🥇 5 Best Oil Filter Bob Is The Oil Guy Of 2021 – Reviewed & Tested

Best Oil Filter

Bob is the Oil Guy, is perhaps the most popular forum to learn about oil filters and get the most authentic information but its too complicated to get the desired information from ocean of threads, comments & query. I literally spent the whole day to make sense of all information on it and thought of sharing my own expression to help.

Oil Filters are the single most important component that help keep your automobile engine run smoothly and efficiently. Clean Oil is a quintessential factor that ensure friction less engine performance and ensure long engine life.

All fuels are prone to contamination by dust & other small particles during transportation right from the refinery till it reaches your vehicle and a quality oil filter is responsible for keeping the oil stream clean.

The article below discuss in detail the important aspects of oil filters, its working and a detailed guide to choosing the best oil filters for your vehicle with expert reviews.

Best Oil Filters Comparison Chart : A Quick Look-Up

5 Top-Rated Oil Filters - Tested & Reviewed

mobil 1 extended performance oil filter

Specifications

  • 99.6% Multi-pass efficiency rating.

  • 28.0 grams holding capacity.

  • Exceptional protection up to 615 pascals per square inch.

  • Silicone anti-drain back valve.

While you might be skeptical about this brand, let me assure you that regardless of their other products, their oil filters are one of the best out there. It is renowned as a professional auto oil filter and easily ranks my favorite among the oil filters I have used.

In-Depth Analysis

  • Firstly, the efficiency oil filter rating is really good in Mobil 1 auto filter. It is capable of sieving out 99.6% of the contaminants in the oil before it passes into the engine. This is particularly aided by the synthetic fiber-blend media incorporated in the filter. Synthetic media, in general, are a level above the cellulose ones in filtering out the dirt. They have far more consistent pores and are relatively more reliable when it comes to the smaller impurities.

  • Another advantage of this synthetic media is the extended holding capacity that this fuel filter offers. It can hold up to 28.0 grams of filtered contaminant. Just make sure that you change the oil filter when you go for your next oil refill.

  • It works just as well with any kind of motor oil. It is not necessary for you to stick to Mobil ones. That’s an advantage on the go when you don’t have a choice of motor oil.

  • Mobil 1 is the most appropriate oil filter for 100% synthetic motor oil with 615 PSI operating pressure. This is almost nine times the pressure than any other oil filter can withstand.

  • It even has an oil filters with anti drain back valve . This removes the probability of internal leakage. You will suffer from fewer dry starts this way.

  • Honestly, this is one of the few products where I can’t possibly see any flaws. It is great on all levels, and I have tried out quite a few of these.

PROS

  • Less possibility of internal leakage.
  • Fewer dry starts.
  • Consistent pores capable of better sieving.
  • Withstand higher pressure.
  • Can be used with multiple oils.
  • Higher content capacity.

CONS

  • No such cons.

Final Verdict:

There’s a reason I put this as the first one in my list. And that is solely the zero cons section. If it fits your car, you won’t need to look anywhere else. Sure, you can try out a couple more choices, but I assure you that you will be satisfied with this one. But then again, please make sure that it is the best oil filter for cars. For better reference, you can even consider the year and the design of your car for the perfect match. It worked well enough for me, and I didn’t have any issues until the next oil change.

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royal purple oil filter reviews

Specifications

  • Thicker shell.

  • Metal end caps.

  • 100% screen-back synthetic media.

  • Heavy gauge steel backplate.

This is once again the high flow oil filter brand that is famous in its capacity for producing oil filters. You can even check out their motor oil if you want. This particular range works similarly to the Mobil oil filters. As with the Mobil ones, there are minimum complaints regarding this one as well.

In-Depth Analysis

  • I have been through a couple of issues with road debris punctures. This oil filter solved that for me. Its thicker shell is built to provide an extra level of protection that won’t be accessed by any random dirt particles. Another advantage this provides is the higher resistance to internal pressure.

  • The caps are made of metal as well. This is built to ensure a positive seal for the element assembly.

  • Moving on, this has a pure synthetic media. This basically means near-perfect filtration of all impurities. However, it does not deter the oil flow at all. It can easily hit a 99% efficiency rate. This is almost as good as the Mobil auto filter efficiency. It halts impurities as minuscule as 25 microns, which means that there is a very low possibility of dirt seeping through.

  • If ever there is a case of flow restriction, there is a cop-out for that as well. The by-pass valve ensures the possibility of lower oil flow in those situations.

  • The steel backplate, on the other hand, enhances the burst strength further.

  • There is a silicone anti-drain valve here too. So you won’t have internal leakages and dry starts either. Silicone is actually better than nitrile rubber. It survives extreme temperature far better.

  • Functionally, it has little to no flaws. However, this is not always my first choice. You can get a product as good as this one, at a lower rate.

