The oil filter installed on every Jeep is an important part of the vehicle's hydraulic fluid supply line. It keeps the engine well oiled, but at the same time can curtail the performance of the Jeep. Typically mounted on the oil pump of the vehicle, the Jeep oil filter is tasked with decontaminating the hydraulic fluids that go into the Jeep's parts assembly like the power steering and engine systems, among others. But since filtering the oil entails holding up the fluid momentarily, it is a critical design consideration that the Jeep oil filter is made of an up to specs filtration media and uses the right filtration method appropriate to the vehicle. Jeep oil filters are available in a wide variety of designs, depending on the process they use to separate the gunk from the oil. Mechanical Jeep oil filters use layers of filtration media, such as paper and cotton, to block various contaminants. But as gunk builds up on the filter its efficiency to sift dirt is reduced and oil flow is restricted. This type of Jeep oil filter often requires the periodic cleaning and replacement. A magnetic Jeep oil filter, on the other hand, utilizes an electromagnet in separating the contaminants from the oil. However, it can only filter ferromagnetic contaminants. It is a low-maintenance Jeep oil filter, which merely requires wiping the magnet clean to preserve the filtration capability of the filter. In performance Jeep applications, a centrifugal Jeep oil filter is typically used. It is powered by the oil pressure from the main oil pump. As pressurized oil is pumped into the billet of the Jeep oil filter, it turns a rotor in the housing and the stream of oil that flows into the filter makes contact with the billet. In the process, the gunk in the oil gets stuck to the inner walls of the billet and is removed from the hydraulic fluid that goes into the Jeep's parts assemblies. As a failsafe to the break in hydraulic fluid flow when the engine is turned off or at idle, Jeep oil filters generally have an antidrain valve that preserves a tiny fraction of oil, which is used by the system to restore lubrication at startup. However, Jeep oil filters typically have a service life. After about 3,000 miles of ground covered, the Jeep oil filter may be getting clogged. But with regular maintenance of the filter media, the Jeep oil filter is set to provide the car with protection from oil gunk and other contaminants.