What oil filter fits my car?
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Noticed poor performance in your car lately? You might need a new oil filter
Your car relies on oil to be distributed throughout the engine to continue working smoothly. Your oil lubricates moving parts and helps prevent overheating. If oil isn’t kept clean (or filtered) it can result in various problems, such as:
- Poor performance
- Dirty exhaust
- Low oil pressure
- Engine sputters
- Engine overheat
Prolonged circulation of dirty oil can also damage engine components, as small particles can begin to wear their surfaces. This can lead to very expensive repairs!
Since oil and its filtration are so important, our team of auto repair specialists have explored how to choose the right filter for your car.
Having problems with the oil in your car? Our team can assist you with an oil filter replacement.
How do I choose the correct oil filter for my car?
Factors that impact whether or not an oil filter will be right your vehicle include:
- Size and capture efficiency
- Dirt holding capacity
- Pressure flow
- Design and fabrication integrity
Oil filter size will need to closely match the original factory-fitted unit. Choosing from the variety of aftermarket brands can be more tricky. This is because there isn’t a lot of information available for consumers about what differentiates each filter brand. We’ll go over some factors to consider, but it’s a good idea to also talk to a Natrad technician who can help choose an appropriate replacement oil filter for your vehicle. We also assist with the servicing and repairs of other oil-related components, such as oil filter caps.
How do oil filters work?
To choose an oil filter best suited to you, it helps to know how the engine lubrication system works. Oil is needed for the engine to run smoothly; it lubricates moving engine parts, preventing friction, wear and damage from grinding surfaces.
Engine oil circulates the system via the oil pump. It’s pumped directly through the oil filter which has a synthetic fibre mesh that allows the oil to pass through while blocking debris and contaminants, much like a sieve. Trapped debris and contaminants are prevented from circulating around the engine and causing wear.
Factors to consider when choosing an oil filter
Filter size and efficiency
Filter size usually refers to micron size (a micron is 1 millionth of a metre), which is the unit of measurement used to measure particles travelling through the oil. As mentioned before, small particles such as metal debris can come off your engine and wear your system down. To prevent wear and damage, the holes in your filter are a certain amount of microns large so that oil can pass but debris cannot.
Micron ratings and beta ratings are sometimes used to measure the effectiveness of a filtration system.
There are a lot of factors involved in ensuring your filter size is neither too large or too small. If your filter size is too large, debris inside the oil will pass through the filter and degrade the system. If your filter size is too small, the filter becomes easily blocked and engine oil will flow too slowly; this will also cause damage.
Finding the right middle ground can be difficult. Most oil filter manufacturers do not supply comprehensive details regarding filter size to consumers, and this can make finding the right oil filter for your car even harder. Therefore, it’s best to talk to your local Natrad mechanic and take advantage of their expert advice.
Dirt-holding capacity
Dirt-holding capacity refers to the amount of dirt a filter can hold before it becomes clogged. It is essentially a measure of your oil filter’s lifespan.
Generally, most filters should be changed around every 5-10 thousand kilometres, but it can vary. Some oil filters are designed to last longer, and you might need to change more or less regularly depending on how frequently you drive and driving conditions. It’s best to seek individual advice from your mechanic for guidance.
If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms, it may be time to change your oil filter:
- Overheating: This might be because parts are heating up without the correct amount of lubrication.
- Oil leakage: Possibly due to a filter housing rupture, causing the oil to leak.
- Visual inspection of the dipstick revealing very thick, black oil. This could be an indicator your oil filter is not filtering oil or that there is a filter element rupture.
Design and fabrication
As with any automotive part, the design and materials of your oil filter are important factors to consider. Better materials will obviously result in better performance and lifespan. Common design materials used in oil filter construction are cellulose (wood pulp) and synthetic media.
Cellulose
Made out of fibre, this media is capable of absorbing water (which is a good feature when filtering oil). However, it can have inconsistent porosity and is vulnerable to fatigue and chemical degradation. One advantage of using a cellulose filter is its low cost construction.
Synthetic media
This media contains more pores per square inch and they are usually consistent in size. This allows it to have a higher dirt-holding capacity and makes it more tolerant to stress.. Synthetic media filters are also less sensitive to moisture and tend to have less contamination, allowing for higher flow rates.
Some high-performance filters are made of a composite of cellulose and synthetic media. The quality of this hybrid filter is higher than cellulose but lower than synthetic media, making it a good cost-effective middle ground.
Find the right oil filter for your vehicle with help from Natrad
While there are a lot of factors that make for a good oil filter design, information may be difficult for the general public to access. We’ve explained a few factors above, but realistically, you’ll need the correct size for your vehicle and good quality construction.
By size, we refer to your oil filter’s dimensions checked against your vehicle requirements. And as mentioned above, synthetic or composite materials are considered the best performers. They can be a little more expensive, but these filters are designed to serve your car more effectively and last longer – saving you from expensive engine damage repairs in the future.
At Natrad, we have a range of high-quality oil filters available for a large variety of vehicle applications. Our technicians can help you find the right oil filter for your vehicle and install it for you as well.
If your vehicle is having oil-related problems, Natrad has the solution. Talk to our qualified team about your oil filter and we’ll not only recommend the right replacement, but can install it into your vehicle for you as well. Plus, you can talk to us about any issues you have with other auto filters.
