Imagine your car running without oil filters. Can you really run it as smoothly as you wish? Is it possible to maintain its health for a couple of days without this component? If your answer to the above questions is ‘NO’, keep reading. It is true that when specks of hard substances find their way into the oil stream, they can cause serious damages to the machinery of your car. Eventually, the normal functioning of your car will be sabotaged. But then, which filters can get you off the hook and how do you single out the best ones?
Car owners most often land on conflicting pieces of advice when it comes to choosing car oil filters. The installers, mechanics, car manuals, quick-lube operators, and retail clerks all give varied opinions. The bitter truth is that when it comes to oil filters, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
To reduce the kind of confusion you could be sailing in, we will first invite you to our review of top 10 best car oil filters and subsequently, take you through a buyer’s guide. Please, read along.
10. Bosch Brand – Bosch Premium Filtech Oil Filter
If you are looking for a high mileage oil filter then Bosch 3312 Premium is your best remedy. It has strong steel housing and base which collectively prevent possible leaks and improper fits. It also uses a silicone anti-drain back. This offers protection against dry starts and prevents a dry-out.
What We Liked:
- High lubricity gasket
- High-quality end caps
- Tough steel housing
- Silicone anti-drain back valve
What We Didn’t Like:
- The outer shell is a little too large
9. K&N Brand – K&N HP Oil Filter
Whether it is a highly durable construction or high filtration efficiency that you are looking for in the best quality oil filters, K&N HP-2010 has you covered. It has a heavy-duty construction that enables it to withstand high pressure in addition to minimizing wear. This ensures your engine is protected for a long time.
What We Liked:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Eliminates dry starts
- Dirt trapping efficiency of 99%
- Higher flow rate
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relatively heavy
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8. FRAM Car Spin-On Oil Filter
This is one of the best oil filters on the market that practically enjoys the confidence of the majority of its users. It is also one of the cheapest. In plain English, you will not only get the best quality but will also save some good chunks of money in the process.
What We Liked:
- Easy to install due to non-flip finish
- Ultra synthetic filter media
- Highly affordable
- Usable with both synthetic and conventional oils
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not widely compatible
7. Motorcraft Brand – Motorcraft Engine Oil Filter
The efficiency level of Motorcraft FL910S Engine Oil Filter is what makes it one of the best on the market. It has an increased dirt trapping capability and as such, can trap more engine-harming contaminants. It also features a silicone anti-drain back valve. This prevents the oil from draining out of the filter and engine when the vehicle comes to a halt.
What We Liked:
- Pressure-relief valves
- Efficient filter media
- Durable steel case
What We Didn’t Like:
- A little bulky
6. Bosch Brand – Bosch Oil Filter
Bosch 3330 Oil Filter is yet another affordable yet effective automobile oil filter that offers great service for several miles. It has a dirt capacity of 14 grams which is practically good considering the cost of the filter. It also features a silicone anti-drain back valve that eliminates dry starts through a good supply of oil when the car is started.
What We Liked:
- Durable steel base plates
- Good engine protection
- High lubricity gasket design
What We Didn’t Like:
- Difficulty in handling as it has an in grip
5. K&N Brand – K&N Performance Wrench-Off Oil Filter
K &N HP-1008 is best for those intending to replace the filters for their cars, SUVs, Trucks, and motorcycles. It has a heavy duty construction that ensures it can withstand extreme conditions. It also has a rasin-impregnated media which traps up to 99% of the harmful contaminants.
What We Liked:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Easy removal
- High flow rates
- Filtration efficiency of 99%
What We Didn’t Like:
- A little bit small
4. FRAM Brand – FRAM Extra Guard Passenger Car Oil Filter
Oil filters from Fram are always known for their affordability and PH7317 Extra Guard is no exception. This device is designed to work with a variety of conventional oils. It offers engine protection for up to 5,000 miles. It also provides ideal balance dirt holding capacity and the efficiency of dirt trapping.
