Check the owner's manual to see if your driving habits are considered to be "severe
service." This type of driving requires more frequent oil changes, warns the Car
Care Council. Have the oil changed accordingly, usually every 3-
Description:
The typical oil filter consists of a high-
Purpose:
The oil filter sifts out contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through
the engine unrestricted. Should the oil filter become restricted or clogged with
contaminants, they will flow around the filter. This bypassing is a safety mechanism,
but you never want to let oil and filter changes go so long that bypassing takes
place.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
For best results, consult your owner's manual,
but consider that your driving probably constitutes a severe maintenance schedule.
Usually, this means oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months. If you
change the filter yourself, dispose of it properly. Take used filters to a facility
that accepts them. Used filters can be crushed, removing the used oil and the steel
part of the filter can be recycled. The oil from one used, seemingly innocent filter
leaking into a landfill can taint 62,000 gallons of ground water.
Content provided by Car Care Alliance