Best Oil Filters: Top 10 Picks


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Changing the oil in your car can be a hassle, but why make it more difficult than it has to be? Finding the best oil filter for your vehicle is the most difficult part, so we’ve done the work for you!

Product FAQ

1. What Is an Oil Filter?

An oil filter is an essential part of your car engine and needs to be changed regularly to make your car as efficient as possible. As a car runs, hard substances enter the oil stream. If these substances were left to continue through the rest of your engine, it would damage your car. The filter prevents this; however, sometimes the filter gets filled with other substances and needs to be changed. This is where the best oil filters come into play. To have a top-performing car, you need the best oil filter possible!

2. What Are the Parts of an Oil Filter?

Essentially, an oil filter comprises two parts: the casing or housing and the filter itself. Officially, the part of the oil filter that allows oil in and out is known as the tapping plate, while the filter itself (the part of the oil filter that removes impurities and contaminants from the oil) is called the filter medium. Often, oil filters are surrounded by pleats to increase the surface area of the whole filter mechanism.

There are holes around the edges of the end plate that let the oil into the filter, and there are also valves that keep oil from draining out of the filter system when the car engine is off.

3. How Does an Oil Filter Work?

Oil filters themselves use different materials to filter contaminants out of the oil. Some filters use miniscule pieces of glass to filter while other use tightly woven synthetic threads.

Contaminated oil flows into the filter from one end via holes in the tapping plate. It is propelled through the filter to remove contaminants, and then moves through the rest of the car engine, leaving the oil filter through a separate valve on the tapping plate. Oil filters are replete with mechanisms to prevent additional contaminants from entering the oil stream, to prevent oil from leaking into other portions of the car, and to prevent the oil from seeping out of the filter when the car engine is off.

4. Where Can You Buy Them?

Oil filters can be bought at most department stores and automotive stores; the best oil filters are also available online. Double check the type of filter you need online or with your car dealer before purchasing: not every oil filter will fit every car. You can search the make and model of your car to learn what type of filter will fit your car and your needs.

How We Reviewed the Best Oil Filters

The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Durability. When you’re changing your oil, whether you’re doing it yourself or taking your car to a garage or service station, you want to get the most for your money! We reviewed multiple reputable websites to compile thorough information about each of the following best oil filters.

What We Reviewed

  • Mobil 1 M1-110
  • Motorcraft FL820S
  • Briggs & Stratton 696854
  • Bosch 3330 Premium
  • FRAM XG7317 Ultra
  • Toyota Genuine Parts 90915-YZZF2
  • Mann-Filter HU 925/4 X
  • Royal Purple 341777
  • K&N HP-1003 Performance
  • Subaru 15208AA15A
  • Mobil 1 M1-110

    [amazon box=”B005GYDBNS”]

    Features

    The Mobil 1 M1-110 oil filter features a spin-on cartridge and claims higher levels of filtration than competing brands. This entry on the list of best oil filters also uses a synthetic blend of fibers to best stop damaging materials from moving through your car’s engine. The Mobil 1 M1-110 filter also allows for longer periods of drainage than other brands, enhancing the efficiency of the filter. This filter will keep your oil clean for up to 5,000 miles!

    Durability

    This best oil filter option will keep your car running smoothly and efficiently with clean oil for up to 5,000 miles.

    Pros

    • Size- can hold 28 grams
    • 99.6% Multi-Pass Efficiency Rating
    • Synthetic filter fibers

    Cons

    • Price

    Motorcraft FL820S

    [amazon box=”B000AS3D3S”]

    Features

    The Motocraft FL820S features fluted housing to make sure even the most novice of oil filter changers can easily replace their oil filter. The filter itself features pressure relief-valves to prevent old, dirty oil from entering the clean, filtered oil stream. These make the list of best oil filters based on their high performance even during cold weather and their suspension filtration ensures no contaminants (chemical or physical) make it into the rest of your engine.

    Durability

    This oil filter should last a standard amount of time- about 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

    Pros

    • Price
    • Pressure relief valves to prevent contaminated oil spread
    • Steel casing to prevent rust and enable easy replacement

    Cons

    • Average durability and lifetime
    • No efficiency rating

    Briggs & Stratton 696854

    [amazon box=”B005F6ONZM”]

    Features

    This best oil filter entry prides itself on ease of installation and dependable filtration. It features leak-proof seals and seams and a screw-on design that makes replacement a breeze.

    Durability

    This oil filter should last a standard amount of time- about 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

    Pros

    • Design and ease of installation
    • Leak-proof seals and seam

    Cons

    • Price
    • No efficiency rating
    • Average durability and lifetime

    Bosch 3330 Premium

    [amazon box=”B002EBSLA4″]

    Features

    The famed Bosch brand has one of the best oil filters on the market today. This filter uses the Bosch patented FILTECH filter technology to provide your car with the most efficient and affordable filtration possible. It also features a high-flow silicone drain to ensure the cleaned oil travels smoothly and safely from the filter and into the rest of the engine. The majority of the filter housing is made from rust-proof steel, making this a long and worthwhile investment.

