It’s important to take good care of the engine to keep your motorcycle running well. A central concept of this care is to get an appropriate oil filter. This oil filter assists in preventing the buildup of grime and other unhealthy particles from settling in the engine oil.
Car and motorcycle oil filters may sound like they perform the same function, but there is a difference. For example, if one applies a car’s oil filter on a motorcycle engine, there is trouble ahead. Here, we’ll tell you why you should never use an incorrect oil filter on your motorcycle or at least act to clarify why that is so.
At Fubex Lubricants, we know how important it is to keep your motorcycle engine in great shape with the right oil filter and engine oil.
Why Using the Right Oil Filter Matters
Oil filters prevent bad dirt and other small particles from entering an automobile’s engine. When your engine oil is circulating through the engine, it gathers stuff such as dust, metal shavings and other nasty stuff that could damage the engine. The filter stops these impurities so that the oil is kept clean.
But a motorcycle’s engine and a car’s engine are two different things. Each has different requirements for the oil delivery system in the engine and the amount of pressure required to suit the engine.
The best option is to use the oil filter designed specifically for your motorcycle. If you get the wrong one, like a car oil filter, the motorcycle’s engine may not get sufficient oil or clean oil, and this will cause some rough dealing.
How Motorcycle Oil Filters and Car Oil Filters Are Different
Even though they look alike, car oil filters and motorcycle oil filters are not the same. Here are some key differences:
Oil Flow and Pressure
Motorcycle engines usually run at higher speeds (called RPMs) and need oil to move quickly and smoothly through the engine. Car engines work differently and don’t need oil to flow as fast.
If you use a car oil filter on a motorcycle, the oil might not flow correctly, causing pressure problems. This means the engine won’t get the oil it needs to stay lubricated, and parts like the piston and cylinder can get damaged.
Bypass Valve
Oil filters have a part called a bypass valve that lets oil keep moving even if the filter gets clogged. However, the bypass valve in car filters and motorcycle filters is set to work at different pressures.
If you put a car oil filter on a motorcycle, the valve might open at the wrong time, letting dirty oil through or blocking oil from flowing altogether, which can damage your engine.
Filter Material
Motorcycle oil filters are made to catch smaller particles than car oil filters. Car filters are designed to trap bigger things like metal shavings, which are more common in cars.
Using a car filter in a motorcycle means smaller harmful particles might not get filtered out, which can damage the engine.
What Happens if You Use a Car Oil Filter on a Motorcycle?
Using a car oil filter on your motorcycle can lead to several problems. Here’s what could happen:
Clogging and Reduced Oil Flow
Oil car filters are not designed to trap the particles that a motorcycle filter is expected to trap. This means they can clog more often when incorporated into a motorcycle.
A clogged filter hinders oil from circulating and can cause an engine to overheat, and the moving parts start to rub without sufficient oil. This could lead to major engine damage.
Oil Pressure Problems
Car oil filters are different from motorcycles because they need different oil pressure. If the oil pressure is wrong, sufficient oil will not be supplied to the motorcycle’s engine, which will cause the piston’s abrasion on the cylinder. This will wear out the engine in the long run and cause the car to break or function suboptimally at best.
Decreased Engine Performance
When your engine doesn’t get enough clean oil, it doesn’t run as well. Dirty oil can cause important engine parts to wear out faster. This makes the engine perform worse and might even shorten its life.
Wear and Tear on Engine Parts
If dirty oil circulates through the engine because of the wrong filter, it can wear down essential parts like valves, cylinders, and pistons. Over time, this can cause serious damage to the engine and lead to expensive repairs.
Higher Fuel Consumption
When your engine isn’t running smoothly, it has to work harder. This means your motorcycle will use more fuel than usual, costing you more money to keep it going.
Engine Damage
If the wrong oil filter is used too long, it can lead to complete engine failure. The engine may stop working, and fixing it could be very expensive.
Bottom Line
The wrong oil filter, including the car’s oil filter, can be highly damaging to the motorcycle’s engine. Everything from blockages and pressure drops to reduced efficiency and even higher fuel consumption becomes possible.
In all circumstances, one should always opt for an oil filter that is recommended for the motorcycle. At Fubex Lubricants, we want your motorcycle to run perfectly smoothly – it starts with the right filter and quality oil.
To keep your engine safe and to extend its performance, it is important to stick on the right oil filter for the bike. This is one of the most effective and easier ways to protect yourself from even bigger issues in the future!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use an automotive oil filter with my motorcycle engine oil without experiencing any negative consequences?
Ans: You shouldn’t use a car oil filter on your motorcycle. Car and motorcycle engines are different, and using a car filter can cause issues like oil leaks, pressure problems, or even damage to your motorcycle’s engine. It’s always best to use the filter made for your motorcycle to avoid these problems.
Q2: How can I identify if an automotive oil filter is compatible with my motorcycle engine oil?
Ans: However, it is not clear if the filter works with your motorcycle; consult the manufacturer’s manual or the manufacturer of your bike. They will inform you of the appropriate filter to use. Every motorcycle requires a particular type of filter, depending on the engine type, and any wrong filter causes problems. Maintaining a good motorcycle performance is necessary by using the one specific for motorcycles.
Q3: What are the potential risks of using a mismatched oil filter in my motorcycle engine?
Ans: If you use the wrong oil filter, it might not fit properly, which can cause oil to leak or disrupt the oil pressure. Sometimes, the wrong filter can even fall off! An oil leak isn’t just a problem—it can harm your engine. If your engine runs out of oil, it can get seriously damaged or stop working completely.
