The Benefits of Using Car Oil Catch Can Kits
As car enthusiasts, we often spend a lot of time and money on making our cars perform better, whether it's through adding horsepower, improving handling, or upgrading the overall look of our vehicles. However, there is one crucial aspect that is often overlooked when it comes to maintaining our cars – the oil system. This is where car oil catch can kits come into play. These simple yet effective devices can have a significant impact on your car's performance and longevity. In this article, we'll dive into the benefits of using car oil catch can kits and why they should be a part of your regular car maintenance routine.
Understanding Car Oil Catch Can Kits
Before we get into the benefits, let's first understand what car oil catch can kits are and how they work. Essentially, an oil catch can is a container that is placed in the engine bay of your car to collect the oil vapors that are released from your crankcase ventilation system. The oil vapors are then directed into the catch can, where they condense back into liquid form and are prevented from entering your engine. This process not only keeps your engine clean but also helps to reduce the buildup of harmful carbon deposits and contaminants.
The Components of a Car Oil Catch Can Kit
A typical car oil catch can kit consists of three main components – the catch can, hoses, and fittings. The catch can is usually made of aluminum or stainless steel and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It has an inlet and outlet, and sometimes a drain valve for easy emptying. The hoses connect the catch can to the crankcase ventilation system and allow the oil vapors to flow into the catch can. Lastly, the fittings are used to secure the hoses and catch can in place.
Installation Process of Car Oil Catch Can Kits
Installing a car oil catch can kit is relatively straightforward and can be done by anyone with basic car knowledge. Most kits come with detailed instructions, and there are also plenty of tutorials and videos available online to guide you through the process. In general, the catch can is mounted in the engine bay near the crankcase ventilation system, and the hoses are connected from the engine to the catch can. It's a simple yet effective modification that can have numerous benefits for your car.
The Benefits of Using Car Oil Catch Can Kits
Now that we understand how car oil catch can kits work, let's look at the benefits they offer.
Increased Engine Performance
One of the main benefits of using a car oil catch can kit is increased engine performance. As mentioned earlier, the catch can prevents oil vapors from entering your engine, which can lead to the buildup of harmful carbon deposits. These deposits can cause issues such as reduced power, poor fuel economy, and even engine failure. By keeping your engine clean, a catch can helps to maintain optimal performance and prolong the life of your engine.
Improved Fuel Economy
With the rise in gas prices, fuel economy has become a top priority for many car owners. A clean engine means better fuel combustion, resulting in improved fuel economy. In addition, the removal of oil vapors also reduces the amount of unburned fuel that is wasted, further improving fuel efficiency.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Regularly cleaning or replacing your air filters and spark plugs can be costly, but with a catch can, you can significantly reduce these costs. By preventing oil vapors from entering your engine, the catch can helps to keep your air filters and spark plugs clean, thus extending their lifespan. This not only saves you money in the long run but also reduces the hassle of having to constantly replace these parts.
Environmentally Friendly
We all want to do our part in reducing our carbon footprint, and using a car oil catch can kit is one way to achieve that. By preventing oil vapors from entering the atmosphere, a catch can helps to reduce harmful emissions and keeps our air clean.
Easy Maintenance
Most catch cans are designed with easy maintenance in mind. They come with drain valves that allow you to empty the collected oil quickly. Some kits even have sight glasses, so you can easily monitor the amount of oil inside the catch can. With regular maintenance, your catch can will continue to function effectively, providing you with all the benefits mentioned above.
Types of Car Oil Catch Can Kits
There are two main types of car oil catch can kits – baffled and non-baffled. Baffled catch cans are more effective at separating oil vapors from air and are recommended for high-performance vehicles. Non-baffled catch cans are suitable for everyday vehicles and provide sufficient protection against carbon buildup. It's essential to choose the right type of catch can based on your car's needs and usage.
Baffled Catch Cans
Baffled catch cans use a series of chambers and plates to trap oil vapors and prevent them from escaping into the atmosphere. The chambers also help to cool down the oil vapors, allowing them to condense back into liquid form before they reach the outlet. These catch cans are highly efficient and recommended for cars with forced induction or high-performance engines.
Non-Baffled Catch Cans
Non-baffled catch cans use a simple design with a single chamber to collect oil vapors. While not as efficient as baffled catch cans, they still provide adequate protection against carbon buildup and are a more affordable option. They are suitable for everyday vehicles and can handle moderate levels of engine performance.
FAQs About Car Oil Catch Can Kits
What is the purpose of an oil catch can?
The purpose of an oil catch can is to prevent oil vapors from entering your engine and causing harmful carbon deposits. By keeping your engine clean, it can improve performance and prolong the life of your engine.
How often should I empty my catch can?
It's recommended to check and empty your catch can every 3,000-5,000 miles, depending on your driving habits. Regular maintenance will ensure that your catch can continues to function effectively.
Can I install a catch can myself?
Yes, installing a catch can is relatively simple and can be done by anyone with basic car knowledge. Most kits come with detailed instructions, and there are also plenty of tutorials online to guide you through the process.
Do I need a catch can for my car?
While not necessary, a catch can is highly recommended, especially for high-performance vehicles. It provides added protection against carbon buildup and can improve engine performance and fuel economy.
Are all catch cans the same?
No, catch cans come in different shapes, sizes, and designs. It's essential to choose the right type of catch can based on your car's needs and usage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a car oil catch can kit has numerous benefits for your vehicle. It not only improves engine performance and fuel economy but also helps to reduce maintenance costs and protect the environment. With their easy installation and maintenance, there's no reason why every car owner shouldn't have a catch can installed in their engine bay. So don't wait any longer, invest in a quality catch can today and see the difference it can make in your car's overall performance.