    Durability

    This oil filter should last a standard amount of time- about 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

    Pros

    • FILTECH filter technology
    • Rust-proof steel housing
    • Silicone drain
    • 99% efficiency

    Cons

    • Removal and replacement may be difficult
    • Size- 14 gram capacity
    • Average durability and lifetime

    FRAM XG7317 Ultra

    [amazon box=”B000C33MI2″]

    Features

    This addition to the list of best oil filters is a long-lasting and unique filter that is made specifically for heavy-load vehicles. It features a unique design that makes installation and replacement easy and a strong grip to keep the filter itself from slipping from your grasp during installation. While it is rated at 99% effective, it will last for over 15,000 miles. This best oil filter from Fram also features a double layer of filtration: synthetic and cellulose.

    Durability

    This oil filter should last up to 5,000 miles.

    Pros

    • Will last up to 15,000 miles
    • Easy design style for installation
    • No-slip grip
    • 99% effective at removing contaminants from oil

    Cons

    • Best for load-bearing vehicles

    Toyota Genuine Parts 90915-YZZF2

    [amazon box=”B0044B0Y9S”]

    Features

    Toyota is a big name in automotives for good reason: their best oil filter is an OEM product, meaning that the quality and efficiency is insured. It is guaranteed to fit your car. It is the oil filter it originally came with, taking the guesswork out of oil filter purchasing and installation.

    Durability

    This oil filter should last a standard amount of time- about 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

    Pros

    • Price
    • Easy fit
    • Insured quality

    Cons

    • Average durability and lifetime
    • No efficiency rating
    • May be difficult to install

    Mann-Filter HU 925/4 X

    [amazon box=”B000CB7DG6″]

    Features

    This unique oil filter is special because of what it lacks: there is no metal in this oil filter! Its pleated outer cover enhances the cleanliness of the product, and the filter itself is highly efficient and consistent. This Mann-Filter oil filter is also easy to replace and install with just the use of one wrench.

    Durability

    This oil filter should last a standard amount of time- about 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

    Pros

    • No metal and no metal residue 
    • Lightweight
    • Easy to install and replace

    Cons

    • Average lifespan and durability
    • No efficiency rating

    Royal Purple 341777

    [amazon box=”B003L31RK0″]

    Features

    This Extended Life oil filter claims not only to be long lasting but, it claims it will enhance the lifetime of your vehicle! It is 99% effective at filtering out all oil contaminants due to its glass-inclusive filtration system. This best oil filter also includes metal end caps to keep additional road debris from interfering with the oil filtration. Because of the silicone valves, this filter is also ideal for extreme hot and cold temperatures.

    Durability

    This oil filter should last a standard amount of time- about 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

    Pros

    • Temperature resistant
    • 99% effective
    • Thick shell to prevent additional oil contamination

    Cons

    • May be difficult to install or replace
    • Average durability and lifetime
    • Price

    K&N HP-1003 Performance

    [amazon box=”B000C4087O”]

    Features

    The best oil filter from K&N is also especially designed for high performance in extreme temperatures and weather. The housing of the filter is highly durable, preventing additional contaminants from infiltrating the clean oil. It is also easily removable and replaceable with a single wrench.

    Durability

    This oil filter should last a standard amount of time- about 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

    Pros

    • Easy to remove and replace
    • Durable outer housing
    • 99% efficient

    Cons

    • No efficiency rating
    • Average durability and lifetime

    Subaru 15208AA15A

    [amazon box=”B00I798FIA”]

    Features

    This OEM oil filter is a durable filter choice that eliminates the investigation and guesswork from oil filter purchasing. It is a high quality filter with a durable exterior.

    Durability

    This oil filter should last a standard amount of time-about 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

    Pros

    • OEM product
    • Durable exterior

    Cons

    • May be difficult to remove or replace
    • Average lifetime expectancy
    • No efficiency rating

    The Verdict

    The options for purchasing the best oil filter are seemingly endless! However, after careful consideration, the best oil filter available for standard vehicles today is the Bosch 3330 Premium oil filter. This product features all the best elements of a good oil filter: it has a rust-proof container, 99% oil filtration efficiency, and silicone drains to ensure smooth movement of the filtered oil through the rest of the engine. It is one of the most affordable and efficient filters available. Whether you change your oil in your own driveway or pay the garage down the street, it is important to know what products you are putting in your vehicle-. The best oil filter will not only clean the oil in your car, it will give your car a longer, healthier life!

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