An oil filter to an engine is like the liver to the body – it is designed to remove contaminants from your car engine’s oil that can accumulate over time and keep your engine clean. Clean motor oil is important to keep your engine running at optimal condition for as long as possible. If oil is left unfiltered, tiny, hard particles can accumulate in the oil that can cause wear-and-tear to the surface of the engine and wear the oil pump’s machined components down.

An oil filter to an engine is like the liver to the body.

Types of Oil Filters

There are many different types of oil filters on the market, but all are designed with a common function: to keep the engine of a vehicle clean from contaminants. They play a crucial role by purifying the oil of the engine that has to collect contaminants before it runs through the engine.

The type of oil filter that is best suited for your vehicle will depend on the engine type and the recommendations made by the auto manufacturer. Here are some common types of oil filters and how they differ.

1. Full-Flow Oil Filter

A full-flow oil filter is the commonly used oil filter by car manufacturers. Also known as a primary oil filter, a full-flow filter is designed to remove contaminants and impurities from all of the oil used by a car’s engine.

These types of oil filters are especially useful in colder temperatures as low temps can cause motor oil to thicken and a full-flow filter allows the motor oil to move more freely through the engine, thus allowing for full performance and preventing damage to the engine when the mercury drops.

A full-flow oil filter is the commonly used oil filter by car manufacturers. Old motorcycle oil filter Hiflo Filtro for Yamaha XJ6 Diversion by Petrb / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 4.0

2. Secondary Oil Filter

A secondary oil filter is used alongside the primary oil filter to support the vehicle’s full-flow filter and is designed to remove contaminants that may have been missed by the full-flow filter. Although they clean less than 10% of the motor oil used by the engine, they are an extra measure used to provide additional protection for the engine.

3. Cartridge Oil Filter

A cartridge oil filter is another type of full-flow oil filter that does not have any metal parts. Usually mounted upright, a cartridge oil filter is easy to use and can be inspected without needing to remove the oil. Cartridge oil filters are also easier to recycle than other oil filters due to having no metal parts.

A cartridge oil filter does not have any metal parts and is easily recycled. Cartridge-type oil filter for use on a 2006 Volvo S40 by Wizmo at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0

4. Spin-on Oil Filter

A spin-on oil filter is another kind of full-flow oil filter that features a steel canister paired with a paper element. Spin-on oil filters are usually tailor-made for hobbyists and DIYers and installation is simple and easy.

A spin-on oil filter features a steel canister paired with a paper element. The oil filter on a Triumph slant-4 engine in a SAAB 99 after conversion to spin-on type by Liftarn / Wiki Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

5. Spinner Oil Filter

A spinner oil filter is a type of secondary oil filter that uses centrifugal force to trap contaminants in the vehicle’s motor oil. Some spinner oil filters can generate forces more than 2,000 times greater than that of gravity, allowing them to efficiently remove the tiniest contaminants from motor oil.

6. Magnetic Oil Filter

A magnetic filter is another type of secondary oil filter that is used in conjunction with a full-flow filter. These types of secondary filters work well as cleaning and removing metallic contaminants from motor oil, and do not need to be removed, however do need to be cleaned regularly.

A full-flow filter is designed to remove contaminants and impurities from all of the oil used by a car’s engine. Full-flow oil filter by Depurox filtration / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 4.0

How to Choose the Right Oil Filter for Your Car

Choosing the correct oil filter for your vehicle is essential if you want your engine to perform at optimal levels. Using the wrong filter can cause oil to leak out of the engine, causing serious engine damage in the long run. The best way to determine which oil filter you need is to consult the owner’s manual for your car, reference a catalog of parts for the model of your car, or ask a reputable mechanic.

Filtration Media

Inside every oil filter is a material that acts as the filter and catches the contaminants in the oil. Also known as the media, the material can be a blend of cloth, cellulose, or synthetic.

Synthetic media is one of the best materials to use as it is made from a blend of polyester, glass, or nylon and boasts a tightly woven structure that is a highly efficient filter. This tightly woven structure can catch even the tiniest impurities without compromising the oil flow rate and resulting in better filtration efficiency.

Cellulose media is a more affordable option than synthetic media, however, it does not have the same efficacy as synthetic media.

