We here at John Ellis & Son recommend that you have your oil changed if it is due before you have a smog check. Unfortunately, dirty motor oil and a clogged oil filter can make your vehicle fail the check. We are going to talk more about this below. We are also going to talk about the signs that your oil filter is clogged. It’s important to recognize the signs to avoid damaging the engine.
Reduced Performance
At first, a reduction in your engine’s performance may be subtle, but you will notice that the engine is not performing as it should be over time. The more the oil filter gets clogged the more the oil deposits grime throughout the engine. This not only reduces the engine’s performance but also causes a rise in the engine’s temperature. In severe cases, your engine may overheat.
Reduced Fuel Economy
You are also going to realize a reduction in your automobile’s fuel efficiency. Gas prices have been exorbitant over the summer here in Sacramento. The last thing you need is to fill your tank more often. Unfortunately, because a clogged oil filter affects your engine’s performance, it will also indirectly affect your gas mileage. You will need to fill the tank more often.
Poor Oil Pressure
Another thing that a clogged oil filter does is reduce the oil pressure in the engine. This can cause serious problems, so your vehicle’s main computer chip will turn on the oil light. Once this light is illuminated on the dashboard, it will not turn off until you get the oil changed. A clean oil filter is included in every oil change that we do, and this resolves the oil pressure problem.
Metallic Noises
In fact, if the oil pressure is so low that you barely have any motor oil circulating through the engine, you may start to hear grinding or metallic noises in the engine. These noises are caused by the parts grinding against each other and causing serious friction. Unfortunately, this can literally damage your engine beyond repair. Don’t drive your vehicle if you hear these noises.
Excess Hydrocarbons
Finally, the reason why a clogged oil filter will cause your vehicle to fail a smog check is that the dirty engine releases excess hydrocarbons through your vehicle’s exhaust. If your vehicle fails the smog check, you will not be able to register your automobile in the state of California.
Call John Ellis & Son in Sacramento, CA, today if you are having any of the problems discussed in this blog post. We will change your motor oil and the oil filter.
