Top 5 - which oil filter is better

What is it needed for

Experienced car owners know that motor oil is the main lubricating component in the engine. Oil powers almost all components inside the machine. With the help of liquid, the motor can work even longer. The main feature of motor oil is that it reduces friction of mechanisms and forms some kind of protection inside the system. However, the oil becomes contaminated over time and can no longer function at its full potential. Soot, dirt and caustic particles appear.

When the oil becomes contaminated, the performance of the machine is reduced. Contaminants clog and prevent lubricant from flowing into the engine components. The main task of the oil filter is to cleanse the engine oil of various contaminants. Thanks to this process, the car engine will work perfectly.

Rating of the TOP 7 best oil filters

Today there are a large number of oil filter models on the market. Some of them have been sold for decades, others are just coming to the market for the first time. We will describe the devices that are most popular among car enthusiasts. Let's look at some models:

• Mann-Filter W81180.
• Mann-Filter W9142.
• SCT SM121.
• Japanparts FO410S.
• Bosch F026407080.
• Mahle OC205.
• Hyundai/Kia 26300-35503.

Below we will examine each model in detail.

Mann-Filter W81180

This company established its position in the market more than 100 years ago. This model can be installed in more than five brands of cars - Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Opel and Subaru.

Price: from 307 to 590 rubles.

pros

• certified product;
• quality manufacturer (Korea);
• high quality carving;
• the holes are covered with film;
• high-quality installation of filter curtains.

Minuses

• no cons were identified.

Very good filter. I already bought one like this. The paper is smooth, thick and durable. O-ring seal. The anti-drainage valve is elastic and immediately returns to its original shape after bending. The bypass valve is soft. The coil is pressed rigidly by the plate. In general, a good product. I recommend it to you too!

Mann-Filter W9142

The Mann-Filter oil filter is made of metal. Suitable for trucks and cars, and even buses. We will indicate in more detail for which models you can safely purchase the device - Alpine, Autobianchi, Chevrolet, Dacia, Fiat, Ford, Lada, Lancia, Lotus, Pininfarina, Renault, Tvr, Zaz.

Cost: from 201 to 390 rubles.

pros

• the ability to check the originality of the product (packaging with a seal or labeling);
• original goods.

Minuses

• There are fakes of this model.

Excellent German filter. I install it when changing the oil on the Lada Granta. I haven't bought it from Ozone yet. It is not available here now. I'll buy it as soon as it appears. But in another store I once ran into a fake. Be careful!

SCT SM121

This filter is purchased for car brands - Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Suzuki. Good quality carving, without any cuts or burrs.

Price: from 151 to 181 rubles.

pros

• the presence of a rubber gasket;
• manufacturer (Germany).

Minuses

• no cons were identified.

The car always needs to replace consumables, replace engine oil and other spare parts. It was difficult to choose an oil filter for my car, since the car had an expensive filter, and it was a pity to pay that kind of money for it again. I started looking for cheaper options, a friend recommended the SCT company, so I found a Mitsubishi Lancer VI for my car on the Emex website oil filter SCT SM 121 and ordered it. Since then, every time I change the oil, I purchase only a filter from this company and do not regret it, since I am satisfied with the quality. When replacing the oil filter, be sure to fill the engine oil into the oil filter and then install it on the car.

Japanparts FO410S

Although the name of the model suggests that the manufacturer name the country Japan, it turns out that the filter was made by Italians. A high-quality device for cars at an affordable price.

Cost: from 153 to 311 rubles.

pros

• presence of a sticker (on it we record the number of kilometers when replacing the filter);
• high quality carving;
• appearance (supplied in a box with instructions).

Minuses

• short service life (on average 6000-7000 km).

Not only the cost of the consumable is pleasant, but also its full compatibility with the 7th generation Honda Civic. The package also contains a branded sticker on which you must indicate the number of kilometers, i.e. write the number when replacing the filter. I have been buying this product for five years now. There are no questions. Good-looking.