Capacity

The capacity of an oil filter is the product’s ability to catch and retain contaminants in the oil. More capacity means better and longer mileage. When the filter reaches the maximum capacity, it cannot carry out the filtration process. Two factors affect the oil filter’s power – the build and the media. More capacity means better and longer mileage.

Ease of Use

Oil filters are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes and have varying filtration efficacies. Not all oil filters are alike and do not fit into all vehicle types. When you are choosing an oil filter, you need to make sure it is compatible with the model and make of your vehicle.

Design and Construction

The design, construction, and weight of the oil filter will determine its compatibility with your vehicle, and it is important to ensure that the filter complements the structure of your vehicle. The owner’s manual of your vehicle is the best place to find out what type of oil filter is best for your automobile.

The design, construction, and weight of the oil filter will determine its compatibility with your vehicle.

Best Oil Filter on the Market

We tried and tested a variety of oil filters and came up with a list of the best oil filters on the market.

Best Overall Oil Filter: Bosch 3323 Premium Oil Filter

When it comes to automotive parts, German giant Bosch is undoubtedly the leader in the automotive industry. Boasting a 99.9% filtration efficiency, the Bosch 3323 Premium Oil Filter is one of the best oil filters on the market.

This oil filter features exclusive FILTECH media technology that can catch particles as tiny as 20 microns and screen out more harmful contaminants for greater engine protection. It has a strong steel housing and base plates that prevent warpage, leakages, and poor fitting, and a metal bypass spring and silicone anti-drain valve that ensures a supply of clean oil when the vehicle is started.

A high lubricity gasket design provides a tight seal, yet allows for easy removal and the filter takes up a spring for the end cap.

Pros

Exceptional 99.9% filtration efficiency
High lubricity gasket for a secure fitting
Built-in metal bypass spring and silicone anti-drain valve
Well-known and reliable brand

No products found.

Best Premium Oil Filter: K&N Premium Oil Filter

The K&N Premium Oil Filter is one of the best oil filters on the market for high-performance vehicles. Offering an oil flow rate at higher levels, this filter employs an impregnated cellulose media and boasts 99% filtration capacity. A one-inch nut on the end cap provides a secure fit and allows users to attach a safety wire if required.

This filter uses a spring metal bypass valve and silicone anti-drain valve for durability and is compatible with all synthetic, conventional, and blended motor oils. A pleated synthetic-blend filtration media removes harmful contaminants, and the filter is housed in a heavy-duty canister for outstanding durability. The K&N Premium Oil Filter comes with a one-year Limited Warranty.

Pros

Exceptional flow rate for high-performance vehicles
Compatible for all oil types
Superb efficiency rating
Includes a safety wire feature
One-year Limited Warranty

Cons

Expensive

No products found.

Best Budget Oil Filter: Motorcraft FL-910S

The Motorcraft FL-910S is an excellent option for motorheads on a budget. Cost-effective and reliable, this filter is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for Lincoln, Ford, Mercury, and many other vehicle models. It is housed in an iron case for top-level protection and durability and uses a paint coating to eliminate rust, corrosion, and wear. It also features a threaded end bypass valve for continuous flow.

Pros

Best OEM for Lincoln, Mercury, and Ford
Iron case housing for ultra-durability
A threaded end bypass valve provides a continuous flow
Budget-friendly

Cons

Low filtration efficiency with cellulose media

No products found.

Best for Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Baldwin BT7349 Heavy Duty Lube Spin-On Filter

The Baldwin BT7349 Heavy Duty Lube Spin-On Filter is the best option for heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks. This spin-on filter features a tough metal bypass valve for a smooth, continuous flow of oil and helps to prevent dry engine starts. The filter also features a steel end cap and nitrile rubber valve and the media has no less than 44 pleats that allow for a higher rate of flow.

Pros

Best for heavy-duty vehicles
Tough metal bypass valve for a smooth, continuous flow
Forty-four pleats for high flow rate
Very durable and strong

Cons

Low-efficiency rating compared to competitors

No products found.

