Picking the best oil filter to clean your car engine is helped by expert reviews from 2023. Regularly changing your oil requires a top filter from Mobil, Fram, or K&N that will remove contaminants.
If you are looking to buy an oil filter you need to know what is best. Whether you need an oil filter for a truck or for high mileage; you need to be prepared to know what best suits your car.
There are numerous oil filter brands that are popular like Fram, Mobil, or K&N that are highly praised because of their proven track record. However, if you drive a specific model car you need to know what best suits your truck or SUV.
What oil filter is best for your car or truck? Learn more about the different types of oil filters that can offer everything from different capacity amounts, mileage guarantees, longer lasting potential, to even specialized filters for Hondas and other car types.
What Does An Oil Filter Do?
Oil Filter’s main benefits are clear. An oil filter aids in removing contaminants from your car engine’s oil that can build up over time as the oil keeps your engine clean and strong.
The oil filter’s purpose is to help out your car and engine. How? While your car needs to convert fuel into energy; the car also needs oil. Many of the processes and mechanics of your car require oil for lubrication.
Why is a good Oil Filter important?
Whether you get a Mobil or Fram filter what is important is the quality. Therefore, you need to make sure your car is running on clean motor oil because if the oil were unfiltered then many contaminants would disrupt the engine and the car in general.
So, in conclusion, an oil filter prevents a car from being damaged. Because dirty oil can hurt the engine and it is very much a necessity to buy an oil filter to
Our Top 10 Picks: Oil Filters Highlights
- Best Overall Oil Filter: Motorcraft FL-820-S Oil Filter “Effective filter sold at an affordable price for especially trucks; comes with a silicone anti drain back valve. “
- Best High Mileage Oil Filter: Mobil 1 M1-110 Oil Filter “Specialized for high mileage use; higher filtration rate for more driving and advanced synthetic fiber media design.”
- Best Budget Oil Filter: Motorcraft FL-910S Oil Filter “A real money saver, this is an efficient filter media with an ironed steel case that gives a tight and accurate fit for protection from contaminants. “
- Best Durable Oil Filter: K&N KN-138 Powersports High Performance Oil Filter “Highly effective and sturdy oil filter that will help filtration levels; included as well an anti-drain back valve.”
- Best for Honda Oil Filter: Genuine Honda 15400-PLM-A02 “Best for all Honda models, as well long lasting and quality assured OEM filters that run on any type of oil.”
- Best General Oil Filter: ACDelco PF2232 Oil Filter “An all around efficient and popular oil filter that maintains oil flow with high burst strength and top notch filtration media.”
- Best for Diesel Engines Oil Filter: Motorcraft FL2016 Oil Filter “A quality filter for diesel engines and ideal for trucks; very popular and comes with a 12 month guarantee. “
- Best Everyday Oil Filter: FRAM PH7317 Extra Guard Passenger Car Spin-On Oil Filter “A budget saver oil filter that will do well for the average driver, universal and versatile and engineered use with conventional oil.”
- Best Higher Capacity Oil Filter: Mann-Filter HU 816 X Metal-Free Oil Filter “Expect a higher capacity oil filter with a longer life; ideal for BMW models as well as great design.”
- Best for Longevity Oil Filter: Royal Purple 10-2835 Oil Filter “A refined oil filter that guarantees a longer service life including a leak-free seal and thick outer shell design.”
Top 10 Best Oil Filters
Best Overall Oil Filter
Motorcraft makes an effective filter that is sold at an affordable price . This oil filter is especially good for trucks; as well it comes with a silicone anti drain back valve.
This oil filter brand of course aids in effectively protecting against engine wear. How? The best method as the Motorcraft does is by screening out abrasives like carbon, dust, sand, and metall bits. Overall, this is essential for your car and longevity.
Basically, the pressure relief valves are crucial when it comes to proper oil circulation to the engine. The best thing about the oil filter is that you prevent the possibility of contamination.
Note that this filter is more intended for the brands of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury. Providing a good fit for your car that will help your car last longer. Steel casing provides a tight and efficient fit for best performance.
