Get the cheapo oil change but upgrade the filter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the quality of oil filters in relation to oil changes, particularly emphasizing the importance of selecting higher-quality filters over cheaper options. Participants share personal experiences and insights regarding filter performance and manufacturing origins.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that low-cost oil filters, such as those priced around $3, can fail quickly and lead to engine noise issues, citing a personal experience with a family member's vehicle.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of using higher-quality filters, specifically mentioning brands like Purolator and Mobile 1 as reliable options.
  • Concerns are raised about the manufacturing quality of cheaper filters, with some being produced in China and potentially having inferior materials, such as cardboard end caps.
  • There is a mention of brand name filters, including Fram, being produced by Champion Labs, indicating a lack of consistency in quality across different price points.
  • One participant humorously compares the unpredictability of auto parts quality to a box of chocolates, suggesting that consumers may not always know what they are getting.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the notion that higher-priced filters tend to offer better performance and reliability, but there is no consensus on specific brands or the overall reliability of certain manufacturers.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about filter performance are based on personal anecdotes, and there is mention of varying manufacturing standards that may affect quality. The discussion does not resolve the question of which specific brands or filters are definitively superior.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in automotive maintenance, particularly those looking to make informed decisions about oil filter purchases and oil change practices.

edward
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There are a lot of really tacky oil filters on the market. Get a filter that costs at least $8. The $3.27 filter that my daughter in law got with her $19.95 Walmart oil changed failed in three days.

I use the top of the line Purolator or Mobile 1 filters. There are other good brands, but avoid the bottom line filters.

The cheapo's do a poor job filtering the oil and yes, either of two internal valves can fail. If the anti drain back valve fails, as was my daughter in laws case, the vehicle will clatter like crazy on every start up.

Many of them are coming out of China.

http://www.alibaba.com/products/fram_filters/--100006343.html
 
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Engineering news on Phys.org
Good to know.
 
2milehi said:
http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articles/oilfilterstudy.html

That is a good link. Note that on the Fram filters they have cardboard or some kind of fiber end caps on the cartridge until you get up to the $8 range.

http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/images/Oil-Filters/Fram PH5/exploded.jpg

You get what you pay for with most any brand. A lot of brand name filters in including Fram are made by Champion Labs. Some are made in China.

Auto parts are getting to be like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.

Edit: Champion Labs is Now FRAM Filtration

http://www.champlabs.com/content/royal-purple-oil-filters
 
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