Notable Mention: Royal Purple Extended Life Premium Oil Filter

Royal Purple is a high-performance synthetic oil that is produced by a company in the United States of America that specializes in auto marine, industrial, and racing lubricants. The oil is named for its purple color, which is produced by a thermochromic dye that changes to the regular amber hue when the oil heats up.

The Royal Purple Extended Life Premium Oil Filter is a premium oil filter with 100% synthetic media that offers 99% filtering efficiency for particles as small as 25 microns. This oil filter has an impressive compact fiber that restricts contaminants from making it to the engine and a rubber base gasket that handles leakages exceptionally well.

Silicone anti-drain valves help to avoid a dry engine start and the filter should provide more than 10,000 miles of usage before replacement.

Pros

Premium quality brand
Extra thick and durable shell
Up to 10,000-mile usage
Silicone media with metal backing
Silicone anti-drain valves help to avoid a dry engine start

Cons

Expensive

No products found.

Notable Mention: FRAM PH7317 Extra Guard Oil Filter

The FRAM PH7317 Extra Guard Oil Filter is a high-quality, budget-friendly oil filter with superior dirt holding and dirt-trapping abilities. The filter media can offer protection for up to 5,000-miles and the filter has a lubricated sealing, a precision coil spring, and a nylon relief valve. The oil filter also boasts a “Sure-Grip” coating that makes the filter easy to install and remove and offers a non-skid finish.

Pros

Excellent dirt holding and dirt-trapping efficiency
Sure-grip coating for easy installation and removal
5,000-mile engine protection
Excellent customer ratings

Cons

Some users report low-quality perf

No products found.

Notable Mention: Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter

Mobil is a world-renowned motor oil brand that has been producing synthetic motor oils for over four decades. It has a reputation for producing oils that provide premium protection and lubrication as well as increasing engine efficiency and lifespan. So, it’s no surprise that the world-renowned brand also produces an oil filter.

The Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter offers an outstanding 99.6 filtering efficiency due to its synthetic nature and can hold up to 28 grams of dirt and debris. This filter equips a premium quality silicone anti-drain valve to discourage dry starts and avoid reverse pouring and can bear nine times more of the standard operating pressure.

Pros

Leading brand in the automotive and oil sector
An outstanding 99.6 filtering efficiency
Can hold up to 28 grams of dirt and debris
Premium quality silicone anti-drain valve that discourages dry starts
Offers 15,000 miles of use when used with synthetic motor oils

Cons

Absence of metal backing
Expensive

No products found.

Notable Mention: ACDelco PF2232 Professional Engine Oil Filter

The ACDelco PF2232 Professional Engine Oil Filter is another top choice for an oil filter. Manufactured by world-class automotive products brand, General Motors and designed for models like Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and the GMC, this product has 98% filtering abilities and can handle microns from 25 to 30 effortlessly.

Top features include cellulose media, exceptional build quality with a silicone anti-drain valve, metal end covers, and thermosetting adhesive sealing for a firm, secure fit. The ACDelco PF2232 Professional Engine Oil Filter offers five times better burst strength than other engine oil filters and offers over 12,000-miles of service and a two-year warranty.

Pros

Manufactured by world-renowned automotive brand
Metal and silicone body offers a durable design
Increased burst strength with filter seal
Almost perfect filtering capacity
Up to 12,000-miles of service
Two-year warranty

Cons

The cellulose media is not very efficient

No products found.

Notable Mention: Purolator PL14610 PurolatorONE Advanced Oil Filter

The top benefit of the Purolator PL14610 PurolatorONE Advanced Oil Filter is its high-density media which offers 99% filtration efficacy. Boasting a superior build, this oil filter has a metal tube center, a silicone anti-drain valve, and end caps, and only needs to be replaced after 5,000 miles.

The Purolator PL14610 PurolatorONE Advanced Oil Filter does not need a wire backing due to the synthetic media having enhanced stability and being easy to mold. This oil filter is not suitable for high-performance vehicles but is an affordable and very durable piece of automotive equipment.

Pros

High-density media offers 99% filtration efficacy
All silicone and metal construction for durability
Cost-effective and budget-friendly

Cons

Unsuitable for high-performance cars

No products found.

