Best oil filter brands

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It’s nothing new to vehicle owners that the right oil is needed for engine parts to work efficiently. As there is a need for oil flow through the engine components, which reduces friction and enhances swift movement. However, as this process takes place, the oil traps some debris or, over time, becomes contaminated. 

These harmful contaminants, in turn, restrict oil flow rate, which over time may damage some engine components. Hence, the need for a good oil filter. Oil filters help to trap contaminants or dirt, so they don’t get to the engine or its components. 

You will find many oil filter brands in the market that can efficiently separate oil particles from oil. However, you might get torn in on the right oil filter to choose as many bad products are out there. 

Again, car owners may use similar oil filters, but that does not mean they are the same and would work fine for you. It’s never one-size-fits-all. So in this article, we will be reviewing some of the best oil filter brands you can rely on should you need to replace your oil filters. 

Best oil filter brands

Here are the top oil filter brands you can choose, as inferior oil filters could cause severe engine damage.

1. Bosch oil filters

Bosch is one of the top manufacturers of auto parts in the auto industry. So it’s not new that they produce one of the best oil filters you can find in the market. Their oil filters use a metal bypass string that enhances durability and a silicone anti-drain valve that helps prevent a dry start.

Another interesting feature about Bosch oil filters is the pre-lubricated gasket design that allows them to fit into any vehicle. The oil filter utilizes a media consisting of natural and synthetic materials for excellent filtration ability. And this is one major reason it tops most brands. Bosch oil filters offer up to 99% filtration efficiency and can trap particles as small as 20 microns. 

It also utilizes a thicker and larger blended media, hence, able to trap up to 14 grams of particles from both natural and synthetic engine oil. Another interesting reason you can rely on it is that it’s durable and meets the requirements of OEM oil filters. 

However, don’t be surprised if you see another production name. Bosch oil filters are produced by Champions Laboratory, a leading oil filter manufacturer that has been in production since 1936. Aside from the oil filter quality, it is also an affordable option as you can get it for as low as $24.

Pros

• Durable
• Efficient
• Budget-friendly even with its quality 
• Features a lubricated gasket that enhances a perfect fit
• Bigger and larger than most oil filter brands

Cons

• Utilizes a blended-media that’s not as reliable as synthetic

2. Royal purple extended life premium oil filter

One distinct thing about filters from this brand is their oil filters can be used for a variety of vehicles. Their filter’s unique features and use of quality materials have consistently drawn clients to them all over the states. Royal purple extended premium oil filter utilizes pure synthetic glass that enables a filtration efficiency of up to 99% and filters particles as small as 25 microns.

Their synthetic fibers are tiny, trapping all contaminants. This ensures only clean oil goes into your engine to serve you well. Their filter also uses a nitrile rubber gasket that helps prevent leakage. Dry start is prevented thanks to the silicone anti-drain back valve. 

Royal purple oil filter notably promises an extended filter life. As their endcaps, Center tube, and bypass valves are made of metals. This allows users to drive with it for as much as 10k miles. It also uses a thick shell that houses the internal filtration system that helps in keeping its internal parts safe from road dirt.

However, the use of quality materials puts this oil filter on the high side. But since it works efficiently as promised, it may be worth giving it a try. Otherwise, there are other cheap yet reliable options discussed here you could try out.

Pros

• Quality materials used enhances longevity as it can work for 10k miles 
• Works efficiently and can filter particles as tiny as 25 microns
• Extra thick shell keeps internal components safe.

Cons

• Expensive due to use of premium materials 

3. Mobil 1 extended performance oil filter–for high-performance engines

In choosing oil filters, one thing most people look for is durability and high-efficiency filtering. These, the Mobil 1 oil filters possess. The long lifespan of this product makes it one of the most sought-after brands in the US.

The Mobil 1 extended performance oil filters provide up to 99.6% filtration efficiency filtering as small as 25 microns, thanks to its synthetic media compound. It impressively has a large media that can take up to 28 grams of particles–only a few brands offer such capacity. The product also uses a metal bypass that allows the oil flow freely even when the medium is clogged.

