As time passes, foreign materials can build up, preventing even the most effective car oil filter kits from doing their job. When this occurs, the oil system's built-in filter bypass mechanism takes charge, ignoring the clogged filter. Consequently, the engine's moving parts may encounter heated oil contaminated with foreign substances and dirt, a situation you want to avoid.
When foreign material contaminates the oil due to a dirty, clogged car oil filter, it fails to reach essential engine components needed for lubrication. Consequently, metal-to-metal contact between moving parts accelerates wear and tear, potentially leading to overheating and component mix-up, which can stop the engine from functioning.
Changing the car oil filter at proper intervals can avert this problem and avoid pricey engine replacement.
It's crucial to change your car's oil filter whenever you replace the engine oil to maintain engine efficiency and longevity. This maintenance task is essential for the proper filtration of contaminants and for preserving engine health.
How often should you change your car's oil filter? While it is a simple question, opinions on the matter can vary. Typically, automobile manufacturers suggest replacing oil filters alongside engine oil changes. There's a consensus among manufacturers that engine oil and its components should be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 kilometres. Some mechanics recommend frequent engine oil and oil filter changes, mainly if your car is driven in harsh conditions or extreme temperatures or regularly hauls heavy loads.
Identifying a malfunctioning oil filter can be challenging, so it's wise to replace it regularly as a preventative measure. However, if your engine behaves strangely, overheats, experiences low oil pressure, or leaks oil, it's likely time to inspect or replace the oil filter. A general guideline is to replace car oil filters every 3 to 6 months. Remember that the frequency of oil filter changes also depends on the type of engine oil and oil filter you use. Always refer to the car manufacturer's recommendations for proper oil filter servicing intervals.
Similar to your car's air, fuel, and cabin air filters, it's essential to periodically replace oil filters to ensure your car's efficient operation.
Western Filters has broadened its product lineup to include various automotive parts and accessories. Our expansive selection includes high-quality filters for various SUVs, four-wheel drives, utes, cars, machinery, trucks, tractors, and other equipment. We offer premium brands at highly competitive prices. Enquire at Western Filters for premium automotive and industrial air, fuel, and oil filters from the choicest brands. Call us on (02) 9831 1715.
]]>You'll want to keep your dog leashed when you're in a new area. Dogs can be very excited when they are first let out of the car, so keeping them on a leash will help ensure that they don't run off and cause any problems. It's also important not to let them chase or harass other animals that may be nearby.
After you've been at your camp site for a while and have gotten comfortable with the surroundings, it's okay to let your pup off their leash as long as they aren't close to any wildlife or running around too much. Just make sure that you take precautions during this time so that no one gets hurt!
●Make sure your dog is allowed. This one's a no-brainer, but it's important to check before you go. If the campground doesn't allow pets, it's not going to be fun for either of you. Call ahead and ask if dogs are allowed at your destination (and what breed restrictions they have in place), or check the campground's website for information on its pet policies.
●Look for reviews online. If none of this has been enough to make up your mind, there are plenty of other sources out there that might help give some insight into what kind of experience you can expect when camping with your pup. Check Yelp reviews or other online reviews sites like TripAdvisor; they should give good insight into whether dogs are even allowed at all and what kind of facilities are available onsite (if any).
●Research local laws regarding dogs in national parks and state parks
●Make sure your dog wears an ID tag with your information on it. If you are worried about getting separated from your dog, consider a GPS tracker for him or her as well.
●Bring a photo of yourself in case you get separated from your pooch. This is helpful if the person who finds the lost animal can't contact you (or vice versa). If possible, take photos of both of you together so that people know it's not just some random stray dog looking for love!
●Make sure all of this personal information is included on their ID tags: full name and contact info for both parties; whether or not there's any medical conditions; any dietary requirements/allergies; etc.
It's important to research the weather for your campsite before you go. This way, you'll know what kind of clothing to pack and what gear might be necessary. It's also good to look into which campsites are dog-friendly so that you can plan ahead for those types of accommodations.
If it's raining, make sure your pup has a waterproof coat—and if it's cold, make sure they have warm winter gear like boots and sweaters as well! If it's hot outside during hiking season, be sure that they're protected from UV rays with an umbrella or sun hat (yes, these exist).
