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The OP is talking about the little strainer screen in a lot of the variable valve timing solenoids you find on newer engines. It is not a "filter" that needs to be changed on a regular basis.
The only time those need to be cleaned, is when the oil changes were not done in a timely manner, and/or the incorrect oil viscosity is used, causing the screen to clog up. The tiny holes in that screen keep out any minute particles that will jam up that solenoid. As long as you change your oil regularly and use the correct viscosity oil, that screen should be fine.
The OP got better gas mileage after cleaning that screen, because the variable valve timing solenoid was not working due to low oil flow to the solenoid.
I've got one engine oil filter and I added a crankcase ventilator filter to keep my intake manifold from clogging up via exhaust gas recirculator on my old MK4 VW TDI. Going heavy on the throttle from time to time helps reduce the build up, but after 150K miles, it gets pretty clogged. I've got 300K miles on mine and came to realize a cheap little filter is easier than removing the manifold and soaking it for the better part of a day.
The little turbo oil feed banjo bolt filters in Subarus has resulted in a lot of premature turbo/engine death. Just a little screen in a bolt that was not indicated to be cleaned/changed, there are two of them. When they got clogged the turbo was starved of oil. Many chose to simply remove the screen. Risk of something getting through there less than the risk of it starving the turbo.
The second one that nobody seems to remember is the on the end of the pick up tube on the oil pump. It filters out any large particles whereas the replaceable oil filter works on the smaller particulates. The oil pickup tube has a large usually dish looking affair that has a calibrated screen on it. It's not just a piece of screen wire. It keeps the engine from self destructing. These will often get sludged up and oil is not circulating correctly which will lead to premature engine failure. The pick up "dish" is also calibrated to slow the entry of the oil into the oil pump. Any cavitation at this point will render the oil pump useless as it will only be pumping foam which is the same as not pumping at all. When it comes to the lubrication system, there are no unimportant parts.
The OP isn't talking about the strainer on the pickup tube, he's talking about an external serviceable strainer that some newer models apparently have.
That strainer is what I am talking about. These strainers are pretty important and if you don't know about them you better find out your engine is in jeopardy even with correct service intervals. After 100,000 miles depending on the model and without any codes my first sign was losing fuel economy then the idle started to act up. I cleaned my engine's "oil control filter" and you could not believe the difference in the cars performance. Thanks for the heads up on Subaru Turbo screen. As I have said in the past you learn something from everybody. Type in 'oil control filter image" in Google and you will see it. Then Depending your model car the hunt is on for you to find it.
That strainer is what I am talking about. These strainers are pretty important and if you don't know about them you better find out your engine is in jeopardy even with correct service intervals. After 100,000 miles depending on the model and without any codes my first sign was losing fuel economy then the idle started to act up. I cleaned my engine's "oil control filter" and you could not believe the difference in the cars performance. Thanks for the heads up on Subaru Turbo screen. As I have said in the past you learn something from everybody. Type in 'oil control filter image" in Google and you will see it. Then Depending your model car the hunt is on for you to find it.
That's your business. I am just saying they exist and cause lots of engine problems when they clog. What model cars they are on I don't know either, that was the original question. I was an owner operator of big trucks and a maintenance director good size hospital in a past life and that keeps me ever curious about engines. I don't work on any one cars but mine and I don't sell auto parts. I enjoy the discussion.
Most modern engines have 2, including your Corolla, if that's what you drive. All of my Fords have 2 from the 74 F100 to the 91 Bronco to the wifes new Escape Titanium. The neighbors have a new Sierra and a Traverse, all of theirs have 2. Are you smart enough to know where both of them are at? Hint, one you will change, one you generally don't change but it may require cleaning.
Oil pump pick up screen
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