Oil changes are a critical part of maintaining any engine and as part of such it is also important to replace the oil filter along with your engine oil. Picking an oil and an oil filter can be a complicated process but hopefully, by listing some of the best filters for your specific needs, that process can be eased.
When it comes to choosing the right oil filter this is simply a guide of general advice based on conducted research, reviews, and community recommendations. It is important to consider your engine type, your oil filter style, your driving habits, and your engine mileage to make the most informed decision when picking an appropriate oil filter for your car.
What do Oil Filters do?
Oil Filters help to filter out contaminants and debris from your engine oil ensuring that your engine oil can work optimally to keep your engine healthy and efficient.
Why should you replace your oil filters?
Over time dirt and debris will build up in your engine oil, debris which can score marks on the components of your engine. While oil filters will not be 100% efficient they drastically decrease the number of these impurities which help to aid in engine oil purity and overal engine health. As debris are filtered from your oil the filter begins to clog and fill with these impurities it is important to replace them with new filters to ensure proper filtering effecency.
Kinds of Oil Filters
The two most common kinds of oil filters you will encounter are screw-on oil filters and cartridge oil filters. Screw-on filters replace the outer casing and the filter in one via a screw-on and-off replacement. A cartridge oil filter is simply that, only a filter replacement, commonly found on European vehicles but becoming more prevalent in other makes of modern vehicles. Most of the filters in these categories will have a spin-on option and a cartridge option, so whatever kind of filter your vehicle needs there will be an option for you.
Best Budget Oil Filters
1) Fram Extra Guard
Extra Guard is the perfect filter for everyday drivers who perform oil changes at OE-recommended intervals. Extra Guard has cellulose and glass blended media that provides advanced engine protection for your vehicle. Engineered with a silicone anti-drain back valve, Extra Guard meets all manufacturer’s recommended change intervals.
Check Out: Budget Car Modification & Free Car Mods
Best Performance Oil Filters
1) Royal Purple Oil Filters
Royal Purple manufactures only one type of oil filter – the super-premium Extended Life Oil Filter, designed and engineered to match superior particle removal with optimized flow for maximum engine protection and filter life.
The 100% synthetic micro-glass media Royal Purple uses, provides superior particle removal – with 99% filtration efficiency as small as 25 microns.
2) WIX Race Oil Filters
Wix Racing Oil Filters use a fine filter media with the resin content required to trap and hold smaller contaminants and provide high filtration efficiency while still retaining a rated flow of 106 L/min.
Best High Mileage Oil Filters
1) PurolatorOne Advanced Protection
PurolatorONE Advanced Engine Protection Oil Filter – PurolatorONE oil filters keep engines operating at peak performance with up to 99% Dirt Removal Power. Made with a high-density synthetic blend filter media and wear-resistant metal end caps, PurolatorONE maintains its integrity and filtering capabilities between oil changes.
2) Mobil 1 Extended Performance
The Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter is built with strong, durable components, tested and proven to protect 2X as long as auto manufacturers’ recommended oil change intervals. With a 99%+ filtration efficiency at 30+ microns, a high-efficiency synthetic blend media keeps oil cleaner and holds more dirt than economy filters for long-lasting performance.
Best Overal Oil Filters
1) Bosch Premium Oil Filters
Bosch Premium Oil Filters protect your engine by keeping harmful particles and dirt out, preventing premature wear and engine failure. Bosch Premium oil filters not only fit the same way as original OE filters, but they also utilize an exclusive blend of natural and synthetic materials in the media for superior oil filtration and increased engine protection.
2) K&N HP Performance Gold
K&N Performance Gold Oil Filters are meticulously engineered to offer outstanding filtration and engine protection. The heavy-duty canister is engineered to be exceptionally durable, with a one-inch welded hex nut that can be used for quick and easy filter removal.
Best Synthetic Oil Filter
1) FRAM Ultra Synthetic Oil Filter
For both new and older engines, FRAM Ultra Synthetic oil filters deliver the superior protection you need. Engineered for optimal performance when paired with synthetic oil, this premium filter provides ultimate protection for up to 20,000 miles
Best Truck Oil Filter
1) ACDelco Ultraguard
Designed to withstand five times greater force than most engine operating pressures. ACDelco Ultragaurd provides more robust performance during extreme driving conditions such as extreme cold, corrosive environments, or high engine speed. Heavy-duty shell material is tested four times normal engine oil pressure and helps protect the filter from rock impingement.
