engine parts. It also can thicken the oil to the point that it doesn’t flow smoothly and can’t perform as well as it should. So now we’re back to the big question: how often to change oil filter?
MOST VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS RECOMMEND REPLACING THE OIL FILTER WITH EVERY OIL CHANGE
That makes sense, doesn’t it? Making oil filter replacement part of your oil change regimen ensures that:
The fresh new oil won’t be flowing through a filthy filter.
You won’t forget to replace the filter.
Why rely on your memory when you can count on Jiffy Lube®? Every Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change includes a new oil filter, and the Jiffy Lube technician will be happy to place a sticker on the upper left corner of your windshield to remind you when your next oil change is due. Or, if your vehicle has a dashboard message center that displays oil life, the monitor will be reset to reflect your new engine oil change. As you drive away from your neighborhood Jiffy Lube location, you can feel confident you won’t have to wonder how often to change oil filter. You’ll know!
WHEN A GOOD FILTER GOES BAD
What happens if you skip an oil filter change? How will you know if your filter needs replacement before your next oil change? Here are five common symptoms of a bad oil filter:
Lack of engine performance. If the engine does not pick up speed as it usually does, or the accelerator feels like it isn’t working correctly, you may have dirty oil trying to flow through a clogged filter. Driving this way can lead to engine damage, which could then lead to expensive repairs.
Engine sputtering. When oil is unable to flow as freely it should, your vehicle may not maintain the speed you want. Even if this just happens occasionally, you should bring your car, truck, minivan or SUV to your neighborhood Jiffy Lube for a once-over. With more than 2,000 locations across North America, you’re sure to find one nearby.
Metallic sounds from the engine. You know that grinding sound that gives you goosebumps? It could be your engine crying out for help! When a clogged filter interferes with oil flow through the engine, there isn’t adequate lubrication and metal is grinding against metal. This is a serious problem. (Really serious!) Get your vehicle serviced immediately. The problem the scraping sound indicates may be a comparatively affordable fix if caught early. But if it goes on, you may find yourself with a vehicle in the shop and a big repair bill.
Dirty exhaust. Black or smelly smoke is not only bad for the environment, but is also an indicator that something is wrong with your vehicle. A Jiffy Lube technician will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest a solution.
Dropping engine pressure. If your car has a digital dashboard, you can read the oil pressure right there on the dash as you drive. Normally oil pressure won’t fluctuate much as you motor along. A sudden change in pressure could indicate a problem.
CHOOSING A NEW FILTER
Maybe you’ve experienced one of the five symptoms of a bad oil filter. Or maybe it’s time for your regularly scheduled oil change. Either way, you need a new oil filter.
You can find oil filters at most auto parts stores, gas stations and in the automotive section of department or home improvement stores. And, you can order one online with a few clicks. But just because oil filters are affordable and available doesn’t mean they aren’t important. Selecting the right filter can help ensure that your motor oil can accomplish everything it has to do to keep your vehicle running smooth and clean.
When it’s time to change your oil filter, refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. What if your manufacturer recommends more than one type of filter? Or what if you can’t find your manual? No problem! Count on a trained Jiffy Lube technician to access your vehicle’s manual and recommend a filter that meets or exceed manufacturer recommendations.
WHAT ABOUT SYNTHETIC AND HIGH MILEAGE OIL FILTERS?
Just as drivers have different motor oils to choose from, today there’s a selection of oil filters, as well. In addition to conventional filters, you can now choose synthetic or high mileage filters. Each has its advantages:
Synthetic filters. While major oil manufacturers agree that you don’t have to use a different or special oil filter with synthetic oil, it’s something you may wish to consider. A synthetic oil filter is engineered to work with synthetic motor oil and typically has a longer, larger body than a conventional filter, indicating greater capacity.
High mileage filters. Since some new car manufacturers recommend a longer interval between oil changes (up to 10,000 miles in some cases), a high mileage oil filter may be a good investment. High mileage filters perform better longer because they are made of upgraded materials.
If you’re not sure whether to choose a conventional, synthetic or high mileage filter for your vehicle, feel free to ask for a recommendation from a Jiffy Lube technician.
CONVERSATION IS KEY!
Jiffy Lube technicians will ask you about your driving style and explain the type of motor oil and filter that are recommended for your vehicle. The goal is for you to leave Jiffy Lube feeling empowered and confident in your choices.