Overall, the Ford oil filter is an ideal filter that is efficient for collecting dirt and other potential debris and contaminants. You will decrease the chance of problems with your filter with this model.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Well rounded protection against the elements especially harmful particles
- Comes with steel cases for added weight and precision
- Best for trucks especially Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury.
You need to pay attention to It:
- Heavier than most other oil filters on the market
- Make sure this is the best filter for your vehicle
Best High Mileage Oil Filter
Mobil makes an oil filter especially for high mileage drivers. This is a specialized filter that has a higher filtration rate for high mileage. In general, the design features an advanced synthetic fiber media material along with a silicone anti-drain back valve.
The benefit of this oil filter is that it is meant for heavy use for any serious drivers. Why? The higher filtration is designed for more driving. As well, Mobil touts a 99.6% efficiency rating for effectiveness.
As well, the filter is able to endure more operating pressure for longer use. Expect a long life for this filter providing longer drain intervals for your vehicle’s better performance. Furthermore, you will remove most if all contaminants while other filters will protect less.
The most impressive claim is that the Mobil 1 M1-110 Oil filter will tolerate nine time more system operating pressure. So, the filter will surely protect you from leakage and shutdown; including silicone anti-drain back is crucial here.
In general, this is a top notch filter meant for long term use and high dirt holding capacity. Your car will perform much better overall with this high performing filter.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- High filtration means high mileage and more driving guaranteed
- High dirt holding capacity along with removal of most contaminants
- Ability to withstand high operating pressure makes for a sturdy and long lasting filter
You need to pay attention to It:
- Expensive compared to other brands and most other oil filters
- Some delivery problems with defective product according to Amazon reviews
Best Budget Oil Filter
A real money saver, this is an efficient filter overall. The filter is built with effective media and an ironed steel case that gives a tight and accurate fit for protection from contaminants.
Affordability is the key with this filter as you will be saving a lot of money. Quality is not the intention, but the filter will remove contaminants that could harm the engine.
In terms of features, the oil filter has a silicone anti-drain back that aids to keep oil from draining out of the filter or engine. This prevents dry starts, which can be a big problem overall when you own a car.
Moreover, the in-built pressure relief valve of the Motorcraft is able to gold back oil from coming back into the engine even in colder weather. The dirt holding capacity is 12 grams. Also, there is a steel case that is durable and guarantees a more precise fitting for effectiveness.
All in all, this is a great value for what you pay, but the design and build is bulky. However, the effectiveness and savings in cost outweigh any negatives.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Most affordable oil filter on the market and good value overall for what you pay
- Effective silicone anti-drain back for best oil draining function
- Steel case cap guarantees a precise fit
You need to pay attention to It:
- Bulky design and build may be awkward for some consumers
- Less applicable design versatility and limitation because of price
Best Durable Oil Filter
K&N KN 138 oil filter is strong and by far the sturdiest on the market. This oil filter is a highly effective and sturdy oil filter that will help filtration levels; included as well an anti-drain back valve.
All in all, this is a great oil for drivers seeking synthetic engine oils. Why? The oil filter is best for a variety of cars even including motorcycles. You will get nothing but a high performing filter that may actually help older and more worn engines that need filtering.
Design-wise you have an oil filter that protects from inclement weather like sleet and freezing rain. The sturdiness is what makes this filter very valuable. As well, the filter itself includes resin for ultimate efficiency against contaminants.
The anti-drainback valve is built within the filter to prevent contamination going back into the engine after you stop driving. There is a claim that the K&N oil filter has an 99% effective rate in taking away contaminants from the oil.
Overall, this is the most effective and all around comprehensive oil filter for durability for wear and tear, design, and effectiveness against contaminants.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- 99% claim to be effective against contaminants in your oil; highest in the oil filter market
- Overall strong durability to protect against wear and tear for older engines
- Great design overall that includes an anti drainback valve
You need to pay attention to It:
- There are reports from some Amazon reviews of leaking oil from front of filter
- Some quality control issues with some filters not being the right model, so be careful
Best for Honda Oil Filter
The only option that works well for a Honda is this oil filter. This is a filter that will more than do the job by working with any type of oil along with being easy to install.