Notable Mention: Toyota Genuine Parts 90915-YZZF2 Oil Filter

Toyota is another top brand that specializes in automotive parts and automobiles. The Toyota Genuine Parts 90915-YZZF2 Oil Filter is a high-quality OEM oil filter that offers up to 5,000 miles of service. The filter is pre-lubricated for maximum performance and is compatible with a wide range of Toyota models.

Pros

Efficiently removes contaminants
Perfect choice for budget-conscious buyers
Compatible with other motor oil brands

Cons

Not available in a single pack
Only fits Toyota and some other models with Toyota Engines

No products found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do oil filters work?

The outside of the filter is a metal can with a sealing gasket that allows it to be tightly held against the engine’s mating surface. The base plate of the can holds the gasket and is perforated with holes around the area just inside the gasket.

A central hole is threaded to mate with the oil filter assembly on the engine block. Inside the can is the filter material, most frequently made from synthetic fiber. The engine’s oil pump moves the oil directly to the filter, where it enters from the holes in the perimeter of the base plate. The dirty oil is passed (pushed under pressure) through the filter media and back through the central hole, where it re-enters the engine (Mobil.com).

What is the best oil filter removal tool?

When it comes to removing the oil filter, the best tool to use is the GEARWRENCH Heavy-Duty Oil Filter Wrench. This high-end tool can remove an oil filter without making holes in it and creating an oily mess.

What is the best type of motor oil to use?

Royal Purple and Mobil 1 Oil are the two leading brands of synthetic motor oil in the world. Royal Purple is a High-Performance Synthetic Motor Oil and Mobil 1 is an Annual Protection Ultimate Full Synthetic Oil. Synthetic oils are lubricants made from artificially made chemical compounds using chemically modified petroleum components rather than whole crude oil.

Produced by trusted brand names, both oils are high-performance synthetic oils that only need to be changed once a year. When it comes to deciding which oil is better, Royal Purple and Mobil 1 Oil have slight differences in their formulations, but the main difference between the two oils depends on how and where the oils will be used.

Is Mobil 1 better than Royal Purple?

The jury is out on whether Mobil 1 Oil is better than Royal Purple as both have excellent qualities and provide premium engine protection for a wide range of vehicle engines. Selecting the best synthetic oil will depend on what you want to use the oil for and whether you are looking for superior protection for your engine or high performance.

Mobil 1 and Royal Purple Oil are very similar products – both are high-quality synthetic oils that boost the performance of the engine by removing deposits from the engine, prolonging its lifespan, and improving driving quality. The best way to decide whether Mobil 1 is better than Royal Purple is to draw up a list of pros and cons for each oil and then make a decision.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at each of these synthetic oils and their pros and cons.

Royal Purple Synthetic Oil

Removes Deposits in the Engine

Royal Purple makes use of new-age Synerlec Additive Technology that effectively reduces engine heat and wear-and-tear and helps the oil to resist oxidation. This oxidation-reduction produces fewer deposits within the engine. The combination of this high-quality oil and Synerlec Additive Technology also removes engine deposits which help keep the engine in good condition.

Reduces Friction

Royal Purple reduces friction and improves combustion efficiency within the engine. This increases engine horsepower and torque in the engine up to five percent higher than standard motor oils.

Ultra-Cohesive

Royal Purple is an ultra-cohesive synthetic motor oil that stays on the metal surface of the engine long after the engine has been turned off. This helps provide extra protection to the inside of the engine cylinder during a cold start-up.

Contains Patented Wear Additives

Engines produce fuel gas vapors that are harmful and Royal Purple contains patented wear additives that reduce such harmful effects. Royal Purple can also be interchanged with other synthetic oils as it is very compatible with other synthetic and mineral oils that contain ethanol.

Contains Performance Filters

Royal Purple contains performance filters that clean the engine oil and before it enters the confines of the engine’s combustion chambers.

API-Licensed Motor Oil

Royal Purple is an API-Licensed motor oil that offers premium protection and high performance for a wide range of vehicles from cars, SUVs, and light trucks to high-performance engines such as motocross cars and bikes.

Made from High-Quality Materials and Additives

Royal Purple uses a premium line of materials added with a blend of additives that have been tested rigorously and provide exceptional results.