Reflectors are an inexpensive and easy way to make your dog more visible to people driving at night. They’re available in pet stores or online, as well as made at home with reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark paint. You can also use a reflective dog collar, harness, or vest if you prefer those options.
When it comes to backpacking with a dog, there are some adjustments that need to be made. Your dog needs to carry their own gear, and you will want to keep your pack weight as light as possible. A heavy pack can cause pain and discomfort in the back and shoulders if you're not used to carrying loads for long periods of time—and nobody wants that!
There are many lightweight backpacking gear options on the market now that can make all the difference in whether or not your hike is enjoyable. There are also quite a few specialty companies making products specifically for use with dogs that have plenty of features designed specifically for dogs' comfort and ease of use.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not packing enough water and food for your dog. If you don't have enough food and water, then your dog may try to eat the extra food that you packed just in case. However, if it's something strange to them (like rice cakes or peanut butter), they might not eat it at all!
For this reason, I recommend bringing twice as much of everything as you think you'll need:
●Water: 8 gallons per day for every person in your group. So if there are four people going camping with dogs, bring 8 gallons of water total. This includes both fresh-water bottles plus purification tablets in case one runs out unexpectedly (which happens more often than one would like).
●Food: Bring whatever type of food works best for your pup. For example I personally prefer canned wet-foods because my little guy gets really excited about them; but most other people would prefer dry kibble since it's cheaper overall cost per meal ($2-$4 vs $10-$15).
●Before you leave, make sure your dog is up to date on its vaccinations. This will keep your pooch protected from several diseases, including rabies and distemper.
●Even though dogs don't get colds or the flu (like humans), they can still get sick while camping! Make sure your dog's health is in tip-top shape by giving it vitamins every day before you leave. Vitamins also help with healthy skin, coat and eyesight—all things that'll make it happier when it camps out with you!
First Aid Kit
●A good first aid kit is essential for camping with your dog. The kit should include items for allergies, bites and stings, cuts and burns as well as a splint. It's also important to make sure you have the right supplies if your dog suffers from serious injuries like broken bones. If you don't have a first aid kit on hand, it would be good idea to buy one or make your own based on instructions from books or websites
Heartworm prevention medicine should be given once a month, year-round. The combination of heartworm and flea and tick medicine is often used to save money. However, if you only have your dog on this medication during the summer months when ticks are most prevalent and riskier to leave untreated (they can transmit Lyme disease), then you’ll need to switch him or her over to a monthly preventative with no other medications.
Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes who bite an infected animal and then bite another dog or cat, passing on the infection in their saliva. The larvae can take up to six months (or longer) before they develop into adult worms that live in the arteries around your pet’s heart and lungs where they grow up until they reach about 18 cm long by 7cm wide—and then begin reproducing!
Familiarise yourself with poisonous plants and dangerous animals in the area where you'll be camping. Be on the lookout for these plants if you're hiking through wooded areas or fields that are overgrown.
If you're camping near any areas with dangerous animals, keep your dog leashed at all times when outdoors (except for designated off-leash areas). Also make sure to carry a first aid kit when hiking with your dog so that if they get bitten by an animal or sting from an insect they can be immediately treated by a qualified professional who has been trained on how to deal with such situations.
●Bring along something from home that will help your dog feel comfortable, like a blanket or a toy.
●This isn't essential, but it can be helpful. If you have something that smells like home for your pooch—a toy, blanket or even just a shirt with your scent on it—it can help them feel calm and secure in their new environment.
If you have the opportunity to bring your dog along with you when camping, by all means do it. It's a great way for them to get used to new experiences and see what life outside of the house is like. If this is something that interests you, there are some things you'll want to consider before bringing your four-legged friend on an outing. Not all dogs are ready for camping right away; they may need some time at home first.
First and foremost, be aware of any dangers that might exist at the campsite where you're going. Dogs are more susceptible than humans when it comes to being injured by wild animals such as snakes —or even other people if they're not properly supervised while out in public areas like parks or hiking trails—so make sure that nothing unexpected happens while exploring outdoors!
