If you’re looking to keep your car in tip-top shape, you need to make sure your oil is clean. That’s why it’s important to get the best oil filter for your vehicle. But do you know which oil filter brands to avoid?
Don’t worry! With a bit of research, you can easily identify which brands are likely to cause issues for your engine. In this article, we want to discuss some of the brands of oil filters that you should avoid if you want clean and efficient lubrication for your car’s engine.
So, let’s dive into each of these and figure out why they could be hazardous for your engine.
Top 5 Oil Filter Brands to Avoid
When it comes to choosing a motor oil filter, it can be difficult to determine which brands are the most reliable. Unfortunately, there are plenty of oil filters on the market that is not reliable and can cause harm to your engine. To help you make the right decision, here are some of the oil filter brands to avoid.
Fram Oil Filter
If you’re looking to change your oil filter, you want to be sure that you’re using a quality product. But not all oil filters are created equal. There are some poor-quality brands out there. The Fram Oil Filter is one of them.
Fram oil filters have a reputation for being low quality and notoriously difficult to install. The filter material itself is known for being hard, causing increased wear on the components of the engine and reducing the longevity of the filter before it needs to be changed.
Some Fram filters also have been known to disassemble themselves in high-temperature conditions, leaving debris and contaminants inside the engine.
Overall, it’s best to avoid this particular brand if you want optimal performance and protection from your engine’s oil filter.
Champ Labs Oil Filter
When it comes to oil filters, the brand Champ Labs is one that you should stay away from. The filters contained within this brand have been proven to be unreliable and can easily become clogged after short intervals of driving. That means you have to replace them more frequently than most other brands, which leads to a lot of hassle and wasted money.
The materials used in Champ Lab oil filters are also of lower quality. It means they won’t last as long as those made by their competitors. The materials also don’t do a good job of blocking debris that can damage your engine. Furthermore, the design of these filters is somewhat outdated and doesn’t provide adequate protection for your engine’s components.
So, it’s best to avoid Champ Labs oil filters when purchasing an oil filter for your car. It’s a risk of spending more money on replacements and potentially damaging your engine in the process.
Purolator PureOne Oil Filter
Like Champ Labs Oil Filter, Purolator PureOne is one of the oil filter brands that should be avoided. This oil filter brand has been known to deliver low-quality performance despite its low price tag.
Here are some of the reasons why you should skip the Purolator PureOne and look for another oil filter alternative:
- Poor filtration – One of the most common complaints about this brand is its poor filtering capabilities, as it often fails to capture and remove small particles from your car’s engine oil.
- Low-quality construction – Another issue with this brand is that its construction quality is subpar, as there have been reports of Purolator PureOne filters leaking or breaking down after just a few uses.
- Not long lasting – It doesn’t last very long, as most Purolator PureOne filters can only handle up to 5,000 miles before needing replacement.
Supertech Oil Filters
While purchasing an oil filter for your car, the Supertech filter is one you should avoid. These filters are made of paper and plastic construction and can’t be reused.
When it comes to protecting your engine, Supertech oil filters don’t quite cut it. That’s because they can let too much debris go through them and into your engine, which means that eventually, your oil filter won’t be able to do its job anymore. Plus, they tend to clog easily and their microns rating isn’t that good either.
It’s important to note that there is a lack of information available about Supertech oil filters in terms of their official specifications and tests conducted by third-party organizations. So even though the price might be appealing at first glance, it’s probably not worth it in the long run. It’s better to invest in an oil filter from a reputable brand instead.
Motorcraft Oil Filters
If you’re looking for an oil filter to avoid, Motorcraft oil filters are a good one to keep in mind. Motorcraft oil filters are constructed with paper media instead of synthetic which impacts the overall performance.
The paper is more susceptible to tearing when you remove it, which lets dirt and other particles into the engine. And since it doesn’t have any kind of synthetic media, it doesn’t trap particles as well as other types of filters.
And then there’s the sealant used in Motorcraft oil filters. It’s not very good at blocking dirt from entering the engine so you might end up with a clogged filter sooner than you expect.
As for their cost-effectiveness, they may be cheaper than synthetic options but because they need to be changed more often, you might end up spending more money in the long run. So, if you’re looking for an oil filter that will last longer and provide a better performance, Motorcraft isn’t your best option.
What are the Signs to Determine Bad Oil Filters
Oil filters are an essential part of a vehicle’s engine and should be regularly changed to ensure the engine runs smoothly. But how can you tell if your vehicle’s oil filter is bad? Here are a few signs to help you determine if it’s time to change your oil filter.
- Excessive Engine Noise – One of the most common signs of a bad oil filter is a noisy engine. When the oil filter is dirty, it can cause the engine to become louder than normal. This can be heard as a ticking, knocking, or rattling noise.
- Abnormal Oil Pressure – Another sign of a bad oil filter is increased or low oil pressure. This can be tested with an oil pressure gauge. If the pressure is higher than normal, it could be a sign that the oil filter needs to be replaced.