What We Liked:
- Ideal dirt trapping efficiency
- Highly affordable
- Good anti-drain back valve
- Non-slip finish
What We Didn’t Like:
- Doesn’t fit some vehicles it is expected to
3. Bosch Brand – Bosch Premium Filtech Oil Filter
This wonderful oil filter has an exclusive Filtech media technology, making it a great oil filter for cars. It is capable of screening out more contaminants thereby providing better engine protection. It has a strong steel base and plates that prevent leaks and poor fits.
What We Liked:
- Strong
- Highly efficient
- Internally lubricated gasket
- Strong steel base
- Anti-drain back valve
What We Didn’t Like:
- Need to frequently change the cellulose media
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2. Mobil Brand – Mobil Extended Performance Oil Filter
In addition to being of lightweight and easy to handle, Mobil 1 M1-110 also enjoys the best rating from customers and professionals. It is a high mileage filter with a dirt holding capacity of 28 grams. It also has an advanced synthetic blend filtration media in addition to a multi-pass rating, making it 99.6% efficient.
What We Liked:
- High dirt holding capacity
- Lightweight for easy handling
- Prevents dry starts
- Efficiency of up to 99.6%
What We Didn’t Like:
- A little bit expensive
1. Motorcraft Brand – Motorcraft Silicone Valve Oil Filter, Best Synthetic Oil
You could be wrong to conclude that the best oil filter must be the most expensive. Despite being pocket-friendly, Motorcraft FL820S Silicon Valve oil Filter offers very good and long service. It is designed to work with Lincoln, Ford, and Mercury automobiles. As long as it can fit in your car, it will always serve you best.
What We Liked:
- Durable steel case
- Flutings included for easy removal
- Very affordable
- Efficient pressure-relieving valves
What We Didn’t Like:
- The dirt capacity is small
How to Choose the Best Car Oil Filter
As we promised you that we would take you through a buyer’s guide at the end of top 10 best car filter’s list, we are here to fulfill our promise. So then, what else really matters when purchasing oil filters for your car?
Fabrication and Design Integrity
Just a handful of companies are known for making incredible oil filters. To be sure you are buying the right filter; you should always closely inspect the shape and construction of the can. The base plate normally reveals the manufacturer of the filter. Be sure to settle for nothing less than a brand that is well known for effective oil filters.
Dirt-Holding Capacity
The dirt-holding capacity gives information concerning service life ahead of going into bypass. This is very important especially to those intending to extend oil drain without doing a midpoint oil filter change. It is equally important for those who normally drive their cars on gravel or dirt roads. This safety margin is of great significance considering that car oil filters have no indicators to tell the car owner when oil is bypassing and not being filtered.
Conclusion
Taking good care of your car only adds life to it and gives you a smooth drive. When you choose the best oil filters, you are sure to control the particles that occasionally find their way into the oil system and eventually causing problems. Insist on our top 10 best oil filters review for a chance to always get the best on the market.
Best Car Oil filter: Q&A
What does the oil filter do?
An oil filter is designed to clean or remove contaminants from engine oil, hydraulic oil, lubricating oil, or transmission oil. Oil filters are used in many different types of hydraulic machinery.
How Many Types of Oil Filter?
There are 5 types of oil filter:
- Mechanical (Cartridge and spin-on)
- Magnetic
- Sedimentation
- Centrifugal
- High efficiency (HE)
Why Change Your Oil?
Top reasons oil and filter changes are so important to a car’s well-being:
- Maintains engine lubrication
- Cools engine components
- Removes engine wear particles and sludge
- Improves gas mileage.
- Promotes vehicle longevity.
How much does it cost to change oil and filter?
Typically, an oil and filter change using conventional oil will cost between $35 and $75, depending on your area. If your car requires synthetic oil, you should expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $125. Some people are handy and have the time and tools to replace their own oil and filter.