Oil filters are more important than some might think. The oil used for engines comes in a pure form, but without a good filter, the oil will get worn out much faster than usual. Before they were introduced, car owners had to replace the oil up to four times more frequently, and that can cost a lot of money in the long run.
Due to the way an engine works, the oil inside gets heated up to high temperatures. This causes the residue to form, which severely deteriorates the performance of a car. The filter will help retain some of those residues and keep them clean for a longer period of time. This means that the only problem that remains is replacing burn oil, but that needs to be replaced less often. Without filters, things would have been much different.
Best Auto Oil Filters in [year]
As technology progressed, so did the way in which the oil was filtered. There are mechanical filters that involve a bulk material, such as cotton, to retain particles. Cartridge or spin-on filters are reusable. The filter inside can be replaced. This makes them the most popular type. There are two other types of filters that are less common in cars. They can be centrifugal or filters that rely on sedimentation. For our list, we selected the most reliable models of oil filters currently available. With these things in mind, here are the top 10 best auto oil filters in [year] reviews.
Mahale Original OC 54 Oil Filter
- Superior embossed and pleated filter media for high dirt holding capacity and low pressure drop
- Every MAHLE Original oil filter is designed to vehicle manufacturers' (OEM) specifications and high safety standards
- Superior structural integrity through high quality sheetmetal, endplates, and seaming
- Pressure relief valve ensures lubrication at all times
- Anti-drain check valve, where applicable
Mahale is a small brand that offers only automotive parts. Their OC 54 oil filter is one of the more expensive models that offer premium performance. It has superior structural integrity and a premium sheet metal that ensures the oil will be properly filtered.
Amongst the things that are worth mentioning is the fact that the model is also available with an anti-drain valve. It is larger than regular filters, which ensures a higher dirt-retaining capacity.
Mobil 1 M1-108 Extended Performance Oil Filter
- Provides long-life performance for today's longer drain intervals
- Effectively removes contaminants, with a 99.6 percentage Multi-Pass Efficiency Rating and an advanced synthetic fiber blend media
- Holds double the contaminants compared to other filters, with 28.0 grams of total capacity
- Withstands nine times normal system operating pressure, for exceptional protection up to 615 pascals per square inch
- Prevents dry starts by eliminating internal leakage during shutdown through the use of a silicone anti-drain back valve (where required by OEM)
Mobil 1 M1-108 is a popular filter that has been selling well due to the performance it offers. According to the manufacturers, this is an extended performance model, which means it will be able to capture more contaminants than other filters.
Using advanced filters, Mobil 1 is capable of removing contaminants with great efficiency, as it has a rating of 99.6%. Durability is also something to brag about as the model can sustain up to 9 times the regular operating pressure. Last but not least, the model comes with an anti-leak valve.
Fram PH7317 Extra Guard Passenger Car Spin-On Oil Filter
- LONG-LASTING: This engine oil filter has a proven protection for up to 10,000 miles.
- OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: Engineered for use with conventional or synthetic motor oil. Extra Guard has cellulose and glass blended media that provides advanced engine protection for your vehicle.
- ENGINE PROTECTION: A special blend of fibers and resin creates a proprietary filter media that captures 95% of dirt particles that can cause harmful engine wear.
- EASY INSTALLATION: It has SureGrip that provides non-slip surface for easier installation and removal of the oil filter.
- EVERYDAY OIL FILTER: Designed for everyday drivers who perform frequent maintenance on their vehicles. Engineered with a silicone anti-drain back valve, Extra Guard meets all manufacturer’s recommended change intervals.
FRAM PH7317 is one of the more affordable oil filters on our list. It was made to be inexpensive while still offering decent performance. It has an efficiency rating of 95%, which means it is quite good at trapping dirt and contaminants.
The filter was designed to work with regular oil. It can provide protection for about 5,000 miles, but this is an ideal situation when the entire oil is changed. The filter is recommended mostly to regular drivers that perform frequent maintenance to keep their cars in top condition.
K&N HP-1010 Performance Wrench-Off Oil Filter
- HIGH FLOW RATES: Designed to provide exceptional flow rates and a consistent flow of oil to your engine
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: Designed to operate with all synthetic, conventional, and blended motor oils
- PROTECT YOUR ENGINE: Pleated synthetic-blend filtration media removes most harmful contaminants
- EXTENSIVELY TESTED: Laboratory tested to ensure excellent capacity and burst strength
- EASY TO REMOVE: Fast and easy Wrench-Off removal
K&N is a brand with which most drivers are familiar. Their HP-1010 is a popular filter due to the fact that it works with a wide range of vehicles and offers great performance. In fact, it is one of the few filters with the ability to trap 99% of contaminants present in the oil.
The filter uses a special resin that improves its ability to retain small particles. Its construction is considered heavy duty, while the anti-drain valve ensures that there are no dry starts or unexpected oil spills.