PROS

  • No road debris puncture.
  • 99% filtration efficiency.
  • Enhanced burst strength.
  • No internal leakage.
  • Less dry starts.
  • Unrestricted Oil flow.

CONS

  • Can find similar features in a product at a more affordable price.

Final Verdict:

I tried this out a couple of times, just for a change. I really felt no difference, and it worked just as well as my usual car filter. Which is good, I mean. I only have an issue with the rate. Other than that, I would recommend this product to anyone. It is practically flawless, as long as it fits your car. So make sure you get the right size and take care of everything else, and you will have a smooth ride.

bosch oil filter

Specifications

  • Exclusive FILTECH Media Technology.

  • Silicone anti-drain black valve.

  • High lubricity gasket design.

  • Double-locked rolled seam.

Bosch is really good oil filter to buy as it prevents premature wear and most of the possibility of engine failure. I can’t say much about their spark plugs, though. But anyway, this Bosch Premium FILTECH is the high performance oil filter that provides superior outcome.

In-Depth Analysis

  • The FILTECH technology in the media of the oil filter is the most prominent feature here. It serves as advanced engine security by filtering out the impurities. However, the media here is unique. It is not pure synthetic but a better version of it. A blend of natural and synthetic components ensures a better filtration and protects the engine. The oil filter is a bigger one as well. The area is at least 42% larger than any other product. A thicker media by around 30% can filter out the more persistent impurities as well.

  • It is further equipped with enforced steel-based plates. These serve to prevent warpage and more importantly leakage. It has an added perk as well. It, to some extent, prevents a poor fit of the oil filter itself.

  • The silicone anti-drain valve again is a superior component compared to rubber ones. It serves against leakage and provides a flow of clean oil when you start the engine. It again prevents dry starts as well.

  • The Double-locked rolled seam again provides a leak-free canister.

  • However, on the downside, it has a relatively lower contaminant holding capacity. Compared to the Mobil and Royal Purple oil Filters, this is a really disappointing feature.

PROS

  • Thicker media and larger filter.
  • Blended media made of natural and synthetic elements.
  • Prevents dry starts.
  • Better fit and low possibility of leaks and warps.
  • Leak-free canister.
  • No internal leaks.

CONS

  • Low containment capacity compares to other oil filters. Containment Capacity serves for a long-lasting oil filter that keeps the oil cleaner for a longer period. So a low capacity would obviously cause some problems in that regard. I had to take it out pretty fast.

Final Verdict:

The larger filter area is a considerably unique feature while the thick media surface does help a lot against elements like road debris. So, the functioning is pretty smooth, and I have no complaints about any sort of leakage, as is to be expected. Overall, this product does deliver what it claims. However, there is one glitch, and it is not really a minor one. We could do with a bit more containment capacity here. I would recommend this only if you think that that’s something you can compromise with for all the advantages that this filter provides.

ACDelco Professional Diesel Oil Filter

Specifications

  • 98% filtration efficiency.

  • Cellulose media.

  • Thermosetting Adhesive Seal.

  • Enhanced Durability.

If there is anything you can be sure of, it is ACDelco’s quality of automotive parts. It is the best engine oil filter for trucks, and so, I thought that I would give you all truck owners an option as well. So here it is, their Duraguard Filter.

In-Depth Analysis

  • While the filtering efficiency is exceptional, I would like to start with a unique feature of this filter among the others in this list: the media composition. It is not synthetic like the other three but a cellulose one. This gave me a bit of a pause when I initially looked it up, but then, I decided to give it a go. And I am glad that I did. The pores are tiny enough to block contaminants with a width that is a third of a human hair. Cellulose media are often looked down upon due to inconsistent pores and lower filtration, but this one was impressive.

  • And that brings us to the filtration efficiency. A 98% filtration rate is nothing to scoff at. Sure some others in this list have a higher rating, but still, this is pretty good. It has a rate of 25 to 30 microns to be exact, in its filtration capacity.

  • The thermosetting adhesive seal, on the other hand, is really useful here. It fixes the media in its place so that the filtration is not affected by any movement. This serves for a clean and consistent oil pumping into the engine.

  • The burst strength is five times what an average filter has. It can handle the oil at its operating temperature below 51 PSI. The major flaw is that Royal Purple is specifically diesel oil filter and that is kind of restrictive. Apart from that, it is a bit above my range as well. But if I have a diesel vehicle, I can definitely overlook that bit for the rest of the advantages.

PROS

  • Efficient media.
  • High filtration rate.
  • Fixed media filter.
  • ACDelco engine oil filter is five times burst strength.
  • Regular, consistent supply of clean oil.

CONS

  • Suitable for only diesel engines.
  • Not really affordable.

