Jason ClarkTake the motor oil as the blood which maintains your car’s engine alive. As the oil circulates through the engine, it inevitably collects a variety of contaminants.
These contaminants can damage the engine and after a while, it will worsen its operation or in the worst case, it can break and stop working.
This is where the oil filter comes – it purifies the oil that goes through the engine, which preserves both the qualities of the oil itself and the proper engine operation.
That is why it is so important to replace the oil filter with every oil change. Oil change intervals must be strictly followed by the recommendations of the manufacturer but usually, they vary from 3 000 to 10 000 miles.
As the work of the oil filter is really significant for the entire operation of your engine we took time to speak with industry professionals and mechanics seeking their opinions and advice. After in-depth research, we have selected the best oil filters on the market for your car.
Best Oil Filters
1. Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter | Editor’s Choice
Occupying the first place in our list, the Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter is tried and trusted by thousands of customers with a rating of over 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon. This is what we also use in our cars along with the Mobil 1 motor oils.
With this Mobil 1 oil filter, you can take the most out of your engine oil because it is capable to extend the oil change intervals without affecting its cleaning and protecting qualities.
It is tested and proven that it can keep up to two times the pollutions compared to other high-quality oil filters offered on the market (with 28 grams of total capacity). This is thanks to the fiber blend media which is responsible for cleaning the pollutions.
To prevent dry friction during starts, the M1EP filter uses a silicon anti-drain black-valve which stops the inside leakage while the engine is not working.
The Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter provides extra protection for the engine with its impressive oil cleaning capabilities which remain efficient even during the longer oil change intervals.
Easy installation and compatibility with most of the motor oils and engines make this filter stands from the crowd.
And while the price is slightly higher than some of the lower and mid-range quality products, we suggest spending the extra bucks because the quality is the only thing you pay for here.
Key Product Details ✅
- Extends oil life
- Dry starts prevention
- Easy installation
- Compatible with most of the oil brands
- Excellent quality
- Excellent contaminant removal
2. Royal Purple 10-2835 Oil Filter | Best Performance
There is one particular name in the automotive lubricating industry associated with premium quality products and that is Royal Purple.
Even though they are not among the most well know brands like Mobil, Castrol, or Bosch, their products can certainly compete and outperform the best of them.
The Extended Life Oil Filter line from Royal Purple features sturdy construction which guarantees a longer life of the oil filter itself and superior filtration capabilities.
Thanks to the micro-glass filtration media, the filter is able to stop 99% of the elements 25 microns or larger and the impressive 80% of elements down to 10 microns or larger.
There is a silicone anti-drain back valve which helps the prevention of dry starts by stopping the leakage during a shutdown and works perfectly even under extreme temperatures.
If you are looking for smooth oil flow, uncompromising particle filtration, and sturdy construction then the Royal Purple Extended Life Oil Filter is certainly one to consider.
We are rating it as one of the best oil filters on the market and the right choice for people seeking superior filtration and engine’s protection.
The hundreds of people who have already used the Royal Purple Oil Filters are rating it with 4.6/5 stars which speak for the quality and reliability of the product itself.
Key Product Details ✅
- Solid construction with the highest quality components
- Modern technology media stops particles down to 10 microns
- Dry starts protection even under extreme temperatures
- A brand known for top quality lubricating products
- 10 000 miles of effective operation
3. WIX 51348 Oil Filter | Best Rated Among The Pros
Another product that is fighting for a top position in our list and must be among your buying options is the oil filter from WIX.
Countless auto enthusiasts and pro mechanics do recommend WIX Filters and consider it as one of the best options on the market nowadays.
This Spin-On WIX filter is suitable for all types of motor oil including a conventional, synthetic-blend, or synthetic, and is the perfect choice for drivers whose trips are within the heavy traffic in the city or outside on dirty and dusty roads.
Easy installation, low maintenance, and oil/ oil filter change intervals up to 10 000 miles (or 12 months) are only some of the features WIX filter can be described with.
The rugged construction along with the pleated paper it is made of both contribute to the reliable filtering of the oil making sure your engine is free of pollutants and unwanted particles.
We do suggest WIX filters as one of the best because of their long history and traditions in the oil filter industry, the outstanding performance of the products, and the constant positive reviews throughout the auto mechanics community.
