The viscosity of motor oil is what makes it work, and the engine parts require a sufficient flow of oil to function optimally. It remains true that some contaminants tend to slow oil flow as it passes through, causing damage; hence, the need for a good oil filter.
Oil filters restrict the passage of dirt and other contaminants to the engine components each time the oil flows through the media. There are various brands of oil filters, and you can find excellent options that effectively separate dirt and various particles from the oil.
However, you may find it challenging to pick the right product, as there are a few oil filter brands to avoid. If you are keen on an oil change and need a suitable oil filter, it would be best to check out this review of the best oil filter brands available in the market.
Choose the Oil Filters
Top 11 Best Oil Filter Brands
Most folks seem unaware of the roles oil filters play in cars; nevertheless, they are an essential part of vehicles. Even though this car part may seem affordable and small, it helps smooth engine performance, ensuring that the various parts do not receive contaminated oil.
Hence, it is necessary to avoid poor-quality oil filters, as they could cause severe engine damage, and look out for brands with good products. With that in mind, below are some of the best oil filter brands that you can find.
Bosch Oil Filters
One of the top options for oil filters is the Bosch line. This brand appears to be one of the leading manufacturers of auto parts within the industry. Interestingly, the Bosch Oil filters meet the OEM requirements and effectively protect the engine from harmful contaminants.
The oil filters from this product line feature a metal bypass valve and an anti-drainback silicone valve. Another likable feature car owners adore about Bosch Oil filters is the pre-lubricated gasket design, which provides a better fit.
With 99% efficiency, you can rest assured that these durable oil filters will accommodate about 14 grams of particles and dirt from both synthetic and natural oil. Kindly note that Bosch Oil filters are products manufactured by Champions Laboratory Inc., one of the top filter technology facilities.
Champions Laboratory makes the filters for this brand in the United States and has been supplying various private labels since its inception in 1936. You can get a fair option from this brand for as low as $24 and enjoy its awesome functions.
Fram Oil Filters
Another famous brand of oil filters is Fram, easily recognized by its iconic, attractive orange finish. The top-quality construction of these filters makes them an awesome choice for vehicles, and there is an extensive range of options for different car models.
The dirt-trap efficiency is high, and Fram oil filters feature proprietary filter media. The brand offers synthetic oil options, and folks can use these filters for about 5,000 miles.
With little or no automotive repair knowledge, drivers can install these oil filters because they appear to be easy to install. The Sure-Grip coating provides a slip-resistant finish, keeping the filters in place without falling off.
If you use your car daily and perform frequent maintenance, these oil filters would be great. Since these oil filters are affordable, you can get one for as low as $6.12.
It would interest you to know that Trico, a subsidiary of Crowne Group LLC, appears to be the manufacturer of the brand’s oil filters. This form has various manufacturing facilities in the United States, and its products are available in different parts of the world.
Motorcraft Oil Filters
Various car brands, including Mercury, Lincoln, and Ford, use Motorcraft oil filters as their Original Equipment Manufacturers. Thus, this filter brand appears to be a trusted supplier of oil filters. Interestingly, the filters from this product line have a great design and are pretty affordable.
For most people following threads on automotive parts, you would notice that Motorcraft oil filters emerge as one of the best oil filter brands discussed on Reddit.
Purolator Filters, LLC, is the manufacturer of Motorcraft oil filters, as it supplies quality products under the brand. The firm has its headquarters in North Carolina and operates distribution centers across the world.
The quality of construction is excellent, as these filters possess a bypass valve and come painted to prevent rust. For easy removal, Motorcraft oil filters feature a fluted case design at the end. Since the media rarely clogs, there is a steady oil supply, preventing serious engine problems.
The cellulose media capacity still appears pretty significant, as it can hold about 12 grams of dirt and have 93% efficiency. Furthermore, folks can purchase such oil filters for as low as $6.
Purolator Oil Filters
Purolator appears to be one of the best oil filter brands for synthetic oil manufactured in the US and has been in the market for more than 90 years. The filters in this product line are supplied by Mann+Hummel, one of the top manufacturers in the filtration industry.
