What are the best oil filters? Choosing the right oil filter for synthetic oil is crucial for maintaining the health and efficiency of your vehicle’s engine. In the 2024 roundup of top-rated oil filters on MotorVibez, we delve into the best options that not only prolong the life of your engine but also enhance its performance. This comprehensive guide reviews a selection of the most reliable oil filters tailored for synthetic oil, each tested to ensure superior filtration, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply seeking the best maintenance for your vehicle, our analysis will help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
How to Choose an Oil Filter?
Choosing the right oil filter for your vehicle is crucial for maintaining engine health and performance. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for your car. Let’s break down the key factors to consider when selecting an oil filter.
1. Understand Your Vehicle’s Requirements
Before you start shopping, consult your vehicle’s manual. It will specify the type of oil filter suitable for your car. Factors like engine size, type, and oil specifications are important to match with the filter.
2. Types of Oil Filters
There are several types of oil filters available, including:
- Full-Flow (Primary) Filters: These are the most common and are designed to filter all the oil before it reaches the engine.
- Secondary (Bypass) Filters: These provide additional filtration by filtering a small portion of the oil continuously.
- Cartridge vs. Spin-on Filters: Cartridge filters are eco-friendly and easier to dispose of, while spin-on filters are more common and easier to replace.
3. Filter Efficiency
Efficiency refers to the filter’s ability to remove contaminants. Look for the filter’s micron rating, which indicates the size of particles it can capture. A lower micron rating means better filtration. Filters with ratings between 20 to 40 microns are generally recommended for most vehicles.
4. Filter Capacity
Capacity is the amount of contaminants a filter can hold before it becomes clogged. A higher capacity filter will last longer, especially important for vehicles driven in harsh conditions or for extended periods between oil changes.
5. Quality of Filter Material
The material used in the filter plays a significant role in its performance. Let’s delve into what makes the best filter material.
What Material Makes the Best Filter?
The filter media, the material that traps contaminants, varies between different oil filters. Here are some common materials and their advantages:
1. Cellulose
- Pros: Affordable and commonly used in many oil filters.
- Cons: Less efficient at capturing smaller particles and has a shorter lifespan.
2. Synthetic
- Pros: High efficiency in capturing small particles, longer lifespan, and better performance in extreme temperatures.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than cellulose filters.
3. Microglass
- Pros: Exceptional filtration efficiency and capacity, making it ideal for high-performance and long-lasting applications.
- Cons: Higher cost compared to cellulose and synthetic filters.
4. Blended Media
- Pros: Combines the benefits of cellulose and synthetic materials, offering a balance of cost, efficiency, and lifespan.
- Cons: May not be as efficient as pure synthetic or microglass filters.
6. Brand and Reviews
Choosing a reputable brand can often ensure you are getting a quality product. Look for reviews and ratings from other users to see how well the filter has performed in real-world conditions.
7. Price vs. Performance
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a higher-quality oil filter can save you money in the long run by better protecting your engine and extending the time between oil changes.
Top rated oil filters 2024
#1 Motorcraft FL-500S
When it comes to keeping your engine in pristine condition, this top rated oil filter stands out from the crowd. It expertly screens out harmful particles like carbon, sand, dust, and bits of metal, ensuring that only the cleanest oil circulates through your engine.
Smart Design with Pressure-Relief Valves
Equipped with pressure-relief valves, this filter excels under pressure, minimizing the risk of contaminated oil re-entering the engine. These valves are crucial for maintaining oil flow, particularly in extreme cold or when the filter is full, making it one of the best oil filters for cars for reliability.
Durability Meets Functionality
The robust steel casing of the filter is designed for a precise fit and easy removal, all while resisting rust. Its superior construction not only adds to its durability but also complements its high efficiency in trapping detrimental particles.
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#2 FRAM Ultra Synthetic Automotive Replacement Oil Filter
If you’re into doing your own car maintenance, the FRAM Ultra Synthetic Oil Filter might be right up your alley. It’s got this SureGrip surface that makes it super easy to handle; no more slippery filters! Just twist it on until it’s snug, and you’re good to go.
Top-Notch Filtration
This isn’t just any filter. It boasts a 99%+ efficiency, thanks to its dual-layer design that traps all the nasty stuff from getting into your engine. It’s like a mini fortress for your car’s insides.
Built to Last
What鈥檚 really cool about this filter is its robust build. It’s got a silicone anti-drainback valve that handles hot oil like a champ, protecting your engine right from start-up. Plus, it’s designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures, making it super durable.
Long Mileage? No Problem!
And for those of you who drive a lot, this filter won鈥檛 quit on you quickly鈥攊t鈥檚 reliable for up to 20,000 miles. That鈥檚 a lot of road trips without worrying about your engine鈥檚 health.