Pros and Cons of Royal Purple Synthetic Oil

Pros	Cons
Oil only needs to be changed once a year.	More expensive than other synthetic oils.
More miles per gallon than other oils – up to 15,000 miles per oil change.
Improves cold ignition start-ups.
API-Licensed and can be used on a wide variety of vehicles.
Can be used on both diesel and gasoline engines.
Prolongs the lifespan of the engine.
Improves engine performance.
Five-year warranty on the oil.

Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil

Extends the Lifespan of the Engine

Mobil 1 is a purely synthetic oil that contains SuperSyn Protection that prevents deposits from forming in the engine, protects the engine from extreme temperatures, and extends the lifespan of the engine. This high-performance oil only needs to be changed once a year.

Removes Deposits in the Engine

Mobil 1 effectively reduces engine heat and wear-and-tear and helps the oil to resist oxidation. This oxidation-reduction produces fewer deposits within the engine. This high-quality oil removes engine deposits which help keep the engine in good condition.

Boosts Engine Performance

Mobil 1 has a 15,000-mile oil change which means it only has to be changed once a year. It also boosts engine performance and improves drive quality.

Reduces Engine Friction

Mobil 1 reduces friction and improves combustion efficiency within the engine. This synthetic oil protects the engine against extremely high and low temperatures and improves oxidation and thermal stability in the engine. Mobil 1 also aids cold ignition start-ups in cold weather.

API-Licensed Motor Oil

Mobil 1 is an API-Licensed motor oil that offers premium protection and high performance for a wide range of vehicles from cars, SUVs, and light trucks to high-performance engines such as motocross cars and bikes.

Made from High-End Compounds

Mobil 1 is made from high-end compounds that are of higher quality than Royal Purple and preferred and recommended by many reputed car manufacturers.

Super Cohesive

Mobil 1 is an ultra-cohesive synthetic motor oil that stays on the metal surface of the engine long after the engine has been turned off. This helps provide extra protection to the inside of the engine cylinder during a cold start-up.

Pros and Cons of Royal Purple Synthetic Oil

Pros	Cons
Oil only needs to be changed once a year.	Does not come with performance filters – oil filters need to be purchased separately.
More miles per gallon than other oils – up to 18,000 miles per oil change.	Not much improvement on drive quality.
Improves cold ignition start-ups due to being very cohesive.	Best used in vehicles doing large distances (highway driving).
A world-renowned brand with a good reputation and API-Licensed – it can be used on a wide variety of vehicles.
Can be used on both diesel and gasoline engines.
Prolongs the lifespan of the engine.
Improves engine performance.
Five-year warranty on the oil.

Why is Royal Purple so Expensive?

Royal Purple synthetic oil is more expensive than other synthetic oils due to being a higher quality oil. The higher price stems from the extensive research involved in formulating the synthetic oil and the production process.

Are Royal Purple Oils Compatible with Other Oils?

Royal Purple Synthetic Oil is compatible with other synthetic and mineral oils that contain ethanol and can be interchanged with other synthetic oils.

Can I Mix Royal Purple Oil with Other Oils?

Royal Purple can be mixed with other synthetic oils such as Mobil 1 as long as they are of the same quality.

What Makes Royal Purple Stand Out from Other Oils?

Royal Purple is a high-performance synthetic oil that specializes in auto marine, industrial, and racing lubricants. It has several qualities that make it stand out from other oils such as improved engine performance, increased engine lifespan, annual oil change, and improved engine protection against deposits and extreme temperatures.

Jill Miller

Jill Miller is the founder of Your RV Lifestyle. Trading corporate America for the open road, Jill, along with her partner Jose, began their RV journey, making an unconventional start by wintering in New Jersey. A natural adventurer, she was motivated by a desire to explore the USA and beyond, embracing the varied landscapes, communities, and cultures across the country.

For Jill, the allure of RV living was not about material accumulation, but rather the pursuit of an adventurous, fulfilling lifestyle. A lover of golf, bicycling, hiking, and line dancing, she has carried her passions across the country, engaging with them in diverse settings. Jill’s commitment to the RV lifestyle came after years of careful research, numerous consultations with RV owners, and personal trials, including living in a rental RV.