What more? The oil filter also comes with a premium silicone anti-drain back valve that prevents oil from returning to the engine when the engine is off. Another high point of this product is its ability to withstand nine times the normal operating pressure of an engine. This makes it a perfect fit for high-performance engines.

While car experts recommend changing oil filters every 5k miles, the mobile 1 oil filter can last for up to 15k miles, even with synthetic motor oil. Lastly, Mobil 1 oil filters are also a product of Champions Laboratory, a top filtration factory established in 1955. The products offer various options that can fit into different vehicles, and you can get this oil filter for as low as $10.

While this product is cheaper than many oil filters out there, it does not have a wired back found in other brands. Hence, one of its major drawbacks–people still wonder why wire back was omitted from their design. Regardless, the product sells very well.

Pros

• Durable as it can last up to 15,000 miles
• Its large media allows trapping up to 28 grams of contaminants
• High-performance oil filters perfect for high-performance engines
• High filtration efficiency and trap particles as tiny as 25 microns
• It can be used for a wide range of vehicles

Cons

• A bit pricey
• Its silicone metal does not have a metal backup

4. Purolator one oil filter-budget friendly

The Purolator is one of the best oil filters you can get out there as they do not only use premium materials but are also affordable. This premium oil filter utilizes a synthetic blend media that increases its filtration efficiency up to 99%. Also included is an anti-drain silicone back valve to avoid a dry start, a spring metal bypass valve, and a metal center tube and end caps for longevity. 

And as stated, it promises an extended life and can last for up to 10k miles with full synthetic oil. So while it is recommended to change oil filters every 5k miles, using this product for an extended period means saving a few bucks.

However, because of the high density of the media, it cannot withstand much heat. It is therefore not ideal for high-performance engines. Exposing it to such heat could reduce its lifespan. 

It is also worthy to note that its media does not come with a wired back which supposedly helps maintain structural integrity. The wired backing, however, isn’t important since synthetic blend media is easy to mold and much more stable than its counterpart –Synthetic.

Pros

• Reliable
• Durable
• Affordable 

Cons

• A bad choice for high-performance engines

5. Amsoil Ea oil filter–High-Quality filter

Talk of premium oil filters; you can’t help but mention Amsoil. The company since 1972 has been a top manufacturer of synthetic oil and oil filters because of the quality of materials utilized. This oil filter utilized both silicone and metal components. 

They also incorporated a wired-back synthetic media that increases filtration efficiency up to 98.7% and trapping particles as small as 20 microns. Thus, making it an ideal choice for users who want a perfectly clean oil.

Additionally, this product is very durable as it can last up to 15k miles or one year. Users who want a higher mileage can opt for the one with code EaO, as it is estimated to be used for up to 25k miles. However, it only works fine for synthetic oils.

Amsoil oil filter works exactly like Royal Purple and is made by the same manufacturer–Champions Laboratory. However, its price is a bit higher than Royal Purple oil filters.

Pros

• Long lifespan
• Reliable
• Designed with quality materials 

Cons

• Pricey
• Only a few vendors are licensed to sell it (Buying through the Amsoil website is the best way to get it)

6. Motorcraft oil filter–The most affordable

One thing is distinct about this oil brand. They are standard equipment filters for many popular car brands such as Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury Model cars. If these top car manufacturers trust this product to use it as OEM, it means one–it is good. They are notably known to be reliable and budget-friendly.

Motorcraft oil filters features an iron case steel for strength. And the product fits into most cars without fuss, thanks to its thin layout –one advantage over other brands. And to prevent rust, the outer layer was coated with paint. This oil filter also features a fluted case end design which makes it easy to remove during oil changes.

One unique feature of the Motorcraft oil filters is that instead of the regular dome, they utilize a threaded end bypass valve. So that in occasions where the filter media becomes clogged, this bypass valve ensures there is proper oil flow. This threaded valve prevents dirt from entering the flow passage, thereby reducing the chances of engine damage.