Key Product Details ✅
- Excellent product quality
- The preferred choice of the pros
- Prevents dry starts thanks to the Anti-Drainback Valve
- Easy installation and removal
- Competitive price
4. Bosch 3323 Premium Filtech | Best Value For Money
Next in our list comes the very well know and reputable brand – Bosch with their Premium Oil Filter line.
Their innovative filtering technology uses a special combination of natural and synthetic materials to deliver effective oil filtering and secure protection for your engine.
One thing that we’ve noticed and set apart the Bosch Premium filter is the 42% bigger filtering zone which provides more space and a greater chance for the damaging particles to be caught.
Another part of the filter that has been improved by Bosch is the anti-drain back valve which is made of silicone instead of rubber compared to other, lower quality filters. Silicone anti-drain back filters outperform the rubber ones due to the greater temperature tolerance (from about -80°F to 400°F).
Like the other oil filters, we have reviewed above, Bosch has its own patented filtering technology called Filtech. The Filtech media can stop 99% of the unwanted particles down to 20 microns with a total capacity of up to 14 grams.
Key Product Details ✅
- Silicone drain-back valve
- 42% bigger filtering zone
- Can be used with a conventional, synthetic-blend, or synthetic oil
- Very well made construction
- 100% metal end caps
5. ACDelco Professional Oil Filter | Best For GM Vehicles
Next in our list is the ACDelco Professional Oil Filter which is particularly recommended for GM vehicles because it meets the GM OE specifications but at the same time, it doesn’t’ mean that ACDelco oil filter won’t fit in any other car brand. So let’s have a look at it.
The first thing that we noticed in the inner part of the ACDelco Professional Oil Filter is that the core is made from nylon rather than metal which we usually see in most of the other filters. In fact, ACDelco claims that their nylon core is 1.5 times stronger than the commonly used metal cores.
Not only the cores are not metal in this filter but also the end caps are synthetic rather than metal again compared to other filters. The main advantage of the synthetic end cups is that they are ultrasonically attached to the filter meaning that there is no gluing or adhesive which may block the damaging particles.
Getting into the most important part – the filtering efficiency, this filter can stop 98% of the contaminants down to 30 microns.
Key Product Details ✅
- Made in the USA
- Nylon core with large space for perfect oil flow
- Rubber drain-back valve
- 98% filtering efficiency at 30 microns
- Adhesive-free synthetic end cups
6. FRAM Ultra Synthetic Spin-On Oil Filter
We continue with another oil filter with impressive features that really deserves your attention and that is the FRAM Ultra Synthetic Spin-On Oil Filter which we may comfortably say is the best from the FRAM filters.
Now, before going forward with the specs we want to give a quick note because in the last couple of months we see people complaining and being unsatisfied with the FRAM filters.
Hunting for the truth we have made extensive research and met experienced mechanics to hear their opinion because after all, they are the only guys who can give us qualified information instead of some random guys throughout the forums.
To sum it up, we’ll say that some of the budget FRAM models might not perform that great BUT the Ultra Synthetic Spin-On Oil Filter is the one that everyone recommends for having impressive build quality and performance. So, let’s have a look at it.
The Ultra Synthetic Spin-On Oil Filter is constructed with metal end caps and double-layer wire-backed media.
Those metal screen traps are a really great feature that is seen only in the high-end oil filter category and what it does is to maintain the entire structure of the oil filter making sure it stays strong and sturdy during the entire operating period.
Speaking about the operational period this oil filter will provide complete protection up to 20 000 miles. That’s a pretty impressive millage but we still advise you to change oil filters and motor oil by the recommendations of the car manufacturers.
The filtering efficiency of the Ultra Synthetic Spin-On Oil Filter is also impressive with 99% effectiveness down to 20 microns.
Key Product Details ✅
- Up to 20 000 miles extended millage
- Double layer media
- Wire backed media for extended durability
- SureGrip technology for better handling
- Silicone drain-back valve
7. K&N Performance Gold Oil Filter | Best For Extreme Conditions
Next in our list is specially selected for the “sporty spirits” of you who enjoy pushing your cars to the limits or simply have a vehicle with a modified engine with a large capacity oil pump.
Looking at the K&N Performance Gold Oil Filter you can really feel it is made for extreme driving conditions and the first thing that is noticeable is the remarkably strong can. It is made to withstand damages and punctures which may happen after driving off the road for example.
