Engine Mechanical
Oil Filter
An oil filter traps dirt, metal particles and sludge so clean oil reaches your engine bearings. Our 33 oil filters run from $3 to $256 from AC Delco, K&N, WIX, Mopar and Mahle, with fitments for Corvette, Jeep Wrangler, Mini Cooper, Jetta and more from 1964 through 2024.
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What an oil filter does
Oil picks up fine debris as it circulates. The filter catches that debris in a pleated media before the oil returns to the bearings, cam and other moving parts. A bypass relief valve opens if the filter clogs or the oil is very thick on a cold start, so the engine still gets oil. An anti-drainback valve holds oil in the filter when the engine is off, which helps oil pressure build faster at the next start.
Choosing filter media
Filters in this group use cellulose, enhanced cellulose or synthetic media. Cellulose works well for standard oil change intervals. Synthetic media traps finer particles and holds up over longer intervals, which suits drivers who use synthetic oil and follow extended change schedules.
Whatever you choose, follow the oil change interval in your owner's manual, or a shorter one if you tow, idle a lot or drive in dusty conditions.
Installation tips
Match the filter to your engine using the fitment table, since thread size, gasket size and bypass setting vary even within one model. Before installing a spin-on filter, make sure the old gasket came off with the old filter. A doubled gasket will leak badly.
Wipe a thin film of clean oil on the new gasket and tighten by hand to the amount shown on the filter. Start the engine, check for leaks, then recheck the oil level.
Oil Filter questions
How often should I change my oil filter?
Change the filter every time you change the oil. Follow the interval in your owner's manual or the oil life monitor. Severe use such as towing or short trips may call for more frequent changes.
Are synthetic oil filters worth it?
They make the most sense if you use synthetic oil with longer change intervals. Synthetic media traps smaller particles and resists breakdown over time. For standard intervals, a quality cellulose filter does the job.
Should I fill the oil filter before installing it?
On filters that mount upright, prefilling with clean oil can shorten the time before oil pressure builds. On sideways or upside down filters it is messy and not needed. Never pour dirty oil into a new filter.