Some people will choose this oil filter over other brands because of the threaded valve. However, since media clogging is a rare case, many oil filter manufacturers do not see a need to use it. And truly, most users really don’t bother whether or not it is available in their oil filters. 

The product is very affordable and durable.

But because Motorcraft used a cellulose filter media, its filtration efficiency is somewhat lacking–recording just 93%, far below many of its competitors. Its capacity is also small as it can only accommodate up to 12 grams. You can get this oil filter for as low as $6.

Pros

• Durable
• Reliable
• Very affordable 
• The thread valves enhance the free flow of oil in the event of a clogged media

Cons

• Low filtration ability due to the use of cellulose media
• Lower capacity compared to other brands

7. Wix spin on Lube filter –A perfect fit for cars that stays idle for long

Yet another popular brand, Wix oil filters, is specially made for light and regular trucks and is offered in three types. However, the one that returns the most investment is the Wix spin-on lube oil filter.

It features a hydrogenated nitrile sealing gasket to enhance lifespan in extreme temperatures. It also uses an anti-drain back valve made of silicone which enhances longevity and keeps up with performance at any temperature. As opposed to plastic, its bypass material utilizes a coiled spring.

It also uses synthetic material and has a filtration efficiency of up to 99%. The Wix spin-on lube oil filter is a good oil filter and ideal for regular and highway drivers. It’s perfect for such drivers because it was built with premium material to withstand such conditions.

It also utilizes a wired back that unifies the entire filter. However, the major drawback is its shape. The shape is so odd that it becomes difficult to fit it into any vehicle without fuss. Here, you must use a particular wrench. But then, once it’s fitted into the gasket, it stays firm and works appropriately.

Pros

• Built with quality materials 
• Long life span
• Filters efficiently
• A good fit for trucks (regular and light)

Cons

• Weird shape requires a certain type of screw to fix it in

8. K&N performance wrench off filter–Ideal for vehicles with a high flow rate

The K & N oil filters are built performance vehicles with a high oil flow rate since a lot of oil is needed.  This means the filter works at constant intervals. So for racing and trucking vehicles, this is an ideal choice.

This oil filter comes built with impregnated cellulose media which will considerably not filter efficiently as a full synthetic media would. However, it is needed to allow the high oil flow rate of thicker oil. Nonetheless, it still reaches a 99% filtration efficiency. That said, thisoil filter is a best fit for conventional or blended oil instead of synthetic.

At the end of the end cap is a 1-inch nut that helps fit it in easily. Inside the nut is a hole that allows you to fit a safety wire to keep the filter firm during use. Like other brands, K & N oil filters also use a silicone anti-drain back valve, metal center tube, and metal caps. All these materials ensure the filter performs optimally and lasts longer.

However, they did not incorporate a wired back. But according to the manufacturer, the absence of a wired back will ensure a good oil flow rate. On the other hand, a wired back notably reduces the flow rate. Reduced flow rate spells doom for your engine as oil will not get to engine parts on time to keep it lubricated and reduce friction.

Pros

• Ideal for performance cars with a high flow rate
• Easy to install and remove
• Works fine with all oil types
• Inexpensive 
• Filters well
• Built with premium materials

Cons

• No wired media

9. Acdelco professional oil filter

Existed for over 100 years, the Acdelco filter is a leading oil filter brand in the US. And you will find them as factory parts for top vehicle brands such as GMC, Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac. This oil filter has a filtration capacity of 98% and can trap particles around 25-30 microns.

It features a wired back cellulose media which is notably not as good as synthetic media. However, it is far cheaper. Therefore, buying this will mean paying cheaper for a product that works close to other expensive brands. 

Its quality is top-notch as it uses premium materials such as silicone anti-drain back valve as well as end caps and center tubes made of metal. This enhances durability as this oil filter can last up to 12k miles.

