Here's a question: How often should you change your oil filter? If you're wondering what's in that little round can called the oil filter, take a look. Those manila envelope-colored parts you see are the outer edges of the material that trap contaminants that can clog and damage the working parts of your vehicle's engine.

If you check your vehicle's owner's manual, you may see that you are recommended to change the oil at certain intervals based on month and mileage, and you may find that the manufacturer recommends that you change the filter every other oil change. You may have a relative, neighbor or friend telling you that their oil filter changes take longer - maybe a year or more. They'll tell you it saves money.

It’s a safe bet none of them are mechanics or engine parts manufacturers.

Engine oil works best when it is as pure and clean as possible. Grit, dirt, sludge or (as this may happen) metal particles from inside the engine can all increase friction in the lubrication. Friction creates heat, and heat can cause premature engine wear.

Then there's what the oil filter is trying to capture. Larger debris will eventually block the entrance. Think about a blood clot in your body. You could have a stroke, right? Replace your heart with your engine and you get the picture. The longer the time between filter changes, the more contaminants are trapped within the oil filter, making the filter less efficient. It's like a furnace filter for your home. If too much time passes between replacements, your HVAC system will begin to strain. A clogged filter starves it of clean air. The same goes for your vehicle's engine and oil filter.

SO, HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR OIL FILTER?

The cheapest insurance for your car's engine is frequent oil changes - using a new filter every time you change the oil. This prevents any material that might be expelled from the old filter from contaminating your new, clean oil and ensures that the new oil does its best job of lubricating engine components, reducing wear, and keeping operating temperatures within the proper range. Healthy range.

If you're wondering how often you should change your oil filter, you can make things easier by replacing your oil filter every time you change your engine oil. Following this schedule may cost you more money, but it will save your engine from becoming clogged with dirt, sludge, or large metal debris.