It would interest you to know that these oil filters are available in different types, with more than 2,000 options. Thus, you can easily find a compatible oil filter from this brand that would work well for your vehicle.
This brand of oil filters is reliable, offering one of the best options on the market. The good news is that these oil filters possess great value even though they appear pretty affordable.
With up to 10,000 miles of use, folks using full synthetic oil can save some money in the long run. If you are concerned about getting an oil filter that can withstand your vehicle’s day-to-day use, it would be best to look for compatible options from this brand.
The filter’s high-density media further ensures maximum oil flow, especially with premium features like the end caps and silicone anti-drain valve. Car owners can now get one for as low as $8; however, prices vary by car type.
Mobil 1 Oil Filters
When choosing a good oil filter for your car, it is recommended to get one with high efficiency and durability. Mobil 1 oil filters are excellent options, with up to 99.6% efficiency and a fair media capacity of about 28 grams of contaminants.
Thus, it is one of the best oil filters in the UK, the US, and other countries worldwide. The extended performance of the oil filters from this brand makes them one of the top sellers in the industry. Car enthusiasts suggest changing oil filters after 5,000 miles; however, the Mobil 1 oil filter can last up to 15,000 miles with synthetic oil.
To allow optimal oil flow, you will find Mobil 1 oil filters with a metal bypass. Hence, the engine can receive an adequate oil supply even when the medium seems clogged. Unlike some other oil filters, this brand offers products with higher operating pressure, up to 615 pounds per square inch.
Mobil 1 oil filters are also products of Champions Laboratory Inc., one of the top filtration equipment manufacturers founded in 1955. There are various compatible options for different vehicles, and car owners can get one for as low as $10.
Wix Oil Filters
When it comes to oil, fuel, and air filters, Wix is a known brand with several products that appear pretty effective. The Wix oil filter line holds a variety of options for different car models. There are efficient oil filters for regular, truck, and lightweight applications that offer the best value for their cost.
The media of these oil filters is of premium quality, constructed from synthetic materials, and has a surface area of 55.5 square inches. For most contaminant or particle sizes, you can find these filters with up to about 99% efficiency.
Again, the silicone back valve (anti-drain) is quite durable compared to many oil filters’ rubber valves. One challenge is the filters’ fairly odd shape; this requires a specific wrench for installation.
Wix brand of filters has been available for about 80 years, and their line of oil filters is supplied by Mann+Hummel, a global market leader in the filtration industry. Kindly note that these filters are manufactured in the US and appear less expensive, with their prices starting from $7.73.
ACDelco Oil Filters
ACDelco is a well-known brand and one of the most trusted oil filter brands on the market. GM parts back only ACDelco aftermarket parts, in addition to GM OE parts, for use in all GM vehicles, which speaks volumes about the trust and reputation ACDelco has earned in the industry. They have been manufacturing high-quality automotive parts for over 100 years, and their commitment to quality has earned them a reputation as a reliable filtration brand.
ACDelco offers a wide range of oil filters – air filters, oil filters, and more – catering to different engine types. They come with products designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications, ensuring optimal protection and performance.
One of the standout features of ACDelco oil filters is their filtration efficiency and superior flow management. They use advanced filtration technology that removes contaminants – mainly debris – from your engine’s oil, preventing damage and wear on critical components. The filters are made from high-quality materials that withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, making them ideal for use in demanding conditions.
You can trust ACDelco filters to keep your engine running smoothly. And their extensive product line will surely get you the right fit for your vehicle. Above all, their commitment to quality means you can be confident in their performance and durability.
AMSOIL Oil Filters
The filtration industry has various brands that supply different automotive oil filters, and AMSOIL appears to be one of the top manufacturers since 1972. To premium standards, these oil filters are made from the best materials.
The filters from these brands are effective, achieving up to 98.7% filtration. Thus, you can rest assured that only clean oil reaches the engine parts. The innovative construction technology for these filters allows oil to flow faster.