Inside the casing is a thermosetting adhesive seal that holds the filter firmly when working under extreme temperatures. While this improves longevity, it also makes the filter five times stronger in withstanding any operating temperature compared to other brands. So be rest assured you won’t have any issues thick oil causes in hot or cold climates. 

Affordable, durable, and strong, yes! But if filtration efficiency is important to you, you may want to consider other oil filter brands with higher filtering capacity.

Pros

• Durable
• Affordable
• Can withstand diverse temperature 

Cons

• Less filtering efficiency due to cellulose media used

10. Fram Extra guard oil filter

This brand is yet another affordable yet great at cleaning. It utilizes a proprietary filter media that helps trap dirt, ensuring that none slips into your engine. The filter’s ease of installation makes it even superb as drivers without automotive repair knowledge can fix it without fuss.

For ease of use, fram oil filter is graced with a sure grip coat giving it a non-skid finishing. This ensures the filter stays in place without falling out. The nylon relief valve, as well as the precision coil spring, are premium materials that ensure this filter performs well. 

This oil filter is also an ideal choice for daily commuters who do regular maintenance. And according to its manufacturer, fram oil filter can offer engine protection up to 5k miles before needing a replacement. However, other brands offer better mileage if longevity is important to you. But for its price, it is a good buy as you could get it for as low as $6.12

Pros

• Excellent particles holding ability
• Easy to install and remove
• Can protect engines up to 5k miles

Cons

• Received many complaints from consumers regarding its performance.

Oil filter and how it works

An oil filter is a device that helps trap harmful contaminants in the oil to prevent them from getting into the engine. This keeps the engine and its components from potential engine failure. So how do oil filters work?

As the engine works, the oil reservoir forces engine oil into the filter then takes it back to the engine. The oil filter then ensures that it traps every particle on the oil before sending it back to the engine. That way, only clean engine oil goes back into the engine. 

How often to change oil filters

Experts and most car enthusiasts recommend changing oil filters every 5000 miles. This ensures the filter has space to trap dirt. However, some filters have a lifespan of up to 15k miles. Nonetheless, your filter should never be used if full of particles.

A filter that has housed particles more than it can, will allow unfiltered oil into its engine through the bypass valves. While this oil keeps the engine working, such dirty oil does not offer any engine protection as it could damage it in no time.

It is also recommended to replace oil filters during an oil change. If new oil flows into an old dirty filter, it can also contaminate the new oil.

Oil filter buyers guide

Buying an oil filter sometimes is a very challenging task because there are certain things you must consider. Here, You may need to do some background checks to find the best fit for your car.  The checks will also let you make a proper budget and get the best oil filters out there. Here are some things to consider when buying an oil filter.

Filtration media

Every oil filter has material inside that does the filtering job. The material could be synthetic, cellulose or blend, in some cases both.  Synthetic media usually filters better and catches even the tiniest dirt yet keeps oil flow intact. This is true since synthetic media are premium and use either polyester, glass, or nylon because of their tight weaves. But then, synthetic is always expensive.

Cellulose, on the other hand, is budget-friendly. But in most cases, their filtration efficiency is low; that is, they may not filter as well as synthetic media. People that go for a blend media do so because the price is average and still works well.

Capacity

Oil filter capacity is the amount of particles the filter can hold. The larger the capacity, the longer the mileage before requiring a filter change. When the filter has trapped dirt more than its capacity, it may no longer filter well. This is where replacing them stems in else dirty engine oil will find its way into the engine.

Ease of use

Every oil filter is peculiar; they are not the same. Therefore, they come in various sizes and shapes. This means that not all oil filters will fit into your car. A compatible oil filter usually has a direct installation process and won’t cause you running to a mechanic. So how easy it is to install should be a priority.

Design

Oil filters should give a good return on investment. Every car has its specification which you must follow.  So the weight and design of the filter determine how well it will fit into your car. In this case, the filter must compliment the build of your vehicle.

Your owner’s manual is a good place to check oil filter design and weight best fit for your cars. Additionally, it is ideal to buy oil filters with paint coating as it helps prevent rust and corrosion.