Also Read: Top Brake Pads(2024)
#3 K&N Premium Oil Filter
The K&N Premium oil filter is engineered for excellence, providing superior filtration to safeguard your vehicle’s engine. This filter is versatile, designed to be compatible with all types of motor oil鈥攃onventional, synthetic, and blended. Its high flow rates ensure that the engine receives a consistent supply of oil, crucial for maintaining engine health and efficiency.
Robust Construction for Durability
One of the standout features of the K&N Premium oil filter is its heavy-duty canister. This robust housing is built to withstand the rigors of engine operation, ensuring that the filter remains effective under various conditions. Additionally, it is equipped with a one-inch welded hex nut on the top of the canister, which simplifies the removal process. This design eliminates the need for multiple wrenches, making oil filter changes quicker and less cumbersome.
Customer Praise for Ease of Installation
Customers appreciate the thoughtful design of the K&N Premium oil filter, particularly highlighting its ease of installation. One user remarked that the one-inch nut at the top of the filter “eliminates the need for multiple oil filter wrenches,” streamlining the replacement process. Another reviewer emphasized the convenience of the socket attachment, which allows for the use of just one oil filter wrench, further simplifying maintenance tasks.
Reputation for Quality
In addition to its functional benefits, the K&N filter is also recognized for its high-quality construction and the strong reputation of the K&N brand. Known for durability and performance, K&N filters are a preferred choice among vehicle owners who prioritize engine protection and reliability.
Filter Specifications:
- Style: Spin-on
- Filter Material: Cotton gauze
- Oil Type Compatibility: Conventional, synthetic, blended
#4 WIX Spin-On Lube Filter
WIX oil filters are highly regarded in the automotive industry, known for their durability and effective filtration. The WIX Spin On lube filter is a prime example of the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Advanced Filtration Technology
The WIX Spin On lube filter is designed with arch-pleated, prescription-blended filter media that ensures comprehensive filtration. This sophisticated design traps and holds a significant amount of dirt and contaminants, effectively protecting the engine from wear and tear. The filter media鈥檚 prescription blend is optimized to work with all types of motor oil鈥攃onventional, synthetic, and blended鈥攑roviding versatility for different vehicle needs.
Robust Internal Support
A notable feature of the WIX filter is its spiral-wound center tube, which provides sturdy internal element support. This design feature is crucial as it prevents collapse under pressure and ensures consistent oil flow, thus avoiding any initial flow restriction. This structural integrity is vital for maintaining optimal engine performance and longevity.
Durable and Efficient Construction
The canister of the WIX oil filter is secured with a mechanically-locked double seam, which adds to the overall durability and leak resistance of the filter. Additionally, the inclusion of a silicone anti-drain valve not only improves oil flow but also maintains flexibility and functionality in extreme temperatures. This feature is particularly important in maintaining continuous lubrication by preventing dry starts, where the engine would run without oil for a short period after starting.
Customer Endorsement
A testament to the WIX filter’s quality comes from a former auto parts salesman who highlighted the stark differences between various brands through a visual comparison of oil filters cut in half. He noted that while some filters resembled “coffee filters and string,” the WIX filters demonstrated clear superiority in construction and material quality. Such endorsements underline the filter’s role in maintaining healthy vehicles.
Specifications:
- Style: Spin-on
- Filter Material: Enhanced cellulose
- Oil Type Compatibility: Conventional, synthetic, blended
#5 FRAM Ultra Synthetic Oil Filter
For vehicle owners using synthetic oil, the FRAM Ultra Synthetic Oil Filter offers an ideal solution that extends oil change intervals up to an impressive 20,000 miles. This is an exceptional choice for those looking to enhance engine performance and reduce maintenance frequency.
Optimized for Synthetic Oil
Designed specifically for synthetic oils, this filter supports extended oil life without compromising engine protection. Its compatibility with all motor types makes it a versatile option for various vehicles. The filter’s construction is aimed at making the most of synthetic oil’s properties, such as its ability to withstand higher temperatures and maintain fluidity under cold conditions.
Advanced Filtration Technology
The FRAM Ultra Synthetic Oil Filter features a dual-layered synthetic media that efficiently captures and holds dirt and debris. This high-efficiency filtration not only keeps the oil cleaner for longer periods but also helps the engine run at peak performance by reducing the potential for contamination.
Proven Performance
A reviewer who tested the Ultra Synthetic filter with their Acura shared their experience, highlighting the filter鈥檚 effectiveness. They noted that even after not changing the oil at the usual 7,000-mile interval, the oil remained clean at 10,000 miles, showing just a dark shade of amber with no signs of carbon or other debris. This real-world feedback underscores the filter’s ability to maintain oil purity over extended miles, proving its substantial capacity for dirt and wear particles.
