QA

How To Choose Oil Filter

How do I know which oil filter to buy?

Filter manufacturers usually make several grades of filters—good, better, best. If you use a mineral oil and change it and your filter on schedule, you don’t need to spend more for a better filter. But if you use a synthetic oil or intend to go longer between oil changes, buy a top-of-the-line name-brand filter.

How do I know what size oil filter I need?

How to Find an Oil Filter by Sizing Remove the oil filter and drain the oil into a catch pan. Use a ruler to measure the diameter of the screw hole on the old filter. Measure the diameter of the filter. This will include the sealing area of the filter. Measure the height of the filter.

Does it matter what size oil filter I use?

Yes, a bigger filter is better (provided) you have the room to accommodate the larger size. A larger filter means it will house a half quart or so of capacity within the engine. More capacity means a lower operating temperature.

What do the oil filter numbers mean?

Nominal Micron Rating expresses the ability of the filter to capture particles of a specified size in microns at an efficiency of 50%. A nominal rating of 50% at 10 microns simply means that a filter captures 50% of contaminants 10 microns in size.

Is a 20 micron oil filter good?

The key is to look for a filter that tests at the industry standard using particles at 20 microns using the ISO 4548-12 test. Particles in the 10-20 micron range cause the most damage and wear to an engine.

What happens if you put the wrong oil filter in your car?

Using the wrong oil filter can negatively impact oil pressure. The wrong filter, a filter that isn’t working properly, or a filter that gets clogged can cause oil pressure to drop. If the relief valve is damaged, or the wrong filter is used, too much or too little oil can pass into the engine.

Will any oil filter fit my car?

You will want to check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to make sure, but typically any automotive filters that are made for modern vehicles can be used with any type of oil. Every major motor oil manufacturer says you do not need a special or different oil filter when using synthetic oil.

Can I use the same oil filter twice?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to use either type of filter with either type of oil.

Does oil filter size affect oil pressure?

oil filter size, has nothing to do with oil pressure. oil pressure is determined by the engines size and the size of the gears in the oil pump.

Are larger oil filters better?

All things being equal, a larger filter has two key benefits – 1) more oil capacity in the system, which helps extend useful life, and keep temperatures down, 2) more filter area means greater dirt holding capacity and therefore greater filtered flow for longer, before filter media saturation and bypass valve actuation.

What happens if I use smaller oil filter?

Using smaller oil filter could cause filter internal pressure relieve valve damage, filter clogged and then drop in the pressure in the oil system that could lead to engine wear and failure.

What are the most common oil filters?

The most common oil filter is the spin-on type. As the name implies, this filter attaches to the engine using a threaded mount. You rotate the housing when you want to remove or install it, which make it easy to replace or inspect.

What is a good micron rating?

A 5 micron rating works well in many industries, including the food and beverage industry. This rating filters a little less than the 5 micron rating. Filters with a 10 micron rating can remove some unseen materials from liquid but not bacteria or viruses.

What is the difference between 1 micron and 5 micron filter?

A 5 micron water filter will sieve out particles that you can see – but all the other smaller particles will pass through it into your drinking water. By contrast a 1 micron filter will remove particles not visible to the naked eye.

How many microns is a standard oil filter?

Typical automotive oil filters remove particles 40 microns and larger.

How many microns is a WIX oil filter?

Wix is second to none in filters we all know that. They way this long interval oil change filter works (that’s what it is) is the micron rating is higher (35 micron).

Are WIX filters good?

Wix makes a very good filter. The only way to verify the quality is to cut them in half, after use and compare to other manufacturers. Wix has consistently been found to be a high quality filter with high quality components.

Is K&N a good oil filter?

The Performance Gold ultra-premium line is a top choice among racers and high-performance vehicle owners. Available in both canister and cartridge styles, HP filters are the highest quality oil filters that K&N offers, designed for exceptional filtration and long-lasting, durable protection.