Many components are toiling away under your car’s bonnet to keep things ticking over in a healthy fashion, one unsung hero being the oil filter working away, keeping the engine oil clean as it lubricates and cools. Let’s be honest about this – talking oil filters is probably not the most exciting thing you’ll experience today, but it’s worth taking some time to consider how important they can be to the health of your engine by keeping the oil clean and preventing the build of sludge and other nasties, so it’s important to change them regularly.
Most oil filters just look like a metal can that you screw onto the engine, but it’s what’s inside the can that is important. You will probably change the oil filter at the same time as you are doing an oil change. The internal components will include the filter media, usually made from a porous material like paper, synthetic fibres, or a combination of materials. This is what keeps the oil clean. Other components can include an anti-drain valve, which prevents oil from draining back into the sump when the engine is turned off and allows immediate lubrication when the engine is restarted.
Another common component is a relief or bypass valve, designed to open when the oil filter becomes clogged, or the oil is too thick, allowing unfiltered oil to bypass the filter and continue circulating through the engine. This safety measure prevents engine damage if oil flow is restricted.
The best oil filters at a glance:
Editor’s choice: K&N Premium Oil Filter – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for older vehicles: Fram PH8A Oil Filter – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for high-end oils: MANN-FILTER W 79 Oil filter – Buy now from Amazon UK
One other (external) component which could be looked on as being quite important is the oil filter removal tool – you could get into a bit of trouble without one of these. It may not perform miracles on the same scale as the ECU, but in its own way, the humble oil filter is ready and waiting to keep your engine protected. Obviously, you should check and make sure you order the correct type of filter for your vehicle; we’ve looked at a random selection of the best filters to see what they have to offer.
How to find the right oil filter for your car
Pros
- Order from home
- Get the correct part
Cons
- May need Amazon Prime for free delivery
The best oil filters
Editor's choice
Pros
- High-efficiency rating
- External nut for easy removal
Cons
- Better suited to higher performance situations
Best for older vehicles
Pros
- High flow rate
- Reliable manufacturer
Cons
- Some Fram filters use cardboard end-caps
Best well known quality brand
Pros
- Good for varying temperatures
- Robust and corrosion-resistant
Cons
- 13-gram capacity isn't particularly high
Best for high end oils
Pros
- Designed for high-quality oils
- OEM standards
Cons
- Might be overkill for some smaller engines
Best Asian vehicle specialist
Pros
- Asian vehicle specialists
- European and American models are covered, too
Cons
- European vehicle portfolio is not yet exhaustive
Choosing the correct oil filter:
It’s important to note that the most suitable oil filter for your vehicle depends on the make, model, and engine specifications. Additionally, vehicle manufacturers often have specific recommendations for oil filter brands and types.
Oil filters come in various sizes, so make sure to choose one that matches the specifications outlined in your car’s manual. The filter’s thread size, diameter, and height should be compatible with your engine. Amazon provides a handy tool called Amazon Garage, where you can type in your car’s registration number, and it’ll tell you which are the correct parts (not just for oil filters) for your particular vehicle. It’s really handy and takes a lot of the guesswork out of ordering spares for your car.
Remember that regular oil and filter changes are essential for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and longevity. If you have any doubts or questions, consult your car manufacturer, dealer or a qualified mechanic for personalized advice.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the best oil filter to use?
It’s always best to use the type recommended by the manufacturer in the vehicle handbook.
Does a better oil filter make a difference?
The finer the filter, the smaller the size of engine contaminant particles it’ll trap, which can help reduce engine wear.
What type of oil filter has the highest filtration efficiency?
It’s generally recognised that synthetic filters provide the best filtration efficiency.
Does it matter what brand of oil filter I use?
As long as it’s a trusted brand and is the correct size, meets your vehicle specifications, your own requirements and quality expectations, the actual brand name shouldn’t matter too much.
Do more expensive oil filters work better?
In general, they do as they are better at trapping contaminants, use higher quality materials in construction, will last longer and will have a better pressure flow performance.
How many miles can an oil filter last?
It is recommended that you change the oil filter in line with the vehicle’s servicing specifications.
Is a synthetic oil filter worth it?
There are some advantages. A synthetic filter can trap smaller contaminants and retain them for a longer period of time, giving your engine more protection.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media writing for Parker’s and CAR, and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.
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Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