Construction

Many high quality oil filters are made with metal end caps and center tubes. You will usually find inferior products using either plastic or cardboard paper. That said, there are other things the filter is constructed with, among which are;

The bypass valve

This material swings into action when the filter has exceeded its filtering capacity. Here, the bypass valves allow oil (though not filtered) to pass through the engine so the engine can continue working. This valve is usually made from iron or steel and is far more durable than those made of plastic.

That said, while this valve ensures the engine gets oil when the oil filter is blocked, it shouldn’t be allowed to work this way for long. This is a good time to change the oil filter because your engine will be receiving dirty oil.

The anti-drain-back valve

This component ensures that oil does not return to the oil filter when the engine is off. It also ensures you do not have a dry start. You would want this valve as silicone instead of plastic. Silicone is better since it can retain its structure at any temperature –hot or cold.

Wired backing 

This component is placed to help the filter media. They act as some sort of scaffold that keeps the media in place. Wired backing is found mostly in synthetic or blended media that are not easily treated or molded as cellulose media.

Final words

Oil filters may look like irrelevant motor parts, but you may be surprised by the kind of damage they can cause if not used well. They incredibly ensure only clean oil seeps into your engine for better engine performance.

Because we want the best fit for your car, we have suggested possible some of the best oil filters in the market you may need when replacing filters. Filters are not the same. They are all peculiar and offer a variety of performances.  

If you’re on a tight budget, we have suggested the ones to consider. For performance cars, options are also available for you. So it just boils down to which oil filter will work well for you. But for most, not compromising performance yet meeting your budget is a great choice.

One way to ensure you get the right oil filters is to check other oil filter reviews. These consumers give only true information as the product works for them.

FAQs

What oil filter brand is the best?

K & N, Bosch, and Royal Purple are good oil filter brands you should consider. Their products perform incredibly well, are durable, and will fit into your budget very well. However, if you want what’s best for your engine, consider buying OEM filters.

Does it matter what brand of oil filter you use?

It may not matter what oil brand you use. But what matters is which brand produces oil filters fit for your engine type. For example, the Purolator One is a unique oil filter brand that offers great filtering efficiency, is durable, and will fit into a tight budget. 

However, using it for a high-performance engine will be a bad choice. As this filter cannot withstand extreme heat. So it all boils down to a good brand that also meets your engine requirement.

Are Fram oil filters that bad?

Fram oil filters are not bad, as people say. They were built to filter oil contaminants to an extent and work under certain conditions. But the issue is people most times compare it to other brands built for higher performance. 

For example, Fram oil filters can last only 5k miles, but someone who has used a high mileage filter may complain. Forgetting that Fram built theirs to meet certain requirements, which are often stated in their manuals. This is why you must enquire before buying to ensure the filter meets your needs and budget.

Is OEM oil filter better?

Yes, OEM filters are better. They assure you that its filters will last longer. OEM filters keep up with quality, but for aftermath, one might not be sure. As most aftermath oil filters utilize inferior materials to minimize cost. Another reason people prefer OEM filters is that they fit well, just like the previous ones. 

Many aftermath oil filters may not fit as well as OEM would, which most times allows dirt and other particles to sip into the engine. However, if you find an aftermath oil filter that fits your car and meets your needs, you are good to go. Yes! Some aftermath filters incorporate materials or nuts to ensure the filter fits well and even stays in place during engine performance.

What is the best filter for synthetic oil?

K&N, Royal Purple, and Bosch are great brands that build oil filters for synthetic oil. Their oil filters are durable and work effectively; you may opt for any of them. But ensure it meets your engine requirement. Nonetheless, an OEM oil filter is a great choice.

Who makes the best oil filter for trucks?

Bosch and Purolator are some of the best oil filters for trucks depending on the truck type. Their products are durable and have a high filtering efficiency, so they are worth considering. That said, Bosch filters even meet most OEM requirements, so it’s worth considering.