Specifications:
- Style: Spin-on
- Filter Material: Synthetic
- Oil Type Compatibility: Specifically designed for synthetic oils
#6 Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter
As we approach 2024, choosing the best oil filter for synthetic oil is crucial for maintaining vehicle performance and engine health. Here鈥檚 a comprehensive overview of the top rated oil filters for synthetic oil 2024, designed to ensure your engine operates efficiently and cleanly under various conditions.
Advanced Filtration Technology
The Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil filter is tailored to work seamlessly with synthetic oils, promoting cleaner oil and longer lasting engine performance. Its synthetic fiber-blend filter media is exceptionally efficient at trapping and removing impurities from engine oil.
Built to Withstand Extreme Conditions
This oil filter features a robust construction, including a heavy-duty canister that can endure up to nine times the standard vehicle oil system operating pressure. The enhanced nitrite gasket remains flexible even in extreme temperatures, ensuring a reliable seal and preventing leaks.
Enhanced Engine Protection
The anti-drain back valve is a critical component that prevents dry starts by ensuring oil remains in the engine when the vehicle is turned off. This feature is particularly important for vehicles that undergo irregular use, helping to protect the engine at start-up.
Positive Customer Feedback
One customer noted significant improvements in oil quality after switching to the Mobil 1 filter, stating that oil analysis results were “the cleanest I鈥檝e seen” and consistent with “a much newer car” after using this filter for several years. This testament highlights the filter’s ability to maintain oil purity over extended use, making it a top choice for those seeking reliability and long-term performance
#7 ACDelco PF63
The ACDelco PF63 oil filter is a standout choice among the best oil filters for synthetic oil, backed by the renowned quality assurance of General Motors. This filter is designed to cater specifically to the needs of synthetic oil users, offering superior filtration and durability.
High-Efficiency Filtration
The ACDelco PF63 features a cutting-edge glass-filled nylon core. This material choice not only reduces the size of the filter but also maintains high filtration standards. It effectively captures particles as small as 30 microns, ensuring that the oil circulating through your engine is exceptionally clean and free of harmful debris.
Exceptional Durability
This filter boasts a burst strength that is five times greater than what is typically required under standard operating pressures. This impressive feature highlights the filter’s ability to withstand extreme conditions and ensures reliable performance even under tough driving circumstances.
Wide Vehicle Compatibility
The PF63 meets coverage requirements for 98% of both foreign and domestic light-duty trucks and SUVs, making it a versatile option for nearly any vehicle owner. Whether you’re driving a rugged truck or a family SUV, this oil filter can provide the protection and performance enhancements needed for long-lasting engine health.
#8 Briggs & Stratton 2-1/4″ Standard Oil Filter
When you use Briggs & Stratton genuine parts for your engine, you’re getting the exact fit and quality that your equipment was originally designed to have. This not only ensures optimal performance but also keeps your engine compliant with emission standards.
Easy Oil Change Steps
Changing the oil is straightforward: use the Briggs & Stratton Oil Extractor Kit to remove old oil efficiently. After emptying, refill carefully, checking with the dipstick to avoid overfilling. Remember, regular maintenance like this not only extends the life of your engine but enhances its performance too.
#9 Motorcraft FL-820-S
Motorcraft filters are here to put your mind at ease. Designed specifically for Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles, these filters are top-notch at catching the bad stuff鈥攍ike dust, sand, and even tiny bits of metal鈥攂efore they can do any harm. And the best part? They’re made with pressure-relief valves that kick in to keep the oil clean, especially under tough conditions, ensuring your engine stays healthy.
Built Ford Tough
Not only do these filters perform well, but they’re also built to last. We’re talking steel casings that fit just right, coated to fend off rust, and even have these handy flutings that make them easy to twist off. And because nobody likes a dry start, there’s a silicone valve to keep oil right where it needs to be, no matter the heat. Just right for keeping things running smoothly.
#10 Genuine Honda
The Genuine Honda 15400-PLM-A02 Oil Filter, one of the best engine oil filters on the market, is an OEM part designed to provide an exact fit and optimal quality for your Honda vehicle. This durable filter is the original part installed in your car, guaranteeing reliability and superior performance. It鈥檚 not an aftermarket item but a genuine factory part, ensuring it matches the exact specifications needed for your Honda. This filter maintains the high standards expected from Honda, making it a top choice for engine protection.
FAQ
How many oil filters does a car have?
Most cars have one oil filter, which is responsible for removing contaminants from the engine oil.
How often do oil filters need to be replaced?
Oil filters should typically be replaced with every oil change, usually every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and driving conditions.
Do oil filters actually work as suppressors?
No, oil filters are not designed to function as suppressors. Using them as such is unsafe and illegal in many regions.
