Our Fall Filter Sale is going on now, so we have oil filters on our minds. Here we will share a bit of information regarding qualities you do and don’t want in an oil filter. With so many choices on the market, it’s good to have an idea of what (and why!) you’re spending your money on.
First off, here’s what to avoid:
- Avoid filters with end caps made out of filter board. Filter board end caps can’t stand up to the necessary abuse and are more likely to leak. Buy a filter with steel end caps.
- Likewise, look for a filter with a solid metal base plate, that is attached around the full circumference, not just at say, 2 points.
- Stamped spring clips are more likely to bend under pressure. Look for a filter with a coiled spring to hold the filter element in place.
- Look at the placement of the bypass valve. This one is a bit more complicated, but if the bypass valve isn’t placed up-front it is more likely to allow dirt from the filter into the engine in bypass situations. (Why do you need a bypass valve? When your engine is cold and the oil is thick, you still need it to reach the engine quickly – dirty oil is better than no oil! Also, in the event that your filter becomes totally full and therefore blocked, you still need oil to your engine. Again, dirty oil isn’t great but it is better than no oil.)
- Rubber anti-drain back valves tend to harden and leak over time. A leaking anti-drain back valve allows the oil in the filter to drain back into the engine crank case when it is off. Then, when the engine is started up again, the filter is empty so the engine will run with NO lubrication for a short time. You can rest easy knowing NAPA Gold Filters are made of silicon, which holds up better over time. This is critically important if you are trying to extend your service interval. It is good to note, with some cars this valve is a part of the engine, not the oil filter.
NAPA Gold Filters
NAPA Gold Filters satisfy all of these requirements, and more. They use a specially blended T-03 glass-enhanced media for the pleated filter element. This removes microscopic particles without restricting the flow of oil. We feel confident recommending them. WIX manufactures all NAPA Gold Filters. They have been in the filter business for over 75 years and produce over 12,000 unique part numbers. You can read more about NAPA Filters and about WIX.
Many of these are small things, and they don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, but it is important not to cut too many corners for the cheapest possible filter. Right now you’re in luck because through the end of the week, you can save on all NAPA Gold Filters (not just oil filters), so why not find a store and come in today!?