Bosch F026407080

Bosch F026407080 uses phenolic microfiber paper as a filter element. The ideal balance of parameters protects the engine from friction products in the cylinder-piston group, as well as combustion of the fuel-air mixture.

Price: from 645 to 759 rubles.

pros

• availability of warranty (1 year);
• famous brand;
• product quality;
• availability of packaging.

Minuses

• no cons were identified.

Half of the equipment at home and in the country is from the manufacturer Bosch. The company has long won my trust. This time I decided to install a filter from them on the car. Decent device! In operation it behaves perfectly. No complaints. Only honor and praise. I recommend it.

Mahle OC205

The Mahle company is known to many car owners. The company supplies a large number of components for cars. Mahle is one of the main suppliers of spare parts on the market.

Cost: 310 rubles.

pros

• soft and elastic anti-drainage valve;
• thick filter paper;
• there is a metal stand (to prevent the coil from skewing).

Minuses

• no cons identified.

I share my observation. The filter has five drainage holes. The body is painted black. On the body there is the name of the filter and installation instructions in the form of pictograms. There are traces of paint inside the case. Filter diameter 77 mm, height – 73 mm. The diameter of the sealing gasket is 63 mm. The thickness of the gasket is small. I'm buying it for the second time. I haven’t used other filters yet, but this one definitely scores top marks.

Hyundai/Kia 26300-35503

Classic and original oil filter. The inner side of which is protected by a polyethylene membrane.

Price: from 359 to 579 rubles.

pros

• availability of warranty (1 year);
• manufacturer (South Korea);
• high quality filter paper.

Minuses

• There are fakes on the market.

I read reviews before purchasing. They write that there is a high probability of purchasing a fake. I managed to avoid such a fate. In general, the oil will need to be changed again soon, and therefore the filter. I will order exactly the same one. The car drives great. The oil is perfectly filtered. Good luck to everyone on the roads!

Comparison table of the presented models

In order to easily make your choice, we recommend taking a look at the comparative table of the presented models. The table contains important parameters that may influence the decision when purchasing a product.

comparison table

Now let’s compare the performance of all the filters listed in the rating. This approach will best help answer the question of which filter is best.

When is replacement needed?

No matter how much we want debris and dirt to get into the car engine. Unfortunately, this process is inevitable. But we can protect the car engine a little. Every car owner should know when to change the oil filter. It must be changed at every oil change. They can't live without each other. They have joint activities and work. It turns out that the filter cleans the oil from various dirt. Therefore, clean oil can become dirty again when passing through the “old” cleaning element.

This, in turn, can cause engine malfunction. Moreover, next time you will have to change the oil much earlier due to the fact that it will become unusable (dirty) due to untimely filter change. The frequency of engine oil changes will be different for each car owner, even in the case of identical cars. It all depends on the conditions in which the machine is operated, as well as the frequency of its use. On average, according to statistics, filters are replaced 1-2 times a year.

How to replace it yourself

Do you like to tinker with your car yourself? Then this article is written for you! Always remember that replacing the oil filter is carried out when the car engine is cool. For the labor process we will need: a strap wrench or a flat-head screwdriver, a rag to remove dust and dirt. First of all, unscrew the housing, and then the filter itself.

As a rule, the body is easy to operate because it is made of soft metal. Next, wipe the landing pad and lubricate the rubber seal of the new filter with a drop of oil. Then carefully insert and screw the device into the engine, according to the direction of rotation. This is best done by hand. Now go change the oil! Or are you draining the old stuff into a tray?

Video

We recommend that you watch a useful and informative video that tells in more detail about replacing the oil filter in your car yourself.

Oil filter selection

Any oil filter becomes dirty during operation and requires periodic maintenance or replacement. It is recommended to change mechanical adsorption models at each regulated drain of used oil.

Centrifugal and gravitational elements are subject to maintenance after the established standard mileage of the vehicle. Violation of the maintenance regulations leads to clogging of the engine lubrication system, which in the future may lead to a major overhaul of the unit.