A great filter because it can fit the multitude of Hondas on the market from the Accord to the Honda Fit and more. The 15400-PLM-A02 is the ideal size for many of the models Honda has released.
This is a highly efficient filter that claims to eradicate 99% of the contaminants that could damage your auto. The filter lasts up to 10,000 miles as it is a long lasting filter made for normal driving use.
Overall, this 15400-PLM filter can work with any oil, so you don’t have to be picky. As well, do realize that there are some issues as the filter can be difficult to take out as well some minor design limitations. But, the 15400-PLM filter is an OEM quality filter that is long lasting.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Specially made for Honda cars and vehicles of any type
- Long lasting up to 10,000 miles, so does not require constant replacements
- Easy and quick setup for installation and immediate use on the road
You need to pay attention to It:
- Some quality issues in terms of design and manufacturing
- Gasket for oil filter is small according to some
Best General Oil Filter
AnCDelco makes an all around efficient and popular oil filter that maintains oil flow with high burst strength and top notch filtration media. You can’t find a better and more well rounded oil filter for this price range.
This brand, ACDelco, is an industry leader that proves time and time again why it has a great reputation. Building various accessories has helped with establishing ACDelco for reliability and quality craftsmanship.
All in all, the standout feature is the cellulose media that is able to withstand and help your oil filtration and engine. The filtration media can take and remove oil effectively. You are guaranteed about five times more strength compared to many other filters on the market.
In conclusion, the oil flow benefit is clear with the high filtration capacity making your car run more smoothly as well. The adhesive media that comes along with this filter keeps the oil intact and clean.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- ACDelco is an industry leader for auto and oil filter technology, so the brand name is powerful
- Advanced protection with yout oil filter that features an adhesive filter with cellulose media
- Excellent filtration system for constant and smooth oil flow
You need to pay attention to It:
- Make sure that the gasket and filter is applicable to your make and model of car
- Grip on oil filter is a little difficult to manage
Best for Diesel Engines Oil Filter
Motorcraft makes a quality filter for diesel engines and ideal for trucks. The FL2016 filter is popular for a reason because it delivers on satisfying customers as many Amazon reviews can show with its impressive performance.
The filter is originally intended for Ford motor engines, but the filter also fits other makes of cars and models. If you drive a diesel truck this filter’s versatility will impress because of its design and components.
There is an added pressure relief valve that is included and able to guarantee the oil in your car operates smoothly. Teel cased iron casing will make sure to prevent rusting and increasing mileage for your auto.
Logistically, the filter has adaptability for various climates and environments. You will pay more for this filter, but the higher cost means more longevity and added mileage.
In summary, there is no better diesel oil filter on the market. As well, there is a 12 month guarantee that makes this filter an ultimate draw for anyone looking for a high performing filter.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Perfect fit and specialized for diesel trucks in particular Ford Trucks
- Teel cases ironed on for an accurate fit guaranteeing to prevent rusting
- Efficient engine filter media and design for maximum effectiveness
- 12 month guarantee of filter life
You need to pay attention to It:
- More expensive than most oil filters on the market, so consider cost before buying
- Preferred oil filter for Ford trucks, so make sure filter fits your vehicle
Best Everyday Oil Filter
Fram has made a budget saver oil filter that will do well for the average driver, universal and versatile and engineered use with conventional oil. A good oil filter needs to be well balanced and adjusted for your car and the type of oil you use.
The Fram PH7317 oil filter is a proven and very popular brand. Expect an oil filter that is able to protect up to 5,000 miles of your engine for cleaning your engine effectively. This is a filter that is not specialized but general and more for anyone looking for a reliable one size fits all oil filter.
