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What is the best brand oil filter to buy?

There isn’t a single universal best brand for every car, but premium brands such as Bosch, MANN-FILTER, MAHLE Original, Wix, and Purflux are widely trusted for reliability and fit. The right choice depends on your vehicle’s OEM part number and maintenance needs.

Brand choices trusted by mechanics and OEMs

These brands are widely available and backed by solid filtration media and manufacturing standards, making them dependable options for most modern engines.

Bosch Premium FILTECH oil filters — known for high filtration efficiency and durability; widely used by vehicle manufacturers and in aftermarket service.

MANN-FILTER — widely used by European automakers; solid filtration media and anti-drainback valve; reliable aftermarket option.

MAHLE Original — OEM-grade filters with robust construction and effective filtration media; commonly found on European and other vehicles.

WIX Filters — strong aftermarket brand with advanced media and good flow characteristics; widely available in North America and abroad.

PURFLUX — well-regarded in Europe with precise fit and quality media for many European makes.

These brands cover a broad spectrum of vehicles and maintenance needs. When in doubt, start with the OEM-recommended brand or a well-known equivalent from this list and verify the exact part number for your car.

Why premium brands matter

Premium brands typically offer more consistent filtration media, tighter manufacturing tolerances, and more reliable anti-drainback valves. This can translate to better protection for your engine, especially in modern vehicles that rely on precise oil flow and filtration.

How to choose the right oil filter for your vehicle

To ensure you buy the correct filter, follow these practical steps and check your vehicle’s specifications.

Before buying, verify several criteria:

OEM part number compatibility — use the part number printed on the existing filter or listed in the owner's manual or parts catalog.

Filter type — determine whether your car uses a spin-on canister filter or a cartridge filter, as some models require specific mounting hardware.

Media quality and micron rating — higher-quality media and smaller micron ratings generally offer better filtration, which can help keep oil cleaner longer.

Gasket size, thread pitch, and mounting — ensure the gasket diameter and thread specification match to prevent leaks and improper sealing.

Oil type compatibility — some engines require filters designed for synthetic oils or specific viscosity ranges; verify with the manufacturer.

Vehicle-specific notes — certain makes require OEM or OEM-equivalent filters for warranty or performance reasons; check your warranty terms and service guidelines.

By sticking to these criteria, you’ll minimize the risk of leaks, pressure issues, and potential warranty concerns while maintaining optimal engine protection.

Summary

In practice, there isn’t a single universal “best” brand for every engine. Trusted premium options—Bosch, MANN-FILTER, MAHLE Original, Wix, and Purflux—offer reliable filtration and broad compatibility. The best choice for your vehicle is the filter that matches your OEM part number and engine requirements. When uncertain, consult a trusted mechanic or the dealership, and consider sticking with OEM-recommended or equivalent high-quality brands.

What oil filter is considered the best?

The best oil filter depends on your needs, but high-quality synthetic filters like Mobil 1 Extended Performance and Fram Ultra Synthetic are top choices for their high efficiency and long service intervals. Other highly-rated brands include Wix XP for heavy-duty applications and K&N Premium Gold for performance vehicles. The best choice for you will depend on your vehicle, driving habits, and desired oil change intervals.
This video compares Wix and Fram oil filters: 44sMuscle Car SolutionsYouTube · Jun 12, 2021
Top contenders

For long service intervals: Mobil 1 Extended Performance and Fram Ultra Synthetic are built for extended life, with filtration lasting up to 20,000 miles with full synthetic oil.
For performance vehicles: K&N Premium Gold is designed for high-flow rates and durability, making it ideal for performance cars and trucks.
For heavy-duty use: Wix XP is a popular and highly-rated option, known for its durable construction and 99% efficiency, suitable for trucks and SUVs.
For daily drivers: A premium filter like Bosch Premium offers a good balance of efficiency and service life for typical driving conditions.

