There seems to be a lot of different opinions on what automotive filters are the best. I use STP brand oil & air filters from AutoZone and I haven’t had any problems. They appear to be a high quality product at a good price. Can I get some opinions on this?
Filters
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As far as paper filters go they're pretty much all the same. Some flow a little more air than others, some have a more pleats than others, but filtering efficiency on all are going to be in the high 99% range. The main thing you need to remember is to change them often since a dirty filter will be very restrictive and will result in lower mileage and lost power.
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First it was shoes....now it's filters....
Regardless, a filter is a filter for the most part. When you think about it, there shouldn't be much in your engine that needs to be filtered out.
Regardless, a filter is a filter for the most part. When you think about it, there shouldn't be much in your engine that needs to be filtered out.
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True....the mecca of all things oil related. They also test their claims, so it isn't based on "I think this is good because it has a pretty box and cost a lot."
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I switched to a K&N air filter in my Lexus. I saw a nice 3 mpg jump when I put it in. The mileage went down gradually as it got dirtier, but I just washed it and I'm back to having 3 extra mpg. I didn't put it in for extra mileage or power, but because it's washable, and paper filters for my Lexus cost $40-$50 while the K&N was $75 and has already paid for itself with just one wash. The extra mpg, and supposed increase in power are just a bonus.
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AC Delco/Fram FTW.
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I use an AC Delco or a NAPA (Wix) filter.
No.
I've just been a technical guy for 35+ years.
I'm the one who "reads" the owners manual AND the service manual AND the parts manual.
Then I baffle them with my bull sheet.
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Agreed, FRAM FTL. They sponsored our racing cars when I worked at AutoZone, and we had multiple filters fail over the course of 2 years from FRAM and ruined our engines.
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It's entirely possible that it was something else, but I can't think of any other factor that has changed. Gas came from the same station, tire pressure on my car is always at 32psi cold, driving style stayed the same, commute stayed the same. The only thing that changed is the air filter was cleaned.
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Wix filters are very high quality. That is mostly what I use. Napa Gold filters are the exact same filter as the Wix. If it is a Napa but not a Gold then it might say Wix on it but it isn't as good, it will be a cheaper version.
OEM is usually pretty good.
When I bought my wagon used a couple of years ago I replaced the air filter with a Wix and it had about 20-30% more pleats than whatever came out of the car. I don't know what was in it when I bought it. More pleats mean more sq. in. of media and it will take more dirt to clog it up.
Fram oil filters are made very cheaply but I don't personally know anyone that has ever had a problem with one. Their air filters often are fine however.
I've used K&N air filters before and never noticed much difference. Sometimes they filter just as good as a paper and sometimes they give poor results and let dirt into your engine. Not worth the gamble in my opinion.
I'm a big fan of the bobistheoilguy website also. Lots of good info there with plenty of opinion mixed in as well. You just have to sort through it.
OEM is usually pretty good.
When I bought my wagon used a couple of years ago I replaced the air filter with a Wix and it had about 20-30% more pleats than whatever came out of the car. I don't know what was in it when I bought it. More pleats mean more sq. in. of media and it will take more dirt to clog it up.
Fram oil filters are made very cheaply but I don't personally know anyone that has ever had a problem with one. Their air filters often are fine however.
I've used K&N air filters before and never noticed much difference. Sometimes they filter just as good as a paper and sometimes they give poor results and let dirt into your engine. Not worth the gamble in my opinion.
I'm a big fan of the bobistheoilguy website also. Lots of good info there with plenty of opinion mixed in as well. You just have to sort through it.
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good
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More pleats is definitely more filtering area, but beyond a certain point it can also restrict airflow when the spacing between the pleats becomes too small.
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i use AC delco on all my filters for all my cars. and this post reminded me i need to stop at the dealer and order a new cabin air filter for my G5.
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