The oil filter has a very crucial impact on the engine. It can be said that it is one of the "guardians" of the engine's healthy operation. Its main functions and influences are reflected in the following aspects:

Filter impurities and keep the engine oil clean:
Core function: The main task of the oil filter is to remove various impurities from the engine oil, such as metal shavings (from the wear of piston rings, bearings and other components), carbon deposits, sludge, moisture and dust entering from the outside.
Impact: Clean engine oil can better form an effective oil film between the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and wear. If a large amount of impurities are mixed into the engine oil, these hard particles will scratch the surface of the components, accelerate wear and shorten the engine's lifespan.

Protect the key components of the engine:
Specific impact: If the harmful particles filtered out enter precision components such as the crankshaft, connecting rod bearings, cylinder walls, piston rings, hydraulic tutts, and valve mechanisms, it can cause severe scratches, scratches, and even jamming. Clean engine oil can protect these high-value and high-precision components to the greatest extent.

Maintain the performance of engine oil and ensure the lubrication effect:
Impact: The lubricating, cooling, cleaning and sealing performance of contaminated engine oil will all decline. The filter indirectly maintains the best performance of the engine oil by keeping it clean, ensuring that the oil can effectively lubricate all surfaces that need lubrication, remove heat, and help clean the interior of the engine.

Extend the service life of the engine:
Long-term impact: By continuously and effectively filtering impurities and reducing internal wear of the engine, the oil filter is one of the key factors in extending the overall service life of the engine. Regularly replacing the filter can significantly reduce the frequency of major engine overhauls.

Affect fuel economy and power output:
Indirect impact: Wear of internal engine parts will increase frictional losses, leading to higher fuel consumption and a decrease in power output. Keeping the engine oil clean and reducing wear helps maintain good fuel economy and power performance.

Prevent clogging of the oil passage and oil pump:
Impact: If some larger impurities are not filtered out, they may clog the tiny oil passages or oil filter screens, and even damage the oil pump. The filter can effectively intercept these particles and ensure the smoothness of the oil passage.

In conclusion, although the oil filter is just a small component, it plays a crucial role in the engine lubrication system. Its effective operation is directly related to the quality of the engine oil, which in turn affects the lubrication, heat dissipation and cleaning effects of the engine, and ultimately determines the performance, efficiency and lifespan of the engine.

Therefore, following the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations, regularly replacing the oil filter with qualified quality is an equally important maintenance item as changing the engine oil. Using inferior or expired filters, or not replacing them for a long time, can cause serious damage to the engine.