When choosing an oil filter, there are several factors to consider:

1. The device body must be made of durable metal. Upon visual inspection, its surface should be free of dents, burrs and other defects.
2. The sealing ring in the lower part of the housing must fit tightly to the filter housing, not be damaged, and be a fairly plastic substance.
3. The purchased products must be certified and produced by well-known manufacturers in the automotive market.

Manufacturers of high-quality parts must indicate on the filter housing the country and company details with a set of technical support telephone numbers.

Operations to replace the oil filter must be carried out in accordance with the requirements specified in the vehicle passport. However, the frequency of oil changes is influenced by vehicle operating conditions.

For example, when using equipment in difficult urban conditions with high dust levels, frequent stops at traffic lights, and sudden starts of movement, the service interval should be reduced.

It is recommended to carry out all maintenance work on a warm engine using special tools.

What to look for when choosing

Let's pay attention to the most important characteristics when buying an oil filter. Every person wants to purchase a quality product so that the device will serve for a long time and do its job perfectly. Therefore, I recommend that you pay attention to the following parameters before purchasing:

1. Buy original filters recommended by the car manufacturer. Firstly, because other components of the car (for example, the engine) may be damaged. Secondly, manufacturers of original products usually provide a warranty.
2. Appearance of the case. It must be durable and strong. No cracks or creases. Otherwise, liquids will flow through.
3. The presence of a bypass valve , which will prevent oil starvation of the engine in the event of failure of the filter itself.

How to choose an oil filter

No product will retain 100% of impurities, no matter what the production. To do this, the cleaning elements would have to make holes so small that the lubricant would practically not pass through them. And this leads to a decrease in pressure. However, a high degree of purification can be achieved. Much depends on the type of filter:

1. Flow-through.

The simplest cleaners. All the oil that the car requires for stable operation passes through them. The special assembly reduces the interval between lubricant changes, since all fluids are highly purified.

However, the filters quickly become dirty and gradually stop allowing oil to pass through. If this is not noticed in time, the engine will break down. To prevent problems, a valve is installed in the system that allows uncleaned oil to pass through in the event of a part failure. There is a simple solution: frequent replacement of the flow filter.

1. Partial flow.

The second type cleans only part of the liquid, so impurities and contaminants enter the engine. However, the lubricant is processed many times. Even if the purifier fails, the oil supply to the system will continue. This slightly reduces the risk of engine failure in cases where the car owner forgot to replace the part in time.

1. Combined.

As the name suggests, both types of cleaning are placed in the machine: flow and partial flow. It is impossible to remove all impurities 100%, but it is possible to achieve good results.

This system requires minimal maintenance. Most often, a combined oil filter is found in cars with a diesel engine.

Oil purification method

Based on the cleaning method, products are divided into 4 types:

• gravity (settlements);
• centrifugal (centrifuges);
• magnetic;
• mechanical filtration.

The name refers to the principle of liquid purification. The first option is the most popular and is divided into two categories: deep and fine filtration.

Most often, both types are used simultaneously. The deep cleaning process traps large dirt particles that can damage the second filter. The latter removes small impurities.

Mechanical filters are widely available on the market. They are made in the form of cartridges, which are removed from the housing when heavily soiled.

Although there are also disposable products. Most often, the mechanical type is found in a volumetric hydraulic drive system.

Gravity filters purify oil under gravity pressure. Magnetic ones use a magnet to remove contaminants.

Centrifuges use centrifugal force. Dirt separates from the oil and sticks to the walls. The cleaned lubricant continues to flow into the line.

How to choose a filter based on car parameters

You can understand which oil filter is better based on the performance and power of the car’s engine. The main factor when purchasing is determining the thread. It comes in two types:

• metric (M24×1.5, M20×1.5, M22×1.5);
• inch (5/8–18 UNF, 13/16–16 UNF).

The key size is important for drivers who are going to change the oil themselves. Soured filters on some cars are quite difficult to unscrew without special equipment.

Not every hobbyist has a suitable tool in stock. Then you need to measure the diameter of the filter barrel and the o-ring. Based on these values, a new purifier is selected.