Whichever comes first, AMSOIL oil filters are expected to last for one year or 15,000 miles. Interestingly, there are other options from this brand that should last about 25,000 miles, even with synthetic oil. The oil filters for this brand are supplied by Champions Laboratory Inc., which is known for manufacturing top-quality filters.
Even though the AMSOIL oil filters may appear slightly expensive compared to some other options, the price seems fair given the quality of the materials used in their construction. Nevertheless, car owners can purchase a compatible option for their vehicle for as low as $10.
K&N Oil Filters
When it comes to choosing an oil filter for higher-flow cars, K&N oil filters come to mind. This brand supplies oil filters that appear pretty efficient compared to other options on the market.
In fact, car owners can expect it to be 99% efficient and to accommodate various particles, thanks to the media’s 94 square inches of surface area. Hence, there would be no contaminants in the oil as it lubricates the engine components.
Furthermore, folks can find excellent options for high-speed situations. For an easy fit, these oil filters feature 1-inch nuts on the end caps; thus, they stay in place for a long time, even when you drive over potholes.
However, it seems better to consider this option for conventional or blended oil rather than synthetic oil. Still, the sturdy construction of these oils can also help filter synthetic oil.
Kindly note that these oil filters are manufactured by K&N Engineering, Inc., another major player in the filtration industry. This firm was founded in 1969 in the United States (California) and has facilities in the UK and China. The price range for these oil filters varies, but they are available for $6.
Baldwin Oil Filters
Baldwin Filters is one of the most famous producers of heavy-duty oil filters in the industry. This brand is renowned for providing consumers with top-quality oil filters that are highly efficient.
Thus, it appears to be one of the most sought-after options for most truck drivers and other car owners. Since dirty or contaminated oil can cause serious damage to the engine, it is better to use high-quality filters that protect the engine, like those from Baldwin.
Baldwin oil filters have an anti-drainback valve made of nitrile rubber and an end cap made of steel. The media of these filters is excellent, with 44 pleats that support a good flow of oil.
Between 12-30 microns, you can find oil filters with an efficiency of up to 85.44%, which seems fair compared to other options on the market. In essence, Baldwin filters appear to be friendly to high-performance engines for heavy-duty applications such as trucks.
Since these filters feature a durable design, you can rest assured that the oil filters from this brand will withstand varying terrain and environmental conditions. Again, these products appear affordable, with prices starting at $9.52.
Baldwin oil filters are products manufactured by Parker Engine Mobile Aftermarket Division, an innovative filtration supplier. This firm had an extensive network for distributing one of the best filters since 1936.
Royal Purple Oil Filters
This brand is one of the most recent options available in the market, introduced in 1986. As a product of Calumet Specialty Products Partners, the brand is associated with other high-quality products.
Thus, it is not only sturdy and durable but also effective at removing contaminants. The nitrile gasket is very effective, ensuring that there are no leaks; hence, you can save some money in the long run. The micro-glass media is 100% synthetic and 99% efficient.
The sturdy metal backing ensures it lasts, and these durable filters are well-priced, with one available for as low as $6.32. The intervals between oil drains are extensive, thanks to its higher capacity and improved flow characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a difference between oil filter brands?
All oil filter brands offer products that help remove particles that may be present in the motor oil before it reaches the engine. However, different brands offer oil filters of varying quality. Thus, it is recommended that folks look for brands with good filters.
By now, you should know that most motor oil producers would suggest that any oil filter would work just fine. Still, there is a need to look out for quality options that appear compatible with your vehicle. Doing so can help you avoid the stress of expensive engine repairs caused by contaminants in the oil.
Are Fram oil filters any good?
Fram oil filters are among the many options that you would find in the market with excellent features. This brand of oil filters has products with high efficiency and capacity. The proprietary filter media of this line of oil filters improve their ability to trap dirt.
Installation of such filters is relatively easy, and the slip-resistant finish would help keep them in place and prevent them from falling off. The fact that Fram oil filters are less expensive compared to conventional brands makes them awesome, as they are well-priced and offer great value.
Is Wix a good oil filter brand?
Wix oil filters are among the longest-standing products in the industry, currently supplied by Mann+Hummel. This brand of oil filters appears to offer a consistent supply of top-quality solutions compared to some conventional brands in the industry.