Another feature that is hardly seen and we don’t have it in any other of the above oil filters is the specially designed 1-inch nut which makes removal of the unit like a breeze.
The filter is made of resin impregnated cellulose filter media which provides higher flow needed in the racing and modified cars due to the use of higher viscosity grade oils.
The K&N filter can be used with any type of oil through – conventional, synthetic, or synthetic blend giving the opportunity for extended millage when used with the appropriate motor oil.
Key Product Details ✅
- 1-inch nut for easy demounting
- Silicone drain-back valve
- Extremely strong can
- Synthetic blend media for higher flow rates
- 99% filtering efficiency
8. Purolator Boss Premium Oil Filter
Purolator is next in our list with their highest-end Boss line which is, by the way, the newer name of the old PureOne. Many of you might be familiar with its impressive performance but for those who are not, let’s check it out.
Having a first quick look at the unit, everything looks just nice and very well made. Fine gluing with no messy adhesive leftovers, very strong construction with the metal end cups and tight media.
Talking about the media, it is fully synthetic with the Purolator’s patented SmartFusion technology which gives 99% filtering efficiency and extended millage up to 15 000 miles.
Purolator has made a really good job here and the Boss Premium Oil Filter is really worth the money having all of the features and performance that are expected from the high-end oil filters. The only thing that we are missing here is the wire backing, other than that, impressive unit.
Key Product Details ✅
- Silicone drain-back valve
- Up to 15 000 miles
- Very strong can
- Recommended to use with synthetic oils
- 99% filtering efficiency
The Best Oil Filters Buyer’s Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
The reliability and life of your car’s engine are directly dependent on the quality of the oil filter. Now that you are already familiar with the best oil filters on the market, we should discuss the principles of oil filter functioning and the features that need to be considered when choosing it.
What is an oil filter function and why it is important?
The oil filters are located in any internal combustion engine. They remove harmful contaminants that reach the lubricating system from the environment or formed in the engine during operation.
Or in other words, the oil filter cleans the engine oil from microscopic dirt that affects engine performance.
What do oil filter and engine oil do?
- Both the oil filter and engine oil work together in order to:
- Extract the heat from the surfaces of engine components that are heated due to friction;
- Clean the engine from dust, soot, metal particles that are formed during the operations of the engine;
- Create an oil layer that prevents friction of contact surfaces;
- Reduce engine noise
Specifications in the oil filter operation
The oil filter is used in severe conditions. It is constantly exposed to temperature changes caused by engine operation and chemical substances obtained by the hot temperatures of the oil.
The media from which the filter element is made must be resistant to thermal and chemical attacks in order to provide stable filtration flow of oils of different viscosity.
How to choose the right oil filter for your car?
- The first and most important thing to do is to know the exact size and model you need for your car. You can do that by referring to the owner’s manual or calling the dealership. Another way to find it out is on the manufacturer’s websites. They usually have a section where you select the brand/ model/ year of your vehicle and the correct filter appears.
- Pay attention to the efficiency of filter media. It must meet the technical requirements of your vehicle. The average oil filtration the filter must provide is about 10 microns. Well-cleaned oil prolongs the quality of life of the engine and its components.
- Take into consideration the durability of the filter cap. The valves and seals are also very important components that must be of good quality.
- Make sure the oil filter type is compatible with the engine oil you are going to use. We’ll discuss the different oil filter types below.
- The brand matters. Do not go with the cheapest brand because, to be honest, the cost difference between a cheap and high-quality oil filter is not that significant. Spend those extra bucks for the better work of your engine. All the brands and oil filters that we have mentioned above are from the highest quality that you can rely on.
- When purchasing an oil filter from the internet, only use trusted online stores like Amazon. Typically, they offer the best prices (even better than in the manufacturer’s websites and local stores), proper customer support and warranties.
Understanding the different types of oil filters
During the years, many different kinds of oil filters have been invented with some of them constantly improved and developed. In this section, we’ll list the most common ones nowadays with a short explanation so you can get a general idea.
Primary Oil Filters
The majority of automobile engine producers use primary oil filters. These kinds of oil filters also referred to as full-flow filters, filter 100% of the engine oil. Because it is crucial for them to function effectively in order to maintain the motor lubricated, the primary oil filters feature reduced flow restrictions.