- Oil Leaks – Oil leaks are another common sign of a bad oil filter. If the filter is clogged, it can cause the oil to leak out of the filter housing or the engine. This can be difficult to detect, so if you notice oil on the ground beneath your vehicle, it’s best to have it checked out by a mechanic.
- Dark Oil – Dirty oil or oil that is dark in color is another sign that the oil filter is bad. The oil should be a light golden color. If it’s dark, it could be a sign that the filter is clogged and needs to be changed.
- Foul Odors – Foul odors coming from the engine can also be a sign of a bad oil filter. This can be caused by the buildup of dirt and debris in the filter, which can cause it to become clogged.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency – Decreased fuel efficiency can be caused by a bad oil filter. This is because the filter is not able to properly filter out the dirt and debris, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency.
- User Reviews: User reviews are one of the most effective ways to get information about a product. Oil filter reviews or consumer reports should be reviewed before buying any oil filter. In this way, you will get a complete idea about any oil filter.
These are a few of the signs that can indicate a bad oil filter. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to have your oil filter checked and possibly replaced. This will help ensure that your vehicle’s engine is running as efficiently as possible.
Best Oil Filter Brands
You already got some ideas on which oil filters to avoid. Now, it’s time to know which are the premier oil filter brands that you can pick for your vehicle. So, check out these top 3 best oil brands.
Bosch
If you’re looking for quality and performance, the Bosch oil filter brand is your best bet. In this Bosch oil filter review, we will take a closer look at what makes these filters stand out from the competition.
Engineered to perfection, Bosch oil filters feature superior construction that offers unbeatable protection, even in extreme conditions. The synthetic filter element ensures a consistent, low-resistance flow of oil to the engine components and provides superior filtration.
Bosch’s advanced filter technology also helps reduce engine wear by capturing smaller particles than traditional filters, making it a great choice for both new and older vehicles. All Bosch oil filters are also designed to stand up to extreme temperatures and come with a high-pressure valve to protect against pressure spikes.
Royal Purple
When it comes to Royal Purple Oil Filters, they are designed using revolutionary technology for maximum performance. These filters come with a synthetic blend media that trap more particles than conventional filters and single-pass efficiency ratings for outstanding capacity.
What’s more, Royal Purple Oil Filters feature a heavy-duty construction made from corrosion-resistant materials and stainless-steel housings. These also allow for 2x the normal operating pressure limits, so you don’t have to worry about them getting clogged easily.
They come with a high-performance sealing gasket made of nitrile material, providing superior leak resistance compared to other brands. These filters also feature a unique bypass valve design that allows you to extend service intervals while ensuring superior protection. It can be the best oil filter brand for synthetic oil as well.
Mobil 1
When deciding on an oil filter brand for your vehicle, you may have come across Mobil 1. Mobil 1 is known for its oil filters which are designed to deliver an unbeatable combination of quality and durability.
Mobil 1 oil filters feature a patented media composed of two materials in precise arrangement: synthetic glass microfibers combined with a special blend of polymeric backing material. This creates a well-rounded filter that offers excellent contamination protection and exceptional performance, all while filtering out 99% of all engine-harmful dirt particles larger than 25 microns.
It offers top-notch filtration capabilities to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. These oil filters offer extended service life. It means you can go longer between changes without compromising on performance or protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does the oil filter brand matter?
Yes, the oil filter brand does matter. Different brands of oil filters have different levels of filtration capability, as well as different materials and construction processes. Some oil filters may also be designed to work more efficiently with certain types of motor oil. It is important to select an oil filter that is designed to work with the specific motor oil and vehicle being used, as this will help maintain the vehicle’s efficiency and protect its engine.
Q. How can you tell a fake oil filter?
To tell a fake oil filter, you should look for obvious signs of inferior quality such as a misshapen filter, off-brand name, or irregular seams. You should also compare the filter to a genuine filter to ensure it has all the same components and features. Additionally, you can also research the product online to see if it is a known fake or if it is an authentic product.
Q. How do I choose an oil filter?
When choosing an oil filter, it is important to consider the size, shape, and type of filter that is best suited for your vehicle. You should also consider the filter’s features, such as the number of layers, the type of media, and the type of bypass valve. It is also important to check the manufacturer’s recommended service interval for the filter and make sure to replace it at the appropriate time.
Q. Are all oil filters the same quality?
No, oil filters can vary in quality depending on the brand and the type of filter. Some oil filters are designed to be more effective and last longer than others. The best way to determine which oil filter is best for your car is to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Final Thought
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or have an expert mechanic who changes your oil, it’s essential to know which oil filter brands to avoid. Doing so, can save you money and help you keep your engine running optimally.
A simple tip from us is, while buying oil filters, just make sure to read reviews, get recommendations from mechanics, and always prioritize quality over price.
Read: K&N Oil Filter Vs Mobil1
