Category:
5 Best Oil Filters for Your Car
Choosing the right oil filter for your vehicle may not seem essential, but putting some thought into the oil filter you use can help extend the life of your vehicle and, additionally, help to avoid more costly automotive repairs down the road.
If you care about the health of your engine, you’ll want to do your research and select high-quality filters that are appropriate for the type of vehicle you operate.
Why Does Your Oil Filter Matter?
When thinking about the role of your oil filter, consider the analogy of a water filter. Water filters are created to remove harmful, unwanted materials from our water. You want similar protection for your car. Changing your oil and minding your oil filter will extend the life of your vehicle.
There are many different oil filters with various levels of quality and multiple uses, and if you’re wondering why your oil filter matters, below are some of the main reasons:
- Cost savings
- Engine longevity
- Oil circulation
5 Best Oil Filters for Your Car
Regarding oil filters, one size does not fit all, and depending on your budget and type of vehicle, there are many options. We’ve listed five of the best oil filters for your car.
1. FRAM Extra Guard PH3614 Oil Filter
If you consider yourself frugal and drive every day, consider this oil filter. Despite being light on cost, it does heavy-duty work when filtering out debris. How much does it filter? This reliable filter will take out debris as small as 20 microns.
2. K&N HP-1008 Performance Oil Filter
If you need speed and favor an oil filter with high-quality construction, this oil filter could be your match. Thanks to a solid one-inch nut on the filter end, its best attributes include a high flow rate and easy installation. This one is a favorite among the DIY audience due to its ease of use and intuitive design. It also gets rave reviews from drivers of performance-driven cars and, yes – even race cars.
3. Wix 51036 Oil Filter
You may want to consider the Wix if nothing but the best will do for your car. Well known for its high-quality filtration design, it offers extended protection due to the synthetic materials used and a silicone anti-drain back valve. The Wix is built to last and is a top choice for reliability.
4. Bosch 3330 Premium FILTECH Oil Filter
Do you demand a lot from your car? If you’re always on the road and known to be a high-mileage driver, this filter may be your best bet. What makes it unique? It can handle high-pressure conditions and boasts a filtration efficiency of 99%.
5. Mobil 1 M1-110 Extended Performance Oil Filter
You need a high-performance oil filter if long road trips are your norm. This oil filter delivers a synthetic fiber blend, stretching the time between required oil changes. With an impressive filtration efficiency rating of 99.6%, this oil filter is with you for the long haul.
What To Look For in an Oil Filter
The type of oil filter matters because when you opt for inexpensive, low-quality filters, as the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” You should consider a few key things when shopping for the right oil filter for your vehicle.
Vehicle Compatibility
First, take into account the type of vehicle you have and see which filters are compatible with the vehicle. Not sure? You can check online by providing your car's make and model and the engine type, or simply check your owner’s manual. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer.
Oil Change Frequency Requirements
How often does your owner’s manual recommend oil changes? Consider this before selecting an oil filter, as there’s a wide variance in how long an oil filter can last, depending on brand, quality, and filter material.
Oil Filter Materials
There are a few different materials that oil filters can be made from. Understanding the most common options can help you make a more informed choice.
Paper Filters
The least expensive oil filters are generally made of paper. Although they are more affordable than other filters, they aren’t made to last long. This option can be effective for a quick fix until you can replace it with a higher-quality filter.
Synthetic Filters
These filters are known for holding up during extreme conditions and are intended to last longer than paper filters. Although synthetic oil filters provide a better filtration system, they cost more than their paper counterparts. However, the extra cost is minimal when considering the trade-offs.
Efficiency Rating
Oil filters have efficiency ratings to reflect the level of dirt and debris the filter can capture. Look for oil filters with a high rating. The higher the rating is for efficiency levels, the fewer particles you will find in your engine system.
Summary
Choosing the right oil filter matters, as it will prevent clogging, help remove debris and contaminants, and save you money in the long run. Taking the time to do your research and selecting higher-quality filters will go a long way in the longevity of your vehicle.
Contact Cadence Petroleum for all of your automotive needs. We offer many services, including oil analysis, fueling, fleet monitoring, and more.
Sources:
Engine Oils and Their Filters | Purdue University.com
5 Things to Know About Oil Changes for Your Car | Consumer Reports
Troubleshooter: Grab a six-pack of oil filters when you buy a new car | Driving.CA