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Oil filters are placed in the engine's oil system to strain dirt and
abrasive materials out of the oil.
The oil filter cannot remove things that dilute the oil, such as
gasoline and acids. Removing the solid material does help cut down on
the possibility of acids forming. Removing the "grit" reduces the wear
on the engine parts.
Modern passenger car engines use the "full flow" type of oil filters.
With this type of filter, all of the oil passes through the filter
before it reaches the engine bearings. If a filter becomes clogged, a
bypass valve allows oil to continue to reach the bearings. The most
common type of oil filter is a cartridge type. Oil filters are
disposable; at prescribed intervals, this filter is removed, replaced
and thrown away. Most states now require that oil filters be drained
completely before disposal, which adds to the cost of an oil change,
but helps to reduce pollution.
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