Checking trapped filter residue is a useful diagnostic method
Inspecting the pleats
FILTERS
You may think that inspecting filters is not a productive exercise but Rob Marshall begs to differ, and explains why a few minutes spent checking them over will reap dividends
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Within the realm of automotive servicing, familiarity does not breed contempt. If a conscientious owner entrusts you with a vehicle for regular servicing, you will become acquainted with its condition and how it is used. Problems occur when you are faced with a vehicle, with which you are unfamiliar, especially if the fascia tell-tale is indicating skipped maintenance. If the owner cannot answer your questions, you could be lucky enough to discover its service history in the glovebox, or online. Otherwise, you could be in the dark, meaning that conducting a major service and replacing all the filters with OE quality substitutes is a good idea. However, removed filters can also reveal much about how the vehicle has been used and also its condition.
Oil Filters Valeo reports that clogged oil filters can cause a host of symptoms, including low oil pressure, increased noise, poor performance, increased emissions and even overheating. If an engine has been neglected sufficiently to cause these issues, it should be checked in greater depth for more serious damage.