Mobil 1 M1-212 Extended Performance Oil Filter
- Contains synthetic fibers, which help promote clean oil - to support long engine life and performance
- Removes more contaminants than conventional filters
- Reduces resistance to oil flow while improving filter efficiency
- Withstands up to 9X the normal system operating pressure
Mobil 1 M1-212 oil filter is one of the larger models that has the great benefit of extended life. It does not need to be replaced as often as regular models, which is a great plus.
Similar to other Mobil 1 oil filters, the model offers premium performance as it can retain 99.6 percent of all contaminants. This is due to the multi-pass system that ensures even the smallest particles will not pass through. The filter was designed to prevent any kind of leakages and even dry starts.
Kohler 52 050 02-S Engine Oil Filter
- Genuine OEM Part
- HT: 3-1/8-inch, outside diameter 3-inch, Seal outside diameter: 2-13/16
- Relief pressure: 8-11 PSI, Anti-drain back valve
- Extra capacity
- Includes: (2) Oil Filters
The Kohler oil filter has been a popular pick for many drivers that wish to save money. It extends the life of the oil by retaining most contaminants, while the filter itself will not need to be replaced anytime soon.
The model features an anti-drain valve which is more of a standard among all oil filters in this price range. It has extra capacity, and it includes a 90 warranty. The model works with all types of vehicles and comes with a very attractive price tag.
Bosch 3330 Premium FILTECH Oil Filter
- Exclusive FILTECH media technology screens out and holds on to up to 14 grams of dirt and particles, preventing it from circulating throughout your engine and causing damaging wear that can lead to engine failure
- OE fit ensured through strong steel base plates and housings that prevent warpage, leaks and poor fit
- Silicone anti-drain back valve ensures engine receives a supply of clean oil when the vehicle is started
- High lubricity gasket design provides a tight, leak proof seal, yet allows for easy removal when it's time for an oil change; Metal spiral-wound center tube reinforces internal strength for durability
- Compatible with select vehicles including, but not limited to, the following (Note: vehicle trim level/engine may affect fitment - verify specific vehicle fitment details with fit checker above): AUDI: 16-18 A3 Sportback e-tron; CHRYSLER: 00-02 Neon
Bosch 3330 is more of a premium oil filter due to the performance it offers. Surprisingly the price tag is quite low when compared with similar models that offer the same performance.
What makes the filter a decent pick is the technology used to capture contaminants in the oil. It has high efficiency and a useful anti-drain valve. The model can prevent unpleasant leaks or dry starts. Last but not least, it is worth mentioning that the filter is easy to remove despite offering a very tight seal.
K&N KN-138 Powersports High-Performance Oil Filter
- HIGH FLOW RATES: Designed to provide exceptional flow rates and a consistent flow of oil to your engine
- PROTECT YOUR ENGINE: Synthetic-blend filtration media removes most harmful contaminants
- EXTENSIVELY TESTED: Laboratory tested to ensure excellent capacity and burst strength
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: Designed to operate with all synthetic, conventional, and blended motor oils
- EASY TO REMOVE: Fast and easy Wrench-Off removal
K&N KN-138 is one of the few filters in our list that was designed for sports cars. However, it can work just as well for all types of vehicles, including trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, and even ATVs.
For the price, users will get a high-performance oil filter that is very easy to install and remove while still offering a tight seal due to the gasket used. The model can retain 99% of all oil contaminants and uses advanced resin media.
Mann-Filter W 719/45 Spin-on Oil Filter
Mann-Filter W 719/45 is a great pick for the ones that need high performance and a money-saving solution. It is a great filter that uses special media which can retain the vast majority of oil contaminants.
The model has an anti-drain valve as well as a non-return valve that maintains optimal pressure. Its construction is quite robust as it is corrosion-proof. The model works with a wide range of vehicles and can be purchased with several different types of filter media.
K&N KN-204 Motorcycle/Powersports High-Performance Oil Filter
- O/E replacement oil filters for most cars, trucks, SUV's, motorcycles, & ATV's
- 17 mm exposed nut designed for easy oil filter removal
- Heavy duty construction for extreme conditions
- Resin-impregnated filter media traps 99% of harmful contaminants
- Anti-drainback valve (where applicable) eliminates dry starts, prevents oil from draining back into crankcase during engine shutdown
The K&N KN-204 oil filter is by far the most popular pick for all drivers due to its performance and decent price tag. It is a simple filter with a 17 mm exposed nut that makes it easy to install and remove.
Similar to other filters, the model was designed to retain 99% of all contaminants. It has an anti-drain valve and protects the engine from dry starts, and eliminates the possibility of having a leak.
Final Words
The performance of oil filters is closely related to the type of filter media used. Resin-impregnated models offer the best performance as they can trap 99% of all contaminants. For our list, we included multiple types of filters offering various levels of performance. This also influences their pricing a lot, but it is possible to get something reliable for a low price. All the oil filters in our list are model than decent making it easy for any driver to find something suitable for their car.