Pitfalls when buying

The oil filter is considered one of the most frequently counterfeit parts, so purchasing a spare part from a trusted store would be a smart decision.

A careful inspection of the oil filter housing will indicate its quality. The product must be free of scratches and dents. Any defect can cause oil leakage. The connections must be securely connected.

Bypass valve

Since it is almost impossible to conduct a test in a store and evaluate the quality and efficiency of a product, it is important to take into account the car’s labeling. Then check the coincidence of the thread diameter and the geometric dimensions of the part.

Products produced in China as a cheap analogue often contain typos and errors: made for Japan, Germany quality, etc. Most likely, they were made with disregard for technological requirements.

The original durable spare part must contain all or several elements:

1. Steel tension spring to improve the reliability of the connection between it and the filter.
2. A bypass valve that prevents the engine from starving in the event of a part failure.
3. Spiral perforated tube to prevent the product from curling. At the same time, oil flow improves.
4. Internal seam to protect the body from tearing.
5. Anti-drainage check valve that blocks oil leakage.
6. Sealing gasket to prevent filter movement.

As reviews note, in an attempt to minimize costs, car enthusiasts choose cheaper products. However, it is often made using cheap raw materials of dubious origin.

There is no guarantee that the sealing ring in a counterfeit oil filter will not leak, the valve will retain its elasticity, etc. Much more often, cleaning elements are destroyed by pressure, clog the engine channels and lead to engine failure.

Manufacturers who are confident in their product place information about the place of manufacture on the case. Specify the technical support number and head office address. If you are not sure of the original origin of the product, you should ask the seller for a certificate.

Selection by car brand

Do you need to purchase a filter for your car, but don’t know which one would be more suitable? We have prepared for you a small selection for a specific car brand.

Lada

The Mann-Filter W9142 model filter is perfect for this brand of car. They have a long service life. They are marked on the packaging.

Toyota

The most commonly installed is Mahle OC205. You can rest assured about the quality of the product. After all, they are developed in a research center and produced in the city of Suncheon.

Nissan

A filter from the company is best suited here. The Italians thought through everything to the smallest detail. Put special stickers in the package to write the mileage.

Hyundai

Most often they install Mahle OC205. You can rest assured about the quality of the product. After all, they were developed in South Korea.

Renault

Mann-Filter W9142 oil filters are officially supplied to many countries around the world. Over the many years of the brand's existence, quality is still one of the leading ones.

Chevrolet

The installation of the Mann-Filter W9142 model is often found. The company covered a large number of car brands.

Volkswagen

Bosch is steadily gaining momentum. They are developing rapidly, constantly getting ahead. The company deserves a leading position. It strictly controls the quality of products and all stages of the technological process and is ideal for the Volkswagen brand.

Ford

The Mann-Filter W9142 filter differs from others in its ability to check the originality of the product immediately, on the spot. This is because the manufacturers took precautions from buyers and fixed a seal on the packaging.

Mitsubishi

This company has won a lot of fans - Bosch. Product quality and reasonable price. For this brand of car, oil filters have no equal in terms of price/quality ratio.

Kia

The SCT SM121 model has proven itself well. Every year they get more customers. These are premium segment filters that guarantee efficient operation at any speed conditions.

Oil filter selection

Some car owners believe that it is enough to select oil filters for cars simply by appearance and size. It is not right. Despite the similar appearance and dimensions, the new filter may turn out to be of a completely different design and degree of purification than the old one, which will adversely affect the operation of the car engine or even lead to engine failure.

To select the correct oil filter, you need to rely on the make, model, modification of the car and the type of engine installed. Be sure to follow the car manufacturer's recommendations.

To avoid making a mistake with your choice, you can:

• select an oil filter according to the make and modification of the car;
• select a filter based on the vehicle's VIN code.

This can be done using various online services that select an oil filter based on the make of the car and its VIN code.

Online services

If necessary, you can use the search on one of the trusted Internet portals:

• online store amag.ru
• portal avto-filter.ru
• service cardone.org