Additionally, if your pup isn't comfortable outdoors yet then don't force him/her into that environment just yet! Some breeds seem less inclined towards adventuring than others (think pugs) but most can become accustomed after spending time together during weekend getaways without any major setbacks occurring during those trips either way so don't worry too much about it yet...
We all love our dogs, and I’m sure your dog is no exception. Whether you’re a first-time camper with your pup or an old hand, hopefully these tips will help make your experience one to remember!
]]>Cape York 4WD is an amazing track for the whole family. You can travel with a caravan or camper trailer and take your dog with you, there are many places where the kids can swim in the creek and explore, and it’s a great place for fishing.
There are also opportunities to go snorkeling and diving in some of Australia’s most pristine waters.
● Distance:* The Gibb River Road is over 600 km long and can take up to five days to complete.
● Time:* Because of its length, you may need more than one day to drive the track. It also depends on which areas you choose to explore and whether you want to stay overnight at one of the designated camping sites along the way.
● Nearest town:* Derby (population 4000), which is approximately 6 hours away from Perth and 2 hours from Kununurra by road (and just over an hour by air).
A permit is required for travel along this track during certain times of year; please check with your local Department of Parks & Wildlife office if you are planning a visit. Please note that permits are not always available during peak holiday periods so be sure ahead of time if they are available at all times or only when there's space left on tours or other transportation options such as private 4WD hire companies who will drive you along this route instead! If there isn't space available then I would look into other excursions in Australia instead since it would probably be easier for them anyway...but make sure before trying again because sometimes it's worth waiting another year if necessary!
The Oodnadatta Track is one of the most famous 4WD tracks in Australia, and it’s easy to see why. This remote route runs through the heart of the Outback from Marree to Alice Springs and includes some spectacular scenery. It takes about seven hours to drive across this remote region, but as you can see from this photo gallery, there’s plenty to see along the way!
● Visit Oodnadatta Ghost Town
● See Lake Eyre at its lowest level ever recorded
● Camp at Pink Lakes (with your own camper van!) or stay in accommodation with facilities
● Hire a vehicle with a guide who knows their way around here if needed
● Get fuel before making your way down here - petrol stations are few and far between!
If you're planning a day trip to the Blue Mountains, be sure to pack your climbing gear. The region's trails range from easy to advanced and are some of the best 4WD tracks in Australia. You'll have plenty of time for activities like hiking, camping, or just exploring the area's picturesque forests and rivers. Plus, if you're interested in learning more about Aboriginal culture or ancient rock-art sites that date back thousands of years (including some found within Katoomba), there are plenty of opportunities for that as well.
The Blue Mountains have been inhabited for millennia by the Gundungurra people, now represented by the Gundungurra Tribal Council Aboriginal Corporation based in Katoomba, and, in the lower Blue Mountains, by the Darug people, now represented by the Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation.
The first documented use of the name Blue Mountains appears in Captain John Hunter's account of Phillip's 1789 expedition up the Hawkesbury River. Describing the events of about 5 July, Hunter wrote: "We frequently, in some of the reaches which we passed through this day, saw very near us the hills, which we suppose as seen from Port Jackson, and called by the governor the Blue Mountains." During the nineteenth century the name was commonly applied to the portion of the Great Dividing Range from about Goulburn in the south to the Hunter Valley in the north, but in time it came to be associated with a more limited area.
The Binns Track is the longest 4WD track in Australia, and follows the original Gunbarrel Highway route constructed by Len Beadell. It was built in the 1960s, but never fully finished due to lack of money.
The track is more than 1000km long and takes around 7-10 days to drive from Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway down through central Australia all the way to Warburton on Australia’s west coast—and it's remote! Make sure you are prepared for self-sufficiency when visiting this part of your country.
Australia is a country that offers an abundance of off-road tracks, with each one offering a unique experience. From the variety of different vehicles that can be used on each track to the skill level required to complete them, Australia’s off-road tracks are sure to have something for everyone.