Wix offers various oil filters that seem compatible with different cars; thus, one can easily choose an oil filter from their product line for their automotive applications. Furthermore, its superior sealing prevents leakages, which is a good feature.
Does oil filter brand really matter?
The brand of oil filters car owners use often matters, as some manufacturers produce low-quality products. This matter persists, even though all oil filters are manufactured solely to remove various particles from the oil before it reaches the engine.
The best oil filter brands use top-quality materials and equip their filters with excellent features. Thus, it would help if people could look out for reliable brands like Bosch, Wix, Motorcraft, Fram, Baldwin, and Royal Purple oil filters.
What are the most common oil filters?
There are various oil filters available, and a few common types include full-flow, spin-on, magnetic, spinner, cartridge, and bad secondary oil filters.
However, the most widely used option amongst carmakers is the full-flow type. Nevertheless, you can also find the spin-on used significantly amongst various vehicles.
What happens if you use a cheap oil filter?
The cost of oil filters may not affect their efficiency, but you may find that very cheap products don’t perform optimally. This issue may be due to the fact that these oil filters are made from poor-quality materials.
However, it would help to look out for good oil filters at a fair price, which would offer great value in the long run. There are many options out there, and you can easily find the best racing oil filters or the best trucking oil filters.
How many miles does an oil filter last?
Most oil filters are designed to appear sturdy, as they can last for 50, 000 miles. Nevertheless, there are excellent options that can last for about 10,000 to 25,000 miles.
So, it would be beneficial to choose only premium products that last longer and perform efficiently. Doing so would save time, money, and other resources. However, it is recommended that folks change their filters with every oil change.
Final Words
The oil filter in a vehicle works like the kidney, removing contaminants and allowing dirt-free oil to pass through to lubricate and cool the car’s parts. As a crucial part of the car’s lubrication system, folks need to replace the worn-out oil filters with suitable options.
Nevertheless, there are various options, and it may seem tasking for car owners to make the right choice. Thus, this article on the best oil filter brands would help folks make a more natural choice that would prove helpful.
Love Wix filters. Napa platinum is made by Wix. In 50+ years of changing my oil, the only filter I have ever had a problem with was a K&N. The canister leaked.
Sre the napa filyers any good and whay is the napa top quility filyer rateing ?
Hey Williams, thanks for airing your view.
However, this is what you need to know: the fact that you used and loved a certain oil filter and we did not mention it does not mean it is a bad oil filter. And that doesn’t not mean this article is not credible.
You would have questioned the credibility of this article if, at any point, we mentioned it as one of the worse oil filters to avoid.
There are over 100 oil filters from different brands out there. You don’t expect us to test all of them before writing such article. The best we can do is to pick the few best from each brand and test-run them. Even at that, your beloved oil filter may not make the list.
Once again, thanks for airing your views.
I take exception with this article. The information is misleading and wrong. They show an AMSOIL Cartridge filter and DO NOT show the AMSOIL Spin-on Oil Filter that filters 99% at 20 microns. A person can stand on an AMSOIL Spin-on filter and it will NOT bend or crush. I question the Credibility of the author! Also NO oil filter should ever be used for 50,000 miles UNLESS used in conjunction with the AMSOIL By-Pass Filter System which I have done!
Hey John, thanks for dropping your observation.
The difference you noticed between oil filters from reputable brands and the cheap ones are because of the following;
The quality of material used
The construction quality
The filtration media quality, and
Other features.
For instances, premium oil filters will have anti-drain valves or pressure relief valves, which are designed to improve the oil flow and protect the engine.
Just like you have noticed, weight can show the clear difference between premium oil filter and cheap ones. However, do not rely on this because some cheap oil filters may have the same weight or even more compared with premium ones.
Yes absolutely, oil filter brands do matter!!! In my vast experience, when removing a cheap Asian style of oil filter, they are always very light in weight when compared to a reputable brand. Why could this be I hear you ask? It is because the cheap oil filter does NOT do a proper job (if any) of filtering contaminants from the oil system.