The oil filter is one of the most important consumables in any vehicle. Oil filters remove any carbon residue or metal particulates from the engine oil. Removing these particles is critical because carbon residue will cause your engine oil to lose its lubricating properties. At the same time, the metal particles will cause your engine to wear out faster.
Many mechanics recommend that you replace your engine’s oil filters at the same time as the engine oil. This is a little excessive since some vehicle manufacturers say you can get away with two oil changes for every filter. That said, most mechanics think that you should never cheap out on oil filters. After all, they’re key components that prevent significant engine issues.
There are a lot of resources online when it comes to choosing oil filters, from forum users recommending oil filters that they’ve used to websites that have independently tested various brands. In this list, we’ll give you a list of the best engine oil filters based on website reviews, forum entries, and online marketplace reviews.
Bosch’s Premium Series oil filters are among the best when it comes to filtration performance. At the same time, they don’t compromise affordability. According to tests, they can hold up to 14 grams of dirt and clear 99% of impurities smaller than 40 microns. Bosch oil filters go for around $10 to $20, with most sizes being priced under $10.
Bosch’s filters feature a metal spiral-wound center tube and durable end caps that guarantee structural integrity. These filters also have a silicone anti-drain back valve and a relief valve that maintain constant oil flow, prevent dry starts, and ensure proper engine lubrication.
Bosch Premium Series oil filters might be the best-rated oil filter because of their high ratings in online marketplaces, forums, and product reviews. Users specifically mention the great balance when it comes to filtration performance, longevity, and value for money.
Purolator Boss oil filters are among the most effective when it comes to filtering fine impurities from your vehicle’s engine.
In a test comparing the Purolator Boss oil filter with three other brands, the Purolator Boss filtered fine particles the most effectively. Dirty oil was constantly pumped through the filter, and the test revealed that it could hold the most dirt at 9 grams. At the same time, the filter was also able to effectively filter out the most contaminants from the test loop, particularly contaminants that are 21 to 70 microns in size.
Like the Bosch Premium series, the Purolator Boss also features a double-helix metal center tube for optimal oil flow and a silicone anti-drain valve to protect against dry starts. That said, Purolator Boss oil filters are slightly more expensive than other oil filters like the Bosch Premium series.
The K&N Performance Gold series oil filter prioritizes oil flow over oil filtration, which makes it a great choice for performance applications. Using an oil filter that prioritizes good oil flow over oil filtration is better for high-performance vehicles because a restrictive oil filter can cause oil pressures to rise too much. This can cause oil to bypass the oil filter entirely. Additionally, a restrictive oil filter has a higher risk of clogging, which causes oil to bypass the oil filter as well. This can be disastrous for an engine that’s under high speeds or load.
Aside from a filter media that achieves high flow rates, K&N Performance Gold filters also feature thick shell casings that can handle high oil pressures without bursting. Performance Gold filters were even designed with the race track in mind, as K&N filters come with a welded hex nut so mechanics can easily remove the oil filter with a wrench. The nut also has a hole, allowing you to run a cable through the oil filter, preventing it from coming off during track use.
Oil filters are one of the most important consumables in your vehicle. Choosing a good oil filter might reap dividends, as it can lead to a lesser likelihood of your vehicle’s engine having issues over its lifetime. That said, at the end of the day, conducting regular oil changes and regularly replacing your engine’s oil filter are going to be more consequential than picking the right filter.
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