You can count on Getz Automotive for all of your auto service needs including oil changes. We can prevent a clogged oil filter provided you bring your vehicle to our shop for its scheduled oil changes. A clogged oil filter may not seem as if it would be a big deal, but it can actually damage your engine beyond repair. Let’s talk more about this below and the signs that your oil filter is clogged.
Lagging Performance
One of the things that can happen with a clogged oil filter is your engine performance can lag. Normally, the oil runs through the filter after it is circulated through the engine and picked up dirt. This is to keep the oil clean the next time it circulates through the engine. If the filter is clogged, the motor oil will remain dirty and deposit grime throughout the engine. This will affect your engine’s performance.
Lagging Fuel Economy
A lagging engine causes problems with your vehicle’s fuel economy. Unfortunately, this is something that many people cannot afford with gas prices what they are these days. When the engine struggles to run, it actually burns more fuel. Consequently, until you have the oil changed and the filter replaced, you will notice a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Reduced Oil Pressure
There will also be a reduction in the oil pressure in the engine. This can affect how well the oil cleans the engine, lubricates the parts, and keeps the engine cool. Your engine may run hotter than normal and you will end up with an illuminated oil light on the dashboard. This is the engine control unit telling you that the engine does not have enough oil circulating through it.
Metallic Engine Noise
When this happens, you may hear metallic noises coming from the engine. If this is the case, we strongly recommend that you pull over and call for a tow truck to bring your vehicle to our shop. The metallic noises are a sign that the oil circulation is nonexistent. In other words, you don’t have oil circulating through the engine and driving your automobile can damage it beyond repair.
Increased Hydrocarbons
Finally, there will also be an increase in hydrocarbons that your vehicle releases in its exhaust. This goes back to the motor oil depositing grime throughout the engine. As the engine burns away the grime, you end up with increased hydrocarbons in the exhaust.
Getz Automotive in Fuquay-Varina, NC, is here to help, so call us today to set up a service visit for an oil change.