Trails by Trailblazer are some of Australia’s most popular four wheel drive tracks and range from easy (beginner) right through to extreme (advanced). While some trails take only half an hour, others require several hours at a time or even days! The cost also varies depending on what type of vehicle you want to use but generally starts at around AUD$90 per person for an afternoon tour or even more if you want something more long term like camping out overnight in nature. This can sometimes include meals as well as equipment rental costs if needed (such as chainsaws).
But if you are still not convinced that 4WD touring is for you, I challenge you to spend a week in the great Australian bush and tell me that at the end of that week you don’t want to start planning your next trip.
]]>If you haven't heard of ProVent catch can kits, you're not alone. With every passing year there are countless advances in automotive technology that go completely unnoticed by the average person, even if they happen to be car owners themselves. This particular piece of technology is one of those things. In this post we'll take a look at what a catch can is and explain why it's something you should have installed on your pickup truck or sports utility vehicle (SUV).
A catch can is exactly what it sounds like: a can that catches things. In this case, oil and other contaminants are caught in the can instead of being returned to the engine. This prevents oil from entering the intake manifold and keeps your intercooler or turbo clean from oily build-up.
●Using a catch can to filter out oil from engine blow by has incredible benefits. The most important? It protects your vehicle’s engine from damage. Not only will you increase the lifespan of your engine, but you’ll also experience improved performance, fuel economy and reduced noise.
●You want to protect your engine from damage caused by excess oil consumption and buildup
●Your vehicle is older or high-mileage and uses excessive amounts of oil
●You want to improve fuel economy
●You want to improve vehicle performance
●You want to reduce engine noise
What is a catch can?
A catch can is a small tank that connects to your car's engine and, true to its name, catches all the oil blow-by and other unwanted gunk that would otherwise gum up the intake system.
The main purpose of a catch can is to collect oil that is released from your engine during normal operation. In the past, this oil would end up in the intake system and lower your car's efficiency and performance. Over time, it would also lead to build-up on your valves which causes reduced horsepower and could even void your warranty (if you still have one). A catch can will prevent these problems by collecting excess oil as it builds up in your engine and keeping it out of the intake system.
The Provent 200 by Mann & Hummel, uses technology originally used by the compressed air industry, where clean dry air must be 100% oil free !
The Provent oil separator or catch can is plumbed into the line between the outlet of the top of the crankcase to the air intake after the air filter. Western Filters have developed over 40 vehicle specific kits to make the job of fitting them directly to your 4wd or turbo diesel ute a breeze !
If you’re the hands-on type or want to customize your catch can solution, then a universal catch can kit like ProVent is for you.
ProVent 200 and ProVent 400 catch cans are designed specifically for use with diesel engines, but it doesn’t matter if you drive a Ford, Nissan, Toyota or any other brand. This kind of universal kit gives you the ability to install it yourself on any engine and on any vehicle. It comes with everything you need for the install: brackets, hoses and all necessary fittings.
With this kind of catch can kit, there’s no need to worry about finding matching fittings as they come included in the package. No need to worry about customizing mounting points either – they come included in different sizes so they fit all vehicles
Save money by installing a catch can in your car. You'll be doing something very good for your vehicle. At least twice as much crankcase blow-by is fed back into the engine, which will increase the oil consumption and decrease the fuel economy. The blow-by also leaves deposits on internal surfaces that degrade rings and cylinder liners, increasing oil consumption and decreasing fuel economy even more!
The ProVent Catch Can kit will remove more than 95% of harmful blow-by from entering your crankcase before it has a chance to contaminate vital components with abrasive carbon sludge, while providing clean fresh air to your engine.
]]>It's easy to forget, but don't forget your hazard lights. You've probably been driving for a long time and are used to just turning them on when it's necessary. But if you're getting stuck in traffic, or waiting for help after hitting something, turn them on as soon as possible! If you have a flashing red triangle, place that out in front of the vehicle so that other drivers can see it more easily (and learn not to run over it). If not, flares can be effective too; place them alongside the road where they'll be visible from both directions if there isn't much traffic coming toward you on either side of the highway. If nothing else is available—or if this advice is being given after dark—put something bright out there like a shirt or towel tied onto branches or whatever else can be used as a flagging device without being dangerous itself (towels are usually best since they're light enough to stay put).