Final Verdict:

Like I said, This is the best diesel oil filter for a diesel vehicle, I will repurchase this. It worked really well and had lots and lots of extra perks which I couldn’t find in my favorite Mobil as well. If you are wondering if it will be suitable for your vehicle, here’s a tip. ACDelco goes with Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick primarily. It might work with other vehicles as well. Compared to the burst strength of the Mobil filter, this one is not so good. So I can’t be sure of this feature. But it is definitely superior to any other filters. Hence, there is enhanced durability.

fram high mileage oil filter

Specifications

  • 5000 miles protection used with Conventional Oil

  • It is best synthetic oil filter with 95% Filtration capacity.

FRAM synthetic car oil filter is the final one in my list of best oil filters. It is loads more affordable. As good as this is, I would, however, suggest it for a more low mileage vehicle. And that brings us to the specs.

In-Depth Analysis

  • I will begin with the filtration efficiency as that is it’s the most prominent feature. It has a truly superior one too at a solid 95%. While compared to the other, it might seem low, but considering the range, it is very good.

  • However, that does come with a disadvantage. You might have to sacrifice on a long-lasting filter if you want the superior dirt filtering feature. It works well till 5000 miles, which is kind of low. So you might have to change your filter and your oil a bit more frequently.

  • This can be used with conventional oil or gasoline. The filter is capable enough to handle regular oil pressure.

  • For a disadvantage, I might go with the low life-span. So if you can invest time for frequent changes, this is really good at a very affordable rate.

PROS

  • Good filtration capacity.
  • Can handle the pressure of regular oil.
  • These are the best synthetic oil filters which are affordable.
  • Balanced dirt containment and sieving.

CONS

  • Low life-span and frequent changes.

Final Verdict:

The only reason I like this so much is that it offers far more than it should. Besides, the filtration is remarkable good even though it comes at a compromise. And the oil choice is very easy as well. I found this easy to install too. However, I am not that good with regular maintenance and often forget about it. This leads to a clumpy filter at my next oil change. And that equals to a very rough ride. So I really do not prefer this one too much. I will only get it if I am desperate. If you want to try it out once, go on though. It is not bad in its functions, just high maintenance.

Which Kind Of Filter Should I Choose?
Mechanical Oil Filter
A. Mechanical Oil Filter

This oil filter type comprises pleated filter paper which prevents any dirt and debris from entering inside (screens on the external surface) and just allows the oil to pass through.

The filtration media of this mechanical oil filter acts good but the build-up of impurities on the external surface restrict the oil flow. Because of this reason you may need to replace your oil filter often.

Looking at the positive side of things these oil filters are inexpensive and do not let you land into any troubles as they are quite easy to install too.

B. Magnetic Oil Filter

For the removal of metallic contaminants the magnetic filters are used. Electro magnets or magnets are used by the magnetic oil filters as their filtering agents. All the impurities get settled on the magnetic surface and allow only the oil to flow through.

This filter type needs regular cleaning as the pollutants may block the surface with time and use. It is sufficient to clean just the magnetic surface as a routine maintenance requirement.

Magnetic-Oil-Filter
Sedimentation-Oil-Filter
C. Sedimentation Oil Filter

This is respectfully known as the “gravity bed oil filter”. This filtration media does not possess any specific way but relies on gravity to work for the removal of contaminants that are present in the oil.

After the oil enters the filter, the heavy debris settles down and in turn the clean oil rises up. Perhaps, this isn’t the most logical way for filtering the engine oil.

The underlying reason is the oil entering at certain velocity & pressure without giving enough time for the sedimentation of the debris. There are fair chances of impurities escaping the gravity’s clutches and entering the engine.

D. Centrifugal Oil Filter

Yet another oil filter with some interesting simple physics is here. I hope you must have been on a merry-go-round at some point of your life and felt how it pushed when you rode it. This pushing is the result of the centrifugal force and when in circular motion this force tends to push the body outwards.

The same physics principle is applied here as the filter is manufactured in such a way that the inside of the drum rotates and through the drum bottom the oil exits. Any debris type gets stuck on the walls of the drum and do not move further along with the oil. Similar to the other filters discussed this one also needs cleaning for routine maintenance else the rotation may stop.

Centrifugal-Oil-Filter
Filter Material
1. Cellulose:

  • This filter material type is used on economy filters. Conventionally this is used to create disposable filter types – can hold up to the size of 8 to 10 microns (sufficient for cleaning 40% of the oil).

  • The pollutants/debris tend to block surface thereby jamming the oil flow, hence replacing the filter is advisable for every 3,000 – 3,500 miles.

2. Synthetic:

  • For the high-level filters there is synthetic fiber media. There are small passages to trap the small-sized particles along with more passages to let the fluid flow through (maximizes the inherent surface area).

