7 Warning Signs Of A Clogged Oil Filter

A clogged oil filter can cause havoc with your engine. An oil filter is essential to your car’s overall functioning, clearing out particulates from engine oil carried around the engine and recirculating clean oil to keep your vehicle running smoothly. 

Before you start wondering how to fix a clogged oil filter, it’s a good idea to keep maintenance on your oil system proactive. Even if there isn’t an immediate problem with your oil filter, replacing it around every 10,000km is a good idea. This will ensure you keep your car running smoothly before the signs of a clogged oil filter become evident. However, if you are concerned you might be experiencing clogged oil filter symptoms, here are some warning signs to look out for.  

The 7 signs of a clogged oil filter: 

Stalling and low pressure definitely make our list of warning signs. Here are 7 signs of a clogged filter you can check for if you suspect that might be the problem with your vehicle. 

1. Low oil pressure
   Can a clogged oil filter cause low pressure? Definitely. Low pressure is one of the telltale signs of a clogged oil filter. Whereas a broken relief pressure valve is probably to blame for a surge, a clogged oil filter will inevitably lead to a drop in oil pressure as your engine struggles to lubricate and cool all the engine’s elements evenly. 
    
2. Sputtering engine
   The sound no driver wants to hear — a sputtering engine could indicate a deeper problem, but it’s also a symptom of a clogged oil filter. Even if it’s only subtle, it’s worth checking out any sputtering to determine whether an oil filter issue is responsible or if there’s a more serious explanation.
    
3. Overheating
   Can a clogged oil filter cause stalling? Most definitely. And not just that, but overheating too. Because a clogged oil filter can cause problems with the camshaft timing or the hydraulic valves, you may have trouble starting your vehicle. As this problem also restricts fuel flow to the engine, it can cause your car to overheat and stall. The culprit behind a stalling engine; overheating is a telltale sign of clogged oil filters.
    
4. A knocking sound in the engine
   Knocking sounds are never to be ignored, and a clogged oil filter can often be behind the issue. Sludge and abrasives, normally filtered out, can make their way into the engine when a filter is clogged, causing that knocking sound as your camshaft has to deal with extra wear and tear.
    
5. Dark exhaust fumes
   If you’re sending up plumes of dark exhaust, this can indicate that impurities have made their way into the engine and are burning up, causing a dark cloud to go up behind you.
    
6.  Poor overall engine performance
   Noticing a drop in your engine’s performance? One of the most basic maintenance fixes to rule out any problems is to perform an oil filter replacement and remove a clogged oil filter if there is one. 
    
7. Crackling noises
   Finally, if you notice metallic crackling noises, this is a sign that your engine parts may not be sufficiently lubricated due to a clogged oil filter. To stop engine components from having damaging friction, you’ll need to replace the oil filter as soon as possible.

Car Mods Australia — everything you need to keep your oil system running

If you think a clogged oil filter may be the culprit behind your car’s performance issues, Car Mods Australia can help. We stock an extensive range of aftermarket oil filters, air oil separators, oil pumps, sump oil pans, accessories and more to help you keep your oil clean and your engine purring. 

If you need help navigating our selection or aren’t sure which option is best for your vehicle, our team is here to help. Simply get in touch and we’ll talk you through the features of our stock to help you find the best fit.