Best Oil Filters

The Motorcraft FL2016 starts big and gets even bigger down the road. To begin with, the model screens out abrasives like carbon, sand, dust, metal bits before they infiltrate the oil. Aside from capturing engine-harming particles, the unit comes equipped with a silicone anti-drainback valve, preventing the oil from draining out of the filter and engine when the engine's not running. Also, the same valve helps the engine resist the aging effects that high heat causes sometimes. But the more important puzzle piece here is the 'ironed' steel cases, making the fit precise, fluted to enable hassle-free removal, as well as painted so that they're protected from rust.

The pressure-relief valve is pretty important too though. First, the valve prevents contaminated oil from circulating back into the engine. Second, the valve maintains the oil supply towards the engine even when the filter's clogged or the temperature drops below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

The filter sometimes comes without a gasket for the filter cap, that's the one chink in the product's armor. Apart from that, the Motorcraft FL2016 will be able to make diesel oil filters ~95% more efficient, which is the biggest reason Ford automotive vehicles come with these filters from the factory.

The Purolator PBL14610 is what next-generation oil filters look and act like. First things first, the model brings the company's very own SmartFUSION™ tech, introducing a synthetic media filter that adopts reinforced polymer mesh backing, expanding the filter's dirt-holding capacity. Second things second, the double-helix solid metal center tube improves the oil flow. The tube's twice as strong as its side-seamed alternatives, protecting the system against collapsing and preventing failure. Likewise, the BOSS™ steel casing protects the most vital components from extreme pressure.

While these are the biggest contributors, the PuroSEAL™ gasket should not be taken for granted as well. Made from ethylene-acrylic, the gasket ensures unwavering leak protection. Furthermore, the same construction increases its life expectancy.

Of course, this is not some cheap filter, so a silicone anti-drainback valve is present too. With this valve, the model is able to minimize dry starts and reduce oil drainage. In fact, 'not some cheap filters' is an understatement since this product is pretty pricey. That being said, seeing everything that this model is offering, the price is justified, ensuring long-lasting protection and improved long-term engine performance.

The Bosch 3323 Premium Oil Filter offers the treatment that premium engines deserve. Thanks to the company's exclusive FILTECH™ media tech, the model can screen out more harmful contaminants. With the high glass content woven into the blended media, this filter is able to trap the smallest particles. What's more, featuring end caps, this unit ensures that trapped contaminants do not reach the engine. The filtration media is also expanded, holding as much as 14 grams of contaminants, meaning that that's 14 grams of harmful particles that are not entering the engine.

Besides the media, the model's biggest strength is, incidentally, the strong steel base plates and housings, making sure that the fit's precise as well as preventing warpage and leaks. The high-lubricity gasket contributes to the same cause, providing a tight seal that, despite its tightness, enables effortless removal.

Considering the product's premium disposition, the pressure-relief valve and the anti-drainback valve come without saying. What doesn't come without saying though is that, in spite of the gasket's best efforts, the filter is not as easy to change as you'd expect. Still, even counting this little misstep, the Bosch 3323 Premium Oil Filter deserves its 'premium' title.

The Mobil 1 M1-110A keeps the oil drain intervals long, ensuring ultimate engine protection. Using synthetic blend media, this unit holds more dirt, cleaning the oil with improved precision. The part that we like the most though is the heavy-duty canister. Made from high-strength steel, the canister can withstand ~nine times the normal system operating pressure. In the same vein, the nitrile gasket has been enhanced as well, not just minimizing but straight-up removing leaks from the equation.

We have but one problem with this product but it is a biggie. From the compatibility perspective, the unit works with select models from Acura/Honda (2001-17), Infiniti/Nissan (1995-17), Mitsubishi (1992-18), and Mazda (1983-02, 09-11). To put it a little differently, there's a pretty decent chance that this filter will not prove compatible with your vehicle, so make sure you check that beforehand.

But, provided your car makes the list, this is not the unit that you will regret purchasing initially or down the road, especially considering that the folk at Mobil guarantee consistent performance for 20,000 miles, whereas most companies behind oil filters usually stop at 15,000. In other words, install the Mobil 1 M1-110A and you won't have to replace the oil filter anytime soon.

The FRAM Tough Guard TG7317 is a tough guard, so the name tracks. What makes this guard so tough? To name but one example, the microscopic synthetic fibers that create small windows, trapping even microscopic dirt particles without affecting the oil flow. Not necessarily pertaining to the 'tough cause' but the SureGrip® no-slip finish is quite an attractive attribute too, making sure that the surface is not slippery and enabling easy installation as well as removal.

But, despite what we've said about the oil flow not being affected just now, once the mileage starts reaching ~6,000 miles, the flow always deteriorates. The change is not huge and, just like the company promises, the unit can usually last the advertised 15,000 miles, but the difference is noticeable nonetheless.

What's also noticeable though is the internally lubricated sealing gasket that lets you remove the filter with relative ease. The silicone anti-drainback valve pulls its weight as well, holding a small reserve of oil in the filter to protect the engine during start-ups.

So, as long as you want something that protects your engine, the FRAM Tough Guard TG7317 should prove right up your alley. The filter works with most models from Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Eagle, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Subaru, so there's a pretty good chance your car will be compatible with it.