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When maintaining an engine, the use of oil filters cannot be avoided. These components are responsible for keeping the motor free from dust and other particles that can hinder its smooth running.
Actually, one of the most important things to do for your car’s engine health is investing in a good quality oil filter. But not all brands are as good as they claim to be; some may do more harm than good.
This article will point out 14 bad oil filter brands to avoid while making your decisions wisely and we’ll also let you know what signs indicate a faulty oil filter plus introduce the best 8 trustworthy brands in today’s market.
14 Worst Oil Filter Brands to Avoid:
Though some may be cheaper, they will result in catastrophic damage or complete engine failure.
By steering clear of these producers, you could save your vehicle from an untimely death.
Fram Filters:
If you’re serious about caring for your car, don’t buy Fram filters. These cheap orange filters are popular with car enthusiasts but have significant downsides that can ruin your engine.
Although they claim to last up to 10,000 miles, many users report Fram oil filters falling apart after just 5k miles.
One notorious problem with the filters is leaks from misaligned paper discs on both ends. Another issue is that the drain-back valve is made of low-quality stamped metal and doesn’t have a proper spring mechanism.
Thin Filter Media: The pleated filter media in Fram filters is very thin which makes them more susceptible to clogging. This can lead to the seam opening and allowing unfiltered oil into your engine.
Many cases of dry starts have been attributed to the anti-drain back valve being of poor quality.
Even though they are widely available and cheap, don’t be fooled by their ubiquity; Fram doesn’t make the best oil filters. Avoid bad brands like this if you want an engine that lasts long. Don’t harm your car by choosing a substandard brand such as Fram.
Supertech Oil Filters:
When it comes to oil filters, Supertech should be avoided at all costs! Yes – these low-cost versions might catch your eye due to their price tag but trust me when I say that this is not what you’re looking for!
Here’s why…
- Poor materials quality: Supertech uses paper top plates which can cause rusting and leakages if not well taken care of
- Short life span: They don’t have a long useful life and can’t be cleaned or reused
- Bad filtration system: You’ll get scared by the amount of debris that passes through Supertech filters which may end up hurting your engine
- Lack of accountability: There is no proper documentation on official standards for Supertech filters nor have there been any independent tests done on their quality control processes.
If you want your car engine to run smoothly over the years, always go for high-quality oil filters. Your car deserves nothing but the best so don’t settle for less than what it needs in order to function optimally.
Frantz Oil Filters:
When it comes down to taking care of your vehicle’s performance level, choosing an appropriate oil filter becomes very essential; however Frantz doesn’t seem like such a good option. Below are some reasons why:
- Substandard Quality: Most people complain about Frantz filters not being top-notch and having a short lifespan as well.
- Engine Damage: Some car owners have experienced parts getting ruined due to these types of filters being used.
- Quick Deterioration: The filter medium made out of toilet paper tends to wear out fast thereby creating holes that compromise its efficiency.
- Insufficient Filtration: With only two oil lines plus one canister, Frantz does not provide sufficient flow or proper filtering action required by an efficient system design.
For individuals seeking smooth-running engines minus frequent changes in their oil filters then Frantz should not be considered at all costs!
So choose wisely when it comes to selecting a reliable oil filter brand that cares about your engine as much as you do for it.
Premium Engine:
Oil filters from Premium Engine are not recommended owing to their:
- Low-Quality control
- Cheap Components
- Limited Lifespan
The Premium Engine oil filter is cheap, but it is not durable. It may only last up to 5000 miles before you need to replace it.
This filter requires a white threaded adaptor for replacement which can be costly and cumbersome.
If you switch to another good brand of oil filters, you will save money and get better performance in the long run.
This budget filter brand has been known to have metal shavings and other junk that rattle around inside them.
There are many best oil filter brands than Premium Engine so don’t go with these avoid oil filter brands.
Champ Labs Oil Filter:
When you are protecting your engine, choosing a high-quality oil filter is very important. Unfortunately, champ labs do not meet expectations on many counts;
Firstly they are made in China rather than America which raises issues about their quality control processes among other things.
Secondly, there have been problems with these filters according to customer reviews regarding their performance :
- Reliability- users say that they fail frequently
- Clogging- this happens quicker than with other types leading some people to replace such items more often than necessary thereby risking damaging engines due to the lack of adequate protection levels offered by the same filters over time.
Therefore, based on these reliability concerns, one should avoid Champ Lab’s oils if you want a smarter choice for one’s car engine life span and health care.
Purolator PureOne Oil Filter:
This particular model (PL14477) has received mixed feedback from consumers though generally speaking Purolator makes good products still many customers have raised significant complaints against this type:
- Anti-drain valve: The anti-drain valve causes ring wear on engines resulting in expensive repair works or even replacement needs besides shortening its life span too!
