Clogged Oil Filter? What Are The 7 Signs?

Sometimes, figuring out car troubles can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Especially in modern vehicles with all the high-tech equipment and onboard computer systems running everything. I believe that knowledge helps control frustration when dealing with unexpected car issues. Let’s review when engine noises and car stalling can lead to low oil pressure and a clogged oil filter.

Clogged Oil Filter Symptoms

Oil filters help maintain oil quality and adequate supply to your vehicle’s engine. Over time, oil accumulates tiny metal particulates and other matter from combustion. These particles accumulate in the oil filter, restricting oil flow and causing possible damage to the pump and engine components. A clogged oil filter cannot perform correctly and may create the following signs. 

• Oil Can Warning Light

Most cars have an ‘oil can’ shaped warning light on the dashboard. Check the oil levels immediately if this warning light illuminates your dashboard. Low oil pressure is only one reason this warning light triggers, so adding more oil may not completely resolve the issue.

• Low Oil Pressure

Your vehicle may also have an ‘oil pressure gauge’ that displays your engine oil level. Dropping oil pressure while driving indicates a severe problem. Pull over and check the oil level as soon as possible. If the level is ‘normal’, then a clogged oil filter may restrict the flow while driving. Another possibility could be a faulty oil pump. 

• High Oil Pressure

When the ‘oil pressure gauge’ measures the pressure before the oil filter, a clog will result in a high pressure reading. High oil pressure can cause leaks with gaskets and seals around the engine components. Therefore, oil leaks around the engine or the oil filter may result from a clogged oil filter.

• Engine Noises

When engine oil can’t flow to the necessary components due to a clogged oil filter, they grind or clang together from inadequate lubrication. This additional friction and grinding results in engine noises. Continued metal-on-metal contact creates excessive wear and tear on your vehicle’s engine. 

• Car Stalling or Hard-To-Start Engine

Low oil pressure is hazardous for your engine. In fact, many modern vehicles have a safety switch that automatically shuts off the car when the oil pressure becomes too low. A clogged oil filter may be to blame if you experience car stalling and the oil pressure light illuminates when restarting the engine.

• Overheating Engine

A clogged oil filter restricts oil flow to the engine. Since oil absorbs heat while reducing friction, a lack of oil may cause an overheating engine.

• Check Engine Light

A hard-to-start engine can arise from problems with the camshaft timing or the hydraulic valves due to insufficient oil. Vehicle performance problems like these may create engine noises, as well as trigger the check engine light on your dashboard.

What Is An Oil Life Indicator?

The oil life indicator can be very helpful in determining how old or ‘good’ your engine oil is. While it won’t tell you if your filter is clogged, it will notify you when it’s time for an oil change – based on data like mileage and oil quality. Remember, clean oil is less likely to cause a clogged oil filter. Generally, the information shows as a digital readout on the dashboard: 

• Status bar in green, yellow, or red
• Percentage of Oil Life remaining
• Symbol or icon

Automobile manufacturers gather this information in different ways. Different model vehicles may use one or both of these methods.

Algorithm-Based Data

Algorithm-based oil life indicators measure and track many factors in a mathematical formula. This ‘car math’ helps track whether your engine oil is still good, is wearing down, or requires immediate replacement. This system utilizes no sensors to monitor oil quality. Instead, it tracks data from the central onboard computer system’s powertrain control module (PCM). Engineers developed ‘car math’ to fairly accurately calculate oil life without testing the oil.

Direct-Measurement Data

Oil life indicators utilizing direct-measurement methods use sensors to test the oil and determine its remaining life based on the following conditions:

• Conductivity: Measures how easily electric current passes through the oil. The lower the electrical resistance, the more particulates are in the oil.
• Mechanical Properties: Sensors measure viscosity (how thick the oil is).
• Soot Concentration: Oil collects soot from the combustion process. Too much soot in engine oil affects lubrication and increases wear to components.
• Water Concentration: In engine oil, water droplets reduce heat absorption by lowering the boiling point and can corrode metal surfaces.

Oil Change or Clogged Oil Filter in San Diego, CA

We will quickly change your vehicle’s oil at Wentworth Automotive in San Diego County. For vehicles that use conventional oil and often drive short trips with many stops, we recommend an oil change service every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Newer vehicles using synthetic oil can go a bit longer between oil changes. It’s a good practice to schedule routine oil changes to help extend vehicle life. Additionally, our technicians will determine if a clogged oil filter is responsible for your engine noises, low oil pressure, or car stalling.

Schedule A Clogged Oil Filter Service

Give us a call at (858) 541-1044 or visit us online to schedule your next service appointment.