●Don't leave the car unless absolutely necessary.
●Make sure no one else is in the car with you before leaving. If you're alone, leave a message for someone to check on you; if others are with you, stay together as a group until help arrives.
If you find yourself in an area where there is no mobile reception, don't try to walk out of the area. The last thing you want to do is get lost and find yourself miles from civilization with no way of getting help. Stay in your car and stay on the phone with the tow truck driver. If possible, pull over onto a wide shoulder so that any other cars driving by can see your hazard lights (and avoid hitting them).
Don't get out of your car on a roadway without making sure you're not going to be in danger. If so, stop somewhere safe and visible before turning off your engine and getting out.
Look for a rest area, gas station or other similar location where there is room to pull over safely. You don't want to be stuck on a side road with no way off!
Do call a tow truck service as soon as possible.
●Call the police if you are in an unsafe situation.
●Call your insurance company if you have roadside assistance.
●Call a friend or family member if you don't have roadside assistance.
If you have a roadside assistance plan through your insurance or car manufacturer, don't hesitate to call them. You'll want to keep track of the exact time that you called and how long it took for help to arrive in case there are any billing issues later on.
Other than that, if you haven't called anyone yet just sit tight and wait for help to come. If calling someone hasn't been an option, don't try walking home—it's probably going to take longer than waiting at the side of the road where help is likely coming soon anyway!
The tow truck driver will likely want to know your location in order to be able to find you, so if it changes, let them know. If you're unable or unwilling to speak with the driver directly (for instance, if they don't have a working phone), ask someone else who does have one—such as a passenger or another driver on the road who can relay information. In any case, give them your contact info if you have it available and provide any other details about the problem that might be helpful for them—like the make and model of your car or whether there are any hazards on the road ahead that could impede their progress.
When you’re stuck on the side of the road, there are a few things that you should always have with you in case of an emergency. While it’s not necessary to have all of these items at all times, having them when needed will make a bad situation much more manageable. Here are some things to keep with you:
●Your car keys. If your car breaks down and you don't have your key fob or keys inside the vehicle, it can be very difficult for anyone who wants to help get into your vehicle and help fix it.
●Your cell phone and charger (or a backup battery). If something happens while driving where one cannot call for help by themselves (and most people use their phones as their GPS), it's good practice to carry along something that can charge their phone so they'll still be able to reach out when needed! You should also know how long it takes until fully charged again so if this happens while driving somewhere far away from home or work location then there won't be any wasted time figuring out where exactly we need assistance from first place which saves precious minutes here too."
Even though you may feel embarrassed or frustrated by the situation, there are ways to turn it around and make the most of your car troubles. By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your breakdown experience is safe, pleasant and even kind of fun.
]]>If you're going to be driving in the outback, it's important to choose a route that's higher ground. That way, if your car gets stuck, you'll be able to call for help and get pulled out easily.
Higher ground routes may include:
● Roads with no vehicles or few vehicles on them (especially if they have tracks).
● Roads through low-lying areas (such as cattle stations).
● Dirt tracks that lead from one town or property to another.
It is possible that these roads will end up being quite bumpy, so make sure your car can handle this kind of terrain before setting off on such an adventure!
A tyre pressure gauge is a worthwhile investment. You can use it to check the pressure in your tyres, footballs and many other items. They're not expensive and can be bought at most service stations and automotive stores.
The Outback is a big place, and it can be difficult to find your way around. If you're travelling along a track in your 2WD car and find yourself hopelessly lost, don't be afraid to turn around and double back on your own tracks until you find a landmark that looks familiar.
Turning around won't make you feel like a failure—in fact, it's better than driving off into the sunset without knowing where you're going! The point of travelling through remote areas is not to test your endurance or risk getting lost—it's about exploring new areas and having fun doing it!
It's important to prepare for the worst. You can't always anticipate what's around the bend, and it pays to be prepared for anything. If you do get stuck, don't panic! Be ready to act and adapt to the situation—you have a plan in place if you get stuck? If not, now is definitely the time for that conversation with your passengers about how each of them will handle calling for help and/or staying safe while waiting for rescue.