- Short-life span compared to others: This product may require changing it after every 5k miles unlike similar ones that last longer thus being considered less efficient by some users.
Hence our suggestion is not to use “Purolator PureOne Oil Filter” because there are better options available in the market that can prevent engine damage and save you money.
Borg & Beck Oil Filter:
Borg & Beck oil filters are often ranked low among other brands due to difficulties experienced during the installation process. Many consumers have reported accuracy issues about fitting sizes provided by this company despite claims made by them concerning ease of setup for these devices.
Common Complaints:
- Size and Diameter: The filters are difficult to install due to their dimensions.
- Thread Incompatibility: Many users find that the threads don’t match well with their engine parts.
- Service Life: Like other brands, Borg & Beck filters have a shorter service life and can decrease the oil level in the engine, posing a risk to engine health.
These issues can lead to oil leaks and potentially severe engine damage. Because of these concerns many people choose not to buy Borg & Beck filters but instead go for another brand’s filter.
The installation instructions given were often wrong causing more harm than good so it would be best if one avoids using Borg and Becks altogether specially when alternatives are available within the same price range or even cheaper in some cases.
Baldwin Oil Filter:
The Baldwin Oil Filter brand to avoid could be a good product but lacks marketing and application information. This makes it hard to know if the filter is compatible or effective.
Key Issues:
- Compatibility: There is no information about what vehicles or machinery can use this spin-on, full-flow filter other than its dimensions.
- Effectiveness: It is hard to gauge the performance of a product when there are no details about it.
The device has been installed successfully on a Yanmar tractor and a 2002 5.3 Silverado but the lack of detailed information makes one doubtful.
Baldwin Oil Filter cannot be recommended because of these uncertainties. You may have difficulty in determining if it will work for y
Pentius:
California-based manufacturer Pentius specializes in automotive oil and air filters. While they claim their products are of high quality, there are many reasons why people should take caution when buying their cheap filters.
Even though Pentius advertises that they can fit all cars, this is not true as their filters are made specifically for older Ford and GM vehicles which means they won’t work well with new models leading to poor performance.
Pentius filters suffer from various performance problems which include:
- Heat Sensitivity– When subjected to high temperatures coil springs, rubber gaskets, and valves tend to fail
- Leak Vulnerability– The plastic bypass used in their cheap filters can leak especially when dealing with high volumes of oil
Customers have complained that Pentius provides false claims about how versatile or effective its products are thereby making consumers purchase filters that do not satisfy them.
Therefore, other options should be considered while selecting oil filters due to these concerns. This might not be the right choice for you particularly if you own a newer car or need a filter that performs better under heavy-duty conditions.
Manufacturer Brands:
Several motorists don’t recommend OEM oil filters because they are too expensive and low quality.
The company worked together with engine builders in creating filters but the technology was met with skepticism due to its costliness.
Automakers branding counterfeit filters under their names is an example of misleading advertising where customers should find companies elsewhere that cater to their needs better in terms of quality; efficiency; cost etcetera
Typically house brands from major manufacturers tend to be quite pricey so you can try cheaper generic alternatives which might work just as well.
This means new oil filter manufacturer brands but rather specific oil filter brands should be used in your vehicle.
Service Champ:
Don’t get a Service Champ if you need an oil filter.
These bad oil filters are cheap, small, and poorly made; they might even be the worst oil filter brand available.
They don’t protect the engine effectively because they lack a proper bypass valve setting or media size.
Experts warn that these filters may not give enough protection for your car’s engine and will only last about 5000 kilometers.
One reviewer advised readers not to use Service Champ oil filters. Replace it with a better one.
Luberfiner:
Champion Labs’ Luberfiner brand of oil filters is widely considered among the worst on the market. Like the Service Champ ones, these have got:
- A Plastic Cage
- Fiber Filter End Caps
- Low-Quality Cellulose Filter Media
They use a nitrile combination valve which acts as both: bypass and stop for backflow
Unlike other quality filters available this does not do its job well nor has got a service life exceeding 5000 kilometers.
Luberfiner, brands of oil filters to avoid and should be changed frequently if necessary.
Astrofilters:
This brand of oil filter, Astrofilters, is not recommended because it is too big.
Most automobiles cannot hold such a large filter which might lead to:
- Spillage
- Oil Leakage
- Unfiltered Oil
These filters are complex and huge hence difficult to maintain them in good working condition. They wear out over time becoming less effective at preventing damage to the engine.
In terms of quality for the same price range as other competing companies making filters; Astrofilters falls short. Because they are;
- Bulky
- Require High Maintenance
They should not be used because they are the worst oil filters for maintaining a healthy engine due to their size.
