What to Know about Extended Oil Drain Intervals
Oil filters are crucial to your engine health because they are the first defense for stopping debris, dirt, and metal particles that can damage your engine. However, not all oil filters are created equal; they are manufactured differently based on their need to meet extended oil drain intervals and the quality of their components. The right oil filter for your vehicle is essential for protecting your engine. Keep reading as we discuss the components of oil filters and the different motor oils available so you can choose the correct ones for your vehicle.
Oil Filter Components
Oil filters are a small but mighty part of your vehicle’s engine system. There are several key components of oil filters that you should know:
Media: The filter media is one of the most important parts of an oil filter because it ensures that your oil is filtered. It traps contaminants from the engine oil as it passes through the filter. The filter media can be made from cellulose, synthetic fiber, or both. Filters designed for extended oil drain intervals typically use synthetic media, which provides better durability and filtration than cellulose.
Center Tube: The center tube of an oil filter helps maintain its structural integrity and lets filtered oil return to the engine. If it is strong and well-designed, it will ensure that oil flows freely without collapsing, even under high pressure.
Anti-Drainback Valve: The anti-drainback valve prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is turned off. This helps ensure enough oil is readily available when the engine is started, minimizing friction and wear.
Sealing Gasket: The sealing gasket creates a tight seal between the filter and the engine block. This helps to prevent the engine oil from leaking out, which could damage the engine by not being lubricated properly. Before installing a new oil filter, make sure to inspect its sealing gasket for damage or debris.
When performing an oil filter change, ensure you choose the correct oil filter for your specific vehicle model, such as a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Engine Oil Filter or 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Engine Oil Filter, to maintain optimal performance and engine protection.
Types of Motor Oil
The type of motor oil you choose can make a difference in the performance and longevity of your engine. There are several types of motor oil, including:
Conventional Oil: This oil is the most commonly used engine oil, as it can be formulated in various viscosity grades and quality levels. Conventional oil comes from refined crude oil and contains certain impurities. It has additives to reduce sludge, prevent corrosion, and enhance lubrication. It typically has fewer additives than synthetic oil, which helps make it less expensive. This oil is for drivers with normal driving patterns, low to average mileage, and simple engine designs. Conventional oil tends to break down faster and requires more frequent oil changes.
Synthetic Oil: Full synthetic oil is manufactured and extensively refined to remove many contaminants found in conventional oil. Synthetic oil also includes additives offering higher performance and longevity, protecting your engine against wear, corrosion, and sludge buildup. This oil is ideal for vehicles driven in high or cold temperatures and for drivers who put a lot of stress on the engine (like towing cars or driving on dirt roads often). Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil and can be used in all types of vehicles, including older and classic cars. This type of oil is much more expensive than conventional oil but has been shown to improve fuel economy and engine performance.
Synthetic Blend Oil: Synthetic blend oil is a mixture of fully synthetic and conventional oil, ranging from 10% to 30% synthetic oil. This oil contains less impurities, which may help improve longevity and reduce engine wear. It offers some of the benefits of synthetic oil, such as improved viscosity and lubrication, but at a lower cost. This oil lasts longer than conventional but not as long as fully synthetic. It also performs well at extreme temperatures and with heavy loads.
High-Mileage: High-mileage motor oil is formulated for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles on their odometer. This type of oil contains engine oil additives and conditioners that help to minimize engine oil sludge, consumption, and leaks. It’s also formulated to prevent engine wear and to protect engine components.
When selecting the appropriate oil, it’s important to consider your vehicle's needs. For example, if you drive a 2023 Genesis GV70, ensure you use the correct 2023 Genesis GV70 Engine Oil Filter for optimal filtration and protection. Similarly, a 2024 Genesis GV70 Engine Oil Filter is essential for the latest models to maintain engine health.
The best oil filter and oil for your vehicle will depend on various factors, and you should always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for recommendations. Extended oil drain intervals can be helpful and simplify maintenance, but you need to have the right combination of oil filters and oil to ensure your vehicle is protected properly.
What to Know about Extended Oil Drain Intervals
Resources