There are plenty of resources available online that can teach you about driving off road safely so make sure you read up on them before hitting the road. And remember: we're all here because we love it so much; don't be afraid to ask someone else who knows more than you do if they think something might end up being too much challenge (or just plain dangerous) for our little car or its occupants!
● Know how to use a shovel, recovery tracks and if possible a winch. If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or snow, you will need a way to extract it. A shovel can help dig out some of the material that is keeping you from moving; however, for more stubborn situations it might be necessary to use a winch.
● Have spare tyres and tools that make changing them easier if needed.
● Travel in groups of more than 2 and have another vehicle with people who know how to drive it ready for when yours gets stuck so they can help pull it out or tow you back into civilization if needed!
● Make sure someone has knowledge of how to operate any satellite phone available on site before heading out into remote areas where cell coverage is poor - this includes both making calls and sending text messages!
● Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. You don't want to get stuck in the Outback or break down, so it's important to be prepared for anything. Make sure you have a first aid kit in your car and that you know how to use it before going on long journeys. Be aware of weather conditions and road conditions so that if there is an emergency on your journey you'll know what to do.
● Plan ahead! If possible, make sure someone knows where you are going, when they should next expect contact from you, and how long it will take them (if at all possible) to reach you if a problem arises.
If you want to explore the outback successfully in your 2WD car, then you need to be prepared for the possibility that your vehicle may get stuck.
You also need to be prepared for the possibility that you might need to call for assistance.
You should also make sure that you are carrying a spare tyre, tyre jack and wheel brace (and know how to use them) in case of a puncture or blowout.
Lastly, always have enough fuel in case of an emergency such as running out of petrol on a remote road with no mobile reception!
You should now have a good idea of how to drive in the outback and what kind of safety measures to take. If you're not sure whether or not your vehicle will be up for it, then give us a call or visit one of our many locations around Australia and we'll be happy to help! You could also consider hiring one from us instead - with our extensive network of stores located across
]]>Many people don’t realise the inherent differences between different types of oil filters. When someone needs a new oil filter, it’s not uncommon for that person to assume that any filter will do. After all, just about every oil filter or oil filter kit looks exactly the same—at least on the outside.
The truth of the matter, though, is that quality does matter. While different oil filters might look more or less identical on the outside, their interior qualities are where most of the differences lie. Specifically, different filters use different types of filtration media to keep the oil in your vehicle or equipment clean.
The filtration media is the key component to any oil filter. The fibres used in this media will essentially determine how well the oil filter performs. Cheaper filters will use lower quality fibres in their filtration media. While these filters might look the same as what you would find in a more expensive oil filter kit, you will notice their cheapness in terms of performance. Less efficient than more expensive higher quality filters, these cheap contraptions won’t collect as many foreign particles. As a result, those particles will be allowed to float around in your motor oil.
As you might expect, using cheaper oil filters is something that will have several unwanted consequences in the long run. First off, when you use cheap oil filter kits, they don’t do as much work to keep your oil clean. Thus, you will need to change the oil in your car, truck or equipment on a more frequent basis. Secondly, with more foreign particles in your oil, you run the risk of damaging your oil pump and your engine. Damage may not occur straight away, but over a period of time it will.
A higher quality oil filter won’t let either of these things happen. Instead, it will trap 99% of foreign particles (if not more), keeping your oil cleaner for longer. As a result, you will be able to drive further between oil changes, or use your equipment for longer without having to worry about draining and changing out the oil. In addition, the cleaner oil will be easier on the internal components of your machine—a good thing no matter who you are.
The bottom line? You shouldn’t settle for cheaper, lower quality oil filters when you can get something better. At Western Filters, we don’t sell cheap parts. Instead, our stock is all quality, all the time. Start shopping with us today to find the right oil filter kit at the right price. We stock K&N, Baldwin, Heatguard, Werfil, Cooper and more. If you need help finding an oil filter for your car, truck or equipment, feel free to give us a call on (02) 9831 1715.
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In Baldwin's July Newsletter they are highlighting there latest products.
Check them out: Baldwin's Latest Products >
or read the Newsletter in full here: Baldwin Newsletter July 2015 >