PG Extended Life Oil Filter:
Do not buy PG Long Life if you want a different oil filter. Premium Guard Inc.’s filters do not work universally across all vehicles.
Those who own:
- Land Rovers
- Range Rover Sports
May have problems with these filters while some users say that their performance on gasoline-powered machines is below average.
Therefore you should look for another method of filtration that is compatible with your car.
What Are The Best Oil Filters Brands?
People often ask, “Does oil filter brand matter?”. The simple answer to this question is Definitely.
The safety of your engine depends on your selecting the best oil filter brand. The protection offered by top-tier brands is superior.
Mobil 1:
When it comes to reliability among filters, Mobil 1 ranks as the best oil filter brand. These filters use high-efficiency filter media to block harmful particles.
Additionally, they allow for steady oil flow even when pressure drops due to temperature changes through a pressure release valve in the filter.
Synthetic blend filter media can hold up under high loads while canister design prevents leaks. Also, an anti-drain back valve prevents oil from seeping out following engine shutdown.
This best filter is compatible with both conventional oil and synthetic oil for different vehicles. For safeguarding your engine from destructive debris and particles of all sizes Mobil 1 Oil Filters should be considered as the first choice always.
Bosch:
Bosch oil filters are commonly regarded as some of the best available on the market today. They claim that their filters can remove 99.9% of particles down to 20 microns in size!
Their latest filters were designed to be larger than ever before; they’re 42% bigger and 30% thicker which means more strength too.
The end cap now includes a bypass spring which has been pre-lubricated with silicone grease making installation easier for you (and less messy). Additionally, no rusting occurs because everything inside these high-techy wonders is metal
Built with advanced materials able to withstand heat exposure better than any other brand – ensuring lower wear rates by capturing finer dirt particles during operation.
When compared against competitors’ products claiming similar performance levels over time Bosch Filters win hands down every time so don’t settle anything less will do than perfection itself.
Bosch reliable Oil Filter range offers great value combined with quality performance options galore – what more could one want?
Motorcraft & OEM Oil Filters:
Motorcraft filters and original equipment manufacturers (OEM Filters) are two of the greatest choices for preserving engine health.
With these two filters, you can be confident your motor will remain in peak condition while running at its best.
Motorcraft filters remove up to 99% of impurities from the oil without sacrificing the flow rate. They may also allow more than enough oil to keep an engine lubricated properly for optimal performance.
Some people think that OEM filters cost too much but not so with Motorcraft Filter because they’ve got more filter media than other new ones.
So if you have multiple car models then this is recommended due to increased service life expectancy as well as additional filtering capacity provided by its larger size over competing products on the market today.
K&N Premium Oil Filter:
If that’s what you’re after then K&N’s Premium Oil Filter cannot steer you wrong.
This filter boasts a 99% efficiency rating which means it can stop particles down to one micron in size from entering your engine – ensuring longevity and efficiency every time around!
The pleated filter media has an enormous surface area allowing for high flow rates; this combined with its strong construction featuring steel cover plates makes it tough enough to withstand most demanding applications where other lesser quality parts would fail miserably.
People often ask, “Are k&n oil filters better than OEM?” Hopefully, you’ve got the answer.
Fram Tough Guard Oil Filter:
Fram Tough Guard is another good choice if maintaining the health of your engine is a top priority.
The benefits delivered by the TG10060 filter include superior filtration thanks largely due design improvements such as having more efficient media within them that can capture smaller particulates while still allowing better flow rates of oil around it too!
Fram Ultra has improved its quality control so that its oil filters with anti-drain back valves can last longer without leaking.
To ensure good quality and avoid purchasing outdated versions from third-party suppliers, only buy Fram oil filters from the official store.
Royal Purple:
Because it:
- Filters Better
- Lasts Long
- Inexpensive oil filter
Royal Purple is now an industry standard among other filters.
It can filter debris as small as 25 microns and save your engine from damage.
These filters have a high dirt-holding capacity and resistance to leaks because they use top-quality synthetic blend media and are built strong.
All Royal Purple filters provide excellent protection by employing an innovative bypass valve design that suits different engine types along with long service intervals.
If you don’t want a malfunctioning oil filter and you don’t want to spend too much money then this brand might be perfect for you.
Purolator:
If you are looking for cheap yet quality oil filters, then look no further than Purolator.
After being in business for nearly nine decades, the firm knows what consumers want very well.
In addition to metal bypass valves and end caps with metal center tubes, high-performance Purolator engines also feature silicone anti-drain back valves.
Filters made out of synthetic blend material by Purolator do not need wire backing hence making them strong but easy-to-shape; this helps them keep prices down without compromising on durability or efficiency.
Indications of an Ineffective Oil Filter?