In colder weather engine oil thickens and a restrictive oil filter might end up in destruction to the motor. Therefore, full-flow oil filters let minor pollutants to pass through them. Engine makers usually set up a fail-safe bypass valve if the media of the filters get very clogged.
In case the filter turns out to be clogged and will not let the engine oil to get to the motor, a special pressure mechanism is going to reroute the oil around the media to the motor so the lubricating process remains.
Secondary (Bypass) Oil Filters
Along with the full-flow oil filters, many engine suppliers usually setup secondary oil filters, also called bypass filters. This type of filters performs at a limited part of approximately one to ten percent of the engine oil and filter it prior to returning it back to the motor.
The bypass filters function separately of the full-flow oil filters and assist with eliminating extra, much smaller particles. This allows longer mileage intervals in between the oil changes.
Conventional oil filters
These types of filters are under the bypass filters category. Conventional filters clean the oil with plain cellulose membranes and they must be replaced a lot more regularly as they are used to stop smaller particles.
Magnetic Oil Filters
This type of oil filter uses a magnet or electromagnet to attract and collect iron particles when oil is passing through a magnetic flux area.
Thermal Chamber Oil Filters
Thermal Chamber Oil Filters clean the engine oil in order to remove contaminants and in addition increase their heat therefore particular debris in the engine oil burn off or become eliminated.
Centrifugal (Spinner) Oil Filters
Those oil filters function with a rotating movement in order to capture and keep the debris in the engine oil. Usually, the spinner filters are made of two sectors – a housing chamber and a membrane. Once the media becomes blocked, you just have to change it whereas the housing chamber stays functional. The base gasket is a crucial element of a centrifugal oil filter. This helps to avoid oil from leaking, however, it is not really sturdy and it is advisable to be checked by an auto technician at about every 3 500 miles.
How often to change the oil filter?
The change of oil is directly related to the change of the oil filter, whose task is to stop all contaminants such as unburnt fuel residues, oxidation products, airborne dust, or metallic particles. A jammed filter may cause the oil not to be cleaned but only injected under high engine pressure which will damage the vehicle.
Change your oil filter with every engine oil change. Oil change intervals depend on the type of oil you use and the manufacturer’s recommendations. See your owner’s manual or call a dealership for detailed information.
We recommend an oil and oil filter change at least once a year.
Here is a very straight to the point video on how to change your oil filter yourself:
Can I change oil without changing the oil filter?
Oil filters have a strictly limited resource and must be replaced with every oil change. Reusing an oil filter results in engine oil starvation and damage to the motor. Saving from an oil filter change can result in costs many times exceeding the value of the oil filter itself.
How do I know if my oil filter is bad?
There are several signs of oil filter failure that you need to be aware of if you want to prevent delayed change and damage to your engine.
Metal Noises
If it happens that you hear some unusual metallic sounds from your engine, most probably the oil filter is clogged and it can not supply proper oil flow to the engine. The metal noises that you hear come from the friction of the parts that have not been lubricated and you must stop the engine immediately.
Water in the oil
It is also possible to notice that oil is thinner or pale than it should. This is a sign of interacting with water. You can observe that by regular oil level checks on the dipstick.
Particles inside the oil
Check the level of your engine oil and leave a few drops on your fingers. Rub your fingers and see if there are some metal parts or particles. If you feel there are minor contaminates, then most probably your oil filter is clogged and needs a replacement.
Dirty/ Darker Exhaust Pipe
The clogged oil filter can be easily identified if you see dirty or darker parts on the back of your car and more specifically around the exhaust pipe area. In that case, a dark exhaust coming out from the car can be easily seen and smelled.
Reduced engine power
If you are trying to push the gas or accelerate faster and you notice the car is not performing as usual or in other words not responding to the gas pedal, this is another sign the oil filter is clogged. Stop the engine immediately and ask for the advice of an experienced mechanic.
Dropping oil pressure gauge
If you observe that the oil pressure gauge is dropping or the engine light is on, this is a sign of an oil pressure drop that may be caused by the clogged oil filter.
Conclusion
Take your time and choose your oil filter carefully. Before buying it, you need to read the technical details of your vehicle: even the highest quality oil filter is not insured by premature wear if used in inappropriate conditions.
Shop only from trusted stores like Amazon. Take into account our recommendations for the best oil filters, and your car will serve you impeccably.
Add comment