How Often Should I Replace My Oil Filter
The importance of ensuring your engine's oil meets your modern Cadillac engine's protection and lubrication requirements cannot be overstated.
Not all of us are automotive experts or brushed up on these technical things. We are not expected to be, but that's alright because we are here to advise.
Our article takes a close look at all that you need to know regarding such things as "How often to replace oil filter?"
What Does an Oil Filter Do?
All internal combustion engines, whether gasoline or diesel, use an oil filter to filter out contaminants or any other dirt particles that simply don't belong in your engine oil.
The presence of any contaminants causes accelerated damage. This means that clean engine oil helps prevent wear and tear and expensive repair bills.
Most modern oil filters contain filter mediums made of cellulose (paper) and/or metal mesh filtering material. Your Cadillac's engine oil is continuously circulated through the engine under pressure to lubricate all vital moving parts.
It is during this continuous journey around the engine that the oil passes through the oil filter, removing these contaminants before continuing on its journey.
Why Is an Oil Filter Important?
Having learned what an oil filter does, it's a lot easier to understand its importance.
Without an oil filter, the oil in your Cadillac's engine will very quickly turn to sludge with an accumulation of contaminants, eventually rendering the oil ineffective at providing the required friction protection and lubrication.
This means that an old oil filter that is past its prime will no longer be able to filter out damaging particles effectively, resulting in damage to internal surfaces in the engine cylinders, pistons, rings, camshafts, and bearings-in fact, any surface in your engine where there is metal-to-metal contact.
How Often to Replace Oil Filter?
During engine development, there is always collaboration between automaker engineers, oil filter manufacturers, and suppliers of various engine oil products.
This collaboration has led to auto industry-recognized and accepted oil filter replacement and engine oil replacement intervals.
Sticking to Cadillac's recommended or mandatory maintenance schedules will allow owners to enjoy problem-free driving.
Typically, a Cadillac's oil filter should be replaced every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, along with the engine oil. However, it is recommended to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the most accurate information.
General Guidelines for Oil Filter Replacement
Oil filter change intervals are also model dependent. Older vehicles may need more frequent oil filter replacements, and harsh driving conditions may also necessitate earlier oil filter replacement.
As a rule of thumb for how often to replace oil filters, it should be done every 7,500 to 10,000 miles to be safe while driving in hot, dusty desert environments, which means the oil filter will need to work harder and be replaced more frequently.
Specific Recommendations for Cadillac Models
Not all engines are the same. High-performance models like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing tend to be revved higher and harder, necessitating more frequent oil filter and oil service.
How Driving Habits Affect Replacement Frequency
Blasting through the gears at higher revs results in the engine operating at higher temperatures and requiring more oil to provide protection effectively.
This, in turn, takes its toll on the oil filter, which sees hotter oil passing through at a much faster rate, causing the filter to work harder and ultimately require earlier replacement.
As mentioned, harsh driving environments also place additional demands on the engine's lubrication system, leading to increased contamination and requiring more frequent oil filter replacements.
Seasonal Considerations: Summer vs. Winter Driving
Different seasons and temperatures affect oil performance. And, of course, different oil grades are required to cope with either extreme freezing temperatures or overly hot conditions. Changing oil for the seasons also means that replacing the oil filter at the same time is necessary and good practice.
Oil Changes vs. Oil Filter Replacement
Simply put, an oil change involves draining the old oil and filling it up with new oil, while an oil filter replacement is exactly that-removing the old filter and replacing it with a new one.
Why Oil Changes and Filter Replacements Go Hand-in-Hand
Replacing oil without replacing the filter is not good practice, as any old oil and sludge left in the filter will quickly contaminate the new oil. Plus, an old oil filter will not be able to effectively clean the new oil.
Can You Change Just the Oil Without Replacing the Filter?
Yes, however, as we have already learned, it's simply not recommended.
How to Know When It's Time to Replace Your Oil Filter
Not all Cadillacs feature an oil life monitoring system, so sticking to annual or every 7,500 to 10,000-mile oil service intervals, whichever comes first, is recommended.
Choosing the Right Oil Filter for Your Cadillac
Your Cadillac is designed to perform to specified operating standards, including the engine and the oil filter, to guarantee continued safe running.
Why Genuine Cadillac Parts Are Essential
Cadillac genuine parts are designed and manufactured to OEM standards, not just to match your Cadillac's technical requirements but to exceed them, ensuring that your engine gives you plenty of trouble-free miles.
Common Types of Oil Filters and Their Differences
There are various styles of oil filters, such as older spin-on filters that use centrifugal force to trap contaminants, cartridge filters manufactured with paper or cloth filters that can trap particles as small as one micron, and the most common modern cartridge filter, as we have already discussed.
Owners going the DIY service route should check their owner's manual to find out what type of oil filter their car needs.
Professional Help vs. DIY Replacement
If a DIY oil filter replacement is something that you are not comfortable with or if you don't have the right tools, then it's best to seek professional help for your Caddy.
Certified Cadillac service technicians, trained by Cadillac factory engineers, provide owners with expert advice and service, ensuring you don't end up with problems down the road.
Replace Your Cadillac Oil Filter at Colonial Cadillac
We hope this article answers your questions regarding how often to replace oil filters. Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT, will take care of all your service requirements, including oil filter replacement.
Our service center, with our certified technicians, offers amazing customer service to ensure that your luxury Cadillac is given the right care.