About Oil Filters
When choosing an oil filter it is important to understand the specifications of an oil filter to tell its quality. These specifications are commonly overlooked and are what will make or break the performance and tell its quality.
Micron Size and Capture Efficiency
When investing in a high-performance oil filter, pay attention to its capture efficiency, which indicates the percentage of particles it can remove. For instance, a filter with 95 percent capture efficiency for particles larger than 10 microns will remove most of them on a single pass. Investing in a premium filter, which can cost more, especially with 95 percent capture efficiency at 10 microns, ensures longer engine life and health. Economy-grade filters typically have 95 percent capture efficiency at 40 microns, offering little performance for particles smaller than 10 microns.
Dirt and Debris Holding Capacity
Understanding the particle capture efficiency of an oil filter is crucial for assessing the size of particles it can remove and maintaining oil cleanliness. However, the dirt-holding capacity is equally important as it indicates the filter’s service life before its captured debris bypasses back into the engine oil, especially for extended oil drain intervals or driving in dusty conditions. Unfortunately, without readily available dirt-holding capacity information, consumers are unable to compare filters effectively, assuming equal performance across brands, which may not always be the case. This is why oil filter replacements are important when doing oil changes.
Pressure Flow Profile
Switching from a 40-micron to a 10-micron oil filter for better contamination control and engine longevity may raise concerns about filter plugging and restricted oil flow. However, modern filters feature internal bypass mechanisms, ensuring continuous oil supply to the engine even if the filter clogs. Most filters crack open their bypass valves at 10 to 12 psi pressure differentials, and as dirt accumulates, oil flow diverts through the bypass until this threshold is reached. Moreover, increased pressure differentials and flow restrictions affect fuel economy, as the engine expends energy overcoming filter resistance. This will likely not be an issue if you regularly change your oil filters.
Design and Fabrication Integrity
In the United States, car oil filters are predominantly manufactured by a few companies like Fram, Wix (Dana), Hastings, Champion Labs, and Baldwin. These filters are often sold under various brand names by automakers, oil companies, and retailers. Synthetic media appears white and felt-like, while cellulose looks orange-brown like cardboard. A good oil filter features a burst-resistant steel canister, a flexible anti-drain back valve, a bypass valve that doesn’t leak, and a sturdy filter element with sealed endcaps and pleats. Premium filters prioritize design, construction, and attention to detail, as their performance and structural integrity cannot be tested before sale.
Oil Filter FAQ
How often should I replace my oil Filter?
The frequency of oil filter changes depends on various factors such as your driving habits, the type of engine oil used, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Typically, it’s recommended to change your oil filter every time you change your engine oil, which is typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil and up to 10,000 miles for synthetic oil.
Will any oil Filter fit my vehicle?
No, there are different sizes and kinds of oil filters specific to your vehicle. It is important to know what size and style of filter your engine needs before you purchase. You can check your manufacturer’s specifications for the kind of filter your vehicle needs.
What is the purpose of an oil filter?
An oil filter is designed to remove contaminants and impurities from the engine oil, ensuring that the oil circulating through your engine remains clean and free from harmful particles.
What happens if I don't change my oil filter regularly?
Failing to change your oil filter regularly can lead to a buildup of contaminants in your engine oil, which can result in reduced engine performance, increased wear and tear on engine components, and potential engine damage over time.
Where can I purchase oil filters for my vehicle?
Oil filters can be purchased from a variety of sources, including automotive parts stores, online retailers, and authorized dealerships. Be sure to choose a reputable seller and verify that the oil filter you’re purchasing is compatible with your vehicle make and model.
Conclusion
It is paramount for engine health and performance to be doing routine maintenance. Changing your engine’s oil and filters is a critical step in this maintenance. Thank you for reading, hopefully, this list can help guide you in your choice of oil filter. If you have any further questions or concerns feel free to reach out at 74Customscompany@gmail.com, Thanks again for reading!
