Oil Filter Specifications

• Change your oil filter regularly to increase performance and protect your engine from damage. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

  An oil filter is an important part that protects your engine from contaminants. Impurities from the oils in your engine, transmission and hydraulic system can cause harm to your car, truck or SUV without a proper oil filter. Automobile oil filters must meet specific performance guidelines set by the Society of Automotive Engineers. In general, oil filters follow a set of universally accepted specifications that help prevent dirt, grime and oil buildup from damaging your engine.

SAE Specifications

• The Society of Automotive Engineers formulates specific tests for different types of oil and oil filters to ensure their integrity and highest-quality construction. An oil filter manufacturer can use two tests on its parts. The most common test is J806, although in recent years the J1858 test has proven more meaningful. J806 is a single-pass test that analyzes for filter life expectancy in hours, efficiency based on weight and contaminant capacity in grams. The SAE J1858 test is more in-depth, testing for contaminants before and after the filter.

Oil Filter Canister

• The oil filter sits in a canister or cartridge housing the smaller parts that make up the filter---an important element because it holds everything in place. Without the cartridge, the individual pieces would fall out or come loose during the filtering process for which it was designed. The canister contains a spring, media filter, media end cap, anti-drain back seal, base plate with inlet hole and base gasket. All these components combine to allow the oil filter to work properly, removing harmful substances from the engine.

Other Filter Components

• The media used in the oil filter is most important individual piece, as its fibers act as a mesh screen that blocks contaminant particles. The media screen allows oil to pass through while blocking out the harmful junk. The anti-drain back seal is a necessary part because it prevents leaks and oil draining back into the pan. The base plate and gasket seal tightly to the canister to increase durability and filter life. All these specifications ensure your vehicle has protection against impurities that could ruin your engine. Changing your oil and oil filter regularly increases engine life and vehicle performance.