There will be some limitations to what you can expect with this oil filter because the Fram PH7317 filter only has a 95% dirt trapping efficiency overall. If you compare this Fram model to other popular models you may feel like it does not work for high mileage drivers.
Overall, the Fram oil filter is a perfect balance for drivers wanting a filter that traps dirt and a filter that holds dirt. Many filters are more specialized but the PH 7317 is better for an average driver looking for a reliable, elemental, and affordable oil filter.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Affordable price compared to most other Oil filters
- Easy to operate and put on, so requires little time
- Engineered for use with all types of conventional oil
- Versatile and suitable for many drivers compared to most oil filters
You need to pay attention to It:
- Limited potential and capacity compared to more advanced and bigger oil filters
- Only limited to 95% dirt trapping efficiency compared to other brands that trap more contaminants
Best Higher Capacity Oil Filter
Mann makes a higher capacity oil filter that is generally more oriented towards the BMW and European car market. However, this is an oil filter that can be used for a variety of model makes. Overall, expect a higher capacity oil filter with a longer life and durable great design.
In general, this oil filter has a standard functionality, but what separates it from the pack is the higher capacity potential. Why? Because of the large contaminant bonding capacity there is a higher surface area that is available on the filter.
Structurally, the Mann oil filter features a pleated structure. Also, the oil filter looks like and performs just as well similar to the BMW OEM oil filter. Therefore, if you have a BMW or similar type SUV or vehicle then this oil filter is best suited for you.
All in all, this is a filter that is highly efficient, large in capacity for contaminant elimination, and well designed for maximum performance and high mileage. Overall, you will find that the oil filter is easy to install, requiring only a wrench for removal, as well the Mann filter has consistent high separation efficiency for processing your oil smoothly.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- High performing filter that provides maximum protection for your engine
- One of the highest in terms of dirt holding capacity for filter elements
- Easy installation and removal; the Mann filter simply requires a wrench for quick and smooth removal and replacement
You need to pay attention to It:
- Expensive price compared to most other notable oil filters on the market
- Difficult to find due to lack of name brand recognition, so you need to order online using Amazon
Best for Longevity Oil Filter
Royal Purple makes a more premium filter that is more than worth the price. This is a refined oil filter that guarantees a longer service life for your filter and a better including a leak free seal and thick outer shell design.
The most unique aspect of this filter is the micro-glass media design, which gives the filter an advantage. Expect a superior and high performing filter because of the filtration media that is able to take out up to 99% of contaminants.
Longer filter expectancy is another main selling point for this filter as it claims to last up to 15,000 miles. Most filters advertise at most 10,000 miles but the Royal Purple costs more because it offers more overall.
In general, the solid and high quality of the filter and build is super effective because of its thicker shell. You need a filter that will endure what the road can bring your auto. Therefore, leaks are rare because of the rubber base gasket and leak-free seal.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Almost a leak-free guarantee as the Royal Purple filter because of the rubber base gasket
- 15,000 mile guarantee claim of life for the filter is beyond any other brand
- Prevents dry starts so a very high performing oil filter
You need to pay attention to It:
- HIgher price point than the majority of oil filters
- Make sure the filter is the best fit for your vehicle
Oil Filter Buying Guide
Here is a summary of a few of the most important things you need to watch for before buying an oil filter. These are the most crucial features you need to make sure you know below.
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Capacity
Capacity is referring to the specific amount of contaminants from the oil that is able to be held while driving. Basically, the larger the capacity an oil filter the more mileage you can get from your car.
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Build Qualit
Whether some oil filters are made of plastic or metal then you will know that the filter may be more or less effective and durable to withstand usage. Check what type suits your driving habits ideally.
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Oil Filter Brand
Some of the most popular filter brands like Fram, Mobil, K&N, or other are reputable for a reason. If there is a brand that has a proven track record of success for your type of car, like a BMW, then buy the appropriate oil filter that is known for your particular model and make of car.
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Cost and Budget
Top of the line oil filter brands can sometimes be over $10 USD, so if your budget is tight then stick to the popular and affordable brands like Mobil or Fram.