How to choose the right filter

Consider your oil: If you use full synthetic oil, opt for a filter that is also designed for it, as these filters can last longer.
Match the filter to your vehicle: Some filters are designed for specific needs, such as heavy-duty trucks (Wix XP) or performance cars (K&N).
Think about service intervals: If you want to extend the time between oil changes, choose a filter specifically designed for long service intervals, such as Mobil 1 Extended Performance or Fram Ultra Synthetic.
Check the specifications: Look for key features like synthetic media for better filtration and a silicone anti-drainback valve for protection against dry starts.

This video discusses which oil filter is best and what to avoid: 1:30ATV Guys MagazineFacebook · Oct 12, 2025

What oil filters have a 99% efficiency of filtration?

Full synthetic media filters like Mobil 1, Fram Ultra, and Purolator Boss achieve 99-99.9% efficiency maintaining performance through 15,000-20,000 miles. Synthetic media provides 40% more surface area, resists hot oil degradation, maintains consistent pore size, and enables extended drain intervals.

What oil filter should I use with synthetic oil?

Good oil filters for synthetic oil include Fram Ultra Synthetic, Mobil 1 Extended Performance, and Royal Purple Extended Life, which are engineered for higher efficiency and longer intervals. Other reputable brands include Bosch Premium FILTECH, STP Extended Life, and ACDelco Professional. Always ensure the filter is compatible with your specific vehicle, check the owner's manual, and confirm the filter meets the requirements of your synthetic oil's warranty.
Top-rated filters for synthetic oil

Fram Ultra Synthetic: Often cited as a top choice, it features a dual-layer synthetic media, high filtration efficiency (99% of particles 20 microns and larger), and a 20,000-mile service rating.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance: Designed for synthetic oil, it offers a high level of filtration and is compatible with all types of motor oil.
Royal Purple Extended Life: Another filter specifically made to work with synthetic oils, though some reviews suggest it may have a shorter lifespan compared to the Fram Ultra Synthetic.
Bosch Premium FILTECH: A high-quality option that is compatible with synthetic oils and offers excellent filtration.
STP Extended Life: Can handle extended oil change intervals of up to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil and includes a silicone gasket to prevent leaks at high temperatures.
ACDelco Professional: A reliable option for many vehicles, not just GM models.

How to choose the right filter

Check your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation: It's always best to consult your owner's manual to ensure the filter you choose is compatible and won't void your warranty.
Consider performance and price: The "best" filter depends on your budget and needs. For extended oil change intervals, a premium filter like the Fram Ultra Synthetic is a strong option.
Look for high filtration efficiency: A good filter for synthetic oil should have a high efficiency rate, meaning it can trap a high percentage of small particles.
Ensure a good anti-drainback valve: A silicone anti-drainback valve is important to prevent dry starts when you first start your engine.

Are K&N oil filters better than OEM?

Whether a K&N oil filter is better than an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filter depends on your priorities, as they offer different advantages and disadvantages. OEM filters are designed specifically for your engine and offer proven reliability, while K&N filters are often promoted for higher flow rates and performance, which can be more beneficial for certain applications, though they may have lower filtration capacity.
K&N oil filters

Pros: Designed for high flow, which can be beneficial for performance-oriented vehicles.
Cons: Some users report that the performance benefits are minimal and that they can be messy to clean if they are the reusable type.

OEM oil filters

Pros: Specifically designed for your vehicle's engine, ensuring optimal fit and function. They are designed to meet or exceed the manufacturer's filtration, capacity, and pressure requirements.
Cons: Not designed to improve performance or offer higher flow rates than the original filter.

You can watch this video to compare K&N and OEM oil filters: 59sMessick's Farm EquipmentYouTube · Mar 31, 2025
Which one should you choose?

For most drivers: An OEM filter is a safe and reliable choice, especially if your vehicle is under warranty, as it's designed to protect the engine as the manufacturer intended.
For performance enthusiasts: If your priority is maximum engine performance, a K&N filter may be a good option, but you should research the specific model to ensure it meets your needs.

This video shows a comparison of different oil filters, including K&N and OEM: 44sBrand RanksYouTube · Mar 19, 2023

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.