Evaluations by Customers:
It is necessary to read through customer reviews when selecting an oil filter. They give you an idea of the:
- Product’s Quality
- Performance
- Possible Weaknesses
Negative feedback should be given more attention to prevent damaging the engine.
Compatibility:
Choose an oil filter according to its compatibility. Use Amazon inquiry search to make sure that it can fit your car. Before removing the old oil, visually compare the sizes of the filters. If there are any differences, especially in diameter, do not drain the oil.
Strength and Construct Quality:
Oil filters need to be strong and well-constructed. inexpensive oil filter uses materials such as thin steel or rubber gaskets which easily break down over time.
On the other hand, high-quality ones have thicker steel with better rubber gaskets providing a heavier feel as well as superior filtering capability.
Anti-Drain Back Valve:
An anti-drain back valve is what makes an oil filter effective or not so much. When engine is off this component stops oil from draining thus avoiding dry starts that could cause severe damage to engines; without one metallic noise may be heard along with frequent filter replacements becoming necessary.
Excessive Engine Noise:
Unusually loud running engines can denote bad filters if traced back properly; clogged or dirty filters produce ticking sounds which evolve into pounding/rattling noises given time but ignoring this will result in serious engine problems.
Abnormal Oil Pressure:
Oil pressure tends to fluctuate when there is a problem with the filter; Low pressure occurs due to blockage while high readings show that something is wrong with it. Use a pressure gauge for checking and replace if necessary.
Effective Membrane:
The performance of an oil filter largely depends on its membrane; High-end devices feature durable micro-glass fiber membranes that restrict very little movement of oils whereas cellulose captures 20-40 micron sized particles only synthetic media traps 8-10 microns sizes.
Oil Leaks:
Leaking oil filters cause problems like damaging vehicles; clogged or cracked ones may leak from the housing or engine block, low pressure due to this can spoil engines so always check for under your car.
Dark Oil:
When motor oil appears dark and dirty it’s an indication that the filter has blocked; this happens because dirt as well as pollutants get mixed up with oils. Change regularly for better health of your engine.
Bad Odors:
A bad-smelling car engine might be telling you something is wrong with the oil filter; when it gets clogged up by dirt/ debris burning could occur which produces unpleasant smells or overheating hence replacement necessary.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency:
Fuel efficiency goes down together with the overall performance of an engine if there’s a blocked filter; particles make it work harder thus using more gasoline than usual. Always ensure frequent checks and replacements are done to save on gas mileage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What Brand of Oil Filter is Good?
A: A few oil filter manufacturers are known for making the best products. Mobil 1 is trusted by many drivers because of its long history of success.
Bosch is another reputable company that produces high-quality filters. K&N Premium filters are also great; they can withstand a lot of abuse without breaking down or losing their effectiveness.
Royal Purple offers unbeatable protection against engine oil contaminants. So you will get more clean oil change relatively.
Amsoil filters work well in extreme conditions, so they’re good for people who drive in places with very hot or cold temperatures all year round. Any of these commonly used brands will keep your engine clean and prevent clogged oil filter.
Q: Does the Brand Of The Oil Filter Matter?
A: How well your car operates is determined by the standard of its oil filter. A well-designed one lubricates all parts in an engine, reducing surface resistance and damage.
It also sieves off allergens including dirt and pollen; thus improving the air/fuel combination and increased power output with less fuel consumption.
To avoid early wear and tear, always ensure that an oil filter is peculiar to your car’s make, model, and year when buying it.
Q: Are Fram Filters Any Good?
A: Yes, Fram Filter is highly recommended for engine protection. It has a micronic rating of 25, which means it can capture particles as small as one-quarter the size of those that most other filters trap between 40 and 50 microns.
In addition to this feature, durability is also an important aspect when talking about any automotive part; hence Fram filter is made tough enough so they can last longer than many competing brands.
While being subjected under severe conditions encountered during normal driving operations including exposure to high temperatures caused by continuous idling periods experienced in heavy traffic jams during hot summer seasons.
Q: Are Wix Filters Good?
A: Yes, Wix filters are very good. They have excellent build quality and meet or exceed OEM specifications. There’s a wide range of sizes and designs available, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your vehicle perfectly.
They’re also affordable and easy to install, making them a convenient option for anyone who wants their engine protected with minimum effort involved on their end.
Conclusion:
To conclude, a good oil filter is necessary for the longevity and performance of your car’s engine. In this article, we have discussed about 14 worst oil filter brands that should be avoided as they are inferior in quality and do not perform well.
Do not use low-cost filters on the engine of your vehicle as this may lead to expensive repairs. Opt for a name brand that works best with your automobile.
You can extend the life span of your engine while reducing the frequency at which it needs servicing by purchasing an oil filter that is of high quality. To ensure the safety and performance of the vehicle it is important to invest in superior parts and materials.
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