The Best Oil Filters
While many automotive components require extensive time and know-how to properly maintain, oil filters are easy to replace for just about anybody. Oil filters are usually swapped out after every oil change and provide invaluable protection to the inside of your engine. If you're looking to learn a new skill and save a couple of bucks on your maintenance bill, our top oil filters will supercharge your ride. These devices are compatible with a wide range of vehicles, boast impressive cleaning properties, and will keep your engine running smoothly for miles on end.
Fram PH7317 Extra Guard Filter
Prompt purification
The Extra Guard oil filter from Fram is a reliable device that provides priority protection for your ride. Fram has nearly a century of providing drivers with a defense against dirt and miniature roadway hazards with a highly refined synthetic core. This device is compatible with conventional and synthetic motor oil and will run long past the refill date. While we would recommend following a tutorial before your first change, the filter is quite manageable for newcomers to oil changes. Overall, the ergonomic exterior grip and intelligent interior construction ensure a reliable hold that won’t dislodge or fail across the bumpy and dusty roads ahead.
Pros:
- Available as a single or twelve-pack
- Specialized options for high mileage vehicles
Cons:
- The metal around the seal is somewhat sharp
K&N PS-7021 Premium Filter
A clean machine
Keeping your car in pristine condition is a breeze with the PS-7021 filter from K&N. This product focuses on delivering all-around protection to your ride even when it’s off, thanks to the built-in anti-drain back valve. K&N’s PS-7021 is a spin-on type filter, meaning you won’t need proprietary tools or keen attention to detail for a proper install. The lightweight yet rock-solid exterior canister can handle roadway debris and extreme weather with ease, while the media’s fast-flow design will keep everything from street racers to classics on the road longer.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Incredible strength to deal with oil overflow easily
- It only requires a wrench to install and uninstall
Cons:
- The interior wax sealing may require trimming
Motorcraft FL2051S Oil Filter
Built to last
Motorcraft pays close attention to each component of their FL2051S oil filter for a world-renown hold over thousands of miles. While some manufacturers may use rigid plastic polymer housing to cut down on weight, they have drawbacks. The FL2051S’s all-steel case will handle all but the most sizeable roadway hazards, making it suitable for heavy-duty work vehicles. All valves and sealant rings utilize silicone over rubber as well, ensuring a package that won’t degrade with prolonged exposure to black gold. All in all, if you can’t compromise on protection for your filter or engine, choose Motorcraft to get to the finish line in one piece.
Pros:
- Ideal for super duty trucks
- High capacity pleated media
Cons:
- Packaging is a little lackluster
Fram XG7317 Ultra Synthetic Filter
An engine's best friend
Let’s face it: oil changes can be a hassle, especially with work vehicles. Fram’s ultra synthetic filter is built to accept the highest quality products for a longer time between oil changes without reductions in performance. Fram’s products easily exceed original equipment manufacturer standards thanks to a fully synthetic double-layered media encircled by a metallic screen. This design prevents smaller particles from dislodging and reentering the oil stream. With Fram, you pay a bit more for a work-ready filter.
Pros:
- Built-in grip for easy removal
- Up to 20,000 miles of usage
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive but unbeatable quality
Mobil 1 M1-110 Oil Filter
Dust and dirt are doomed
If your vehicle spends extra time on roads with more dirt than pavement, Mobil 1’s M1-110 oil filter is the workhorse you’ve been looking for. This filter may be a beast, but it’s the perfect size, even for smaller sedans. The end cap is a highly versatile shape that makes for quick installation without the need for tools. While we’re a fan of its ability to tackle synthetic oil as easily as conventional, the main draw for this device is its capacity. Not only is the M1-110 capable of handling outrageous system pressure that would buckle other filters, the massive debris trap means extra trips to work sites won’t lead to untimely clogs on the road.
Pros:
- Fully lubricated gasket keeps pressure stable
- Wide range of vehicle compatibility
Cons:
- Not ideal for older, high mileage vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between synthetic and organic oil filters?
Oil filters have several components that isolate debris from your engine’s oil to keep it running smoothly. Inside cylindrical oil filters, the two largest components consist of a center tube and filter media that can be synthetic or organic. Synthetic media is built using nylon or polyester, and because of its fully mechanical assembly, it allows for smaller, precise openings that pick up more dirt. Organic filter media is traditionally made from cellulose fibers. While these models are usually less expensive, they perform better when heavy oils are in use, and there are some models with filtration levels similar to synthetic options.
How does an oil filter work?
Oil filters prevent contaminants from damaging your engine block. An oil filter has two threads on opposite ends that interface with the engine and oil filter assembly. When the engine is on, oil flows through the baseplate, a steel floor with several intake holes. Once inside the filter, dirty oil enters a filter media that grabs onto larger solid particles. The clean oil enters the center tube before passing back into the engine block to complete the circuit.
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