  • The material use to create synthetic filters are glass, nylon, and polyester. In filtering out the soil contaminants the synthetic filters perform better than the cellulose ones. They tend to last much longer, normally 5000 – 6000 miles before they are replaced.

3. Micro-Glass:

  • Extremely fine metal media or micro glass is used for top-notch oil filters. In comparison to the cellulose fiber this is something which is 10 x finer and this ultra-thin fiber can be relied on when the finest particles needs to be filtered.

  • Before a replacement demand, these also flaunt of a long life-span of 10,000 miles.

Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Oil Filter

Filtration Media

The media type is the determining factor for an oil filter. The filtration media of the oil filter lets us know effectiveness of blocking the impurities.

Till now, Microglass are considered to be the most effective of all but are highly priced. If we talk about cellulose media filters, then they are quite affordable. Out of all synthetic media strikes a good balance between the cost & performance.

Price

In terms of performance + longevity the price of any oil filter will work as a good indicator. Microglass filters as mentioned above also are quite expensive but worth every penny you spend. They have the quality and ability to serve you for years to come.

Not only this, as you get extra performance benefits too from this filter type. If you want something affordable then cellulose oil filters are unmatchable but as far as replacements are concerned, they are always more.

Last are the synthetic fibres which offer great performance at a fair price.

Oil Filter Capacity

This is another factor you cannot rule out is the capacity of your oil filter to hold debris/contaminants etc. before it lets the unfiltered oil pass through. Ensure that you select an oil filter that has the capacity to hold pollutants till its service life.

Longer Shelf Life

The synthetic filters tend to offer a greater life span than the cellulose ones but not as much as the microglass. The microglss filter can last up to 19,000 kms (replacement every 2 to 5 years). Expensive than all but surely offer value for money.

Best Oil Filter

Weather Conditions

Whenever you buy an oil filter consider the weather conditions before you buy. Especially the places with colder climates let the oil become thick during extreme cold climates. If you think of an ideal choice then Microglass is the perfect one as they do not allow the flow of thick oil through your vehicle’s engine.

Low Micron Rating

This measurement lets you know about the lowest particle size that will be managed by the filter. To understand better, the lower the micron rating the more efficient oil filtration takes place. Any oil filter with a rating of 10 or below is the one which will clear most of the contaminants.

Compatibility

In terms of compatibility two parameters should be fulfilled by your oil filter:

  1. Oil compatibility
  2. Vehicle compatibility

Certainly the rule ‘one size fits all’ does not apply here. May be use choose a filter that matches your vehicle threads but is in no harmony with the oil running in it. So, go for a compatibility check or test prior to your purchase.

Anti-drain back Valve

This is one of those essential features of an oil filter that remains ignored many times. When the engine is turned off, the anti-drain back valve works to prevent the oil from going out of the filter.

Now you can assume as the unfiltered oil can enter the engine resulting in damage in the absence of an anti-drain back valve. Probably no one wants this to happen ever. One more purpose here is the anti-drain back valve prevents a “dry start” too.

WARNING SIGNS!! A Bad Oil Filter

Some of the most uncommon occurrences can be triggered by a bad filter. Some of the commonest observations are here:

Noticeable Oil Leaks

If the oil drips from the vehicle, then it’s never a healthy sign. Certainly this is a sign of some kind of failure in the system. A filter burst may happen because of any temperature changes. There could also be a gasket failure that may lead to a drop in the pressure of oil. A notable threat to your vehicle’s engine exists due to low oil pressure.

Engine Check Light

Any oil filter which fails lets the contaminated oil enter into the engine. Due the build-up of such contaminants any malfunction can take place in the system inside. This may activate the engine light to be on. Most of the newest cars are equipped with a low oil pressure light and if lights get illuminated then oil filter failure is possible.

Unusual Sounds / Overheating

There are chances that the contaminant build-up inside the engine could massively effect the heat conductivity of the engine resulting in temperatures more than normal. Unusual sounds may be one of them and it calls for an overall check-up of the machine.

Hard Starting

It happens when the fuel filter of your car is left unchanged then there could be inconsistent fuel flow. Prolonged engine start with hard starting issues and more than usual cranking may take place. You should always check the owner’s manual for filter replacement guidance.

Stalling

Any engine that frequently stalls while you drive your car may be the reason of a dirty fuel filter. This all depends on the clog’s severity and the engine will behave accordingly (less clog will let the car start without any visible loss of power).

Bottom line: After you are aware of the persistent problem and know that your vehicle’s oil filter is causing troubles, then it’s time to change the oil filter as soon as possible.

Benefits Of Using A Top Quality Oil Filter

  • Oil is essential to the car engine on multiple levels, other than the obvious of course. Oil is supposed to lubricate the internal components. It cools down the engine through a heat transfer and seals the piston ring. Further, it absorbs the contaminants and the wear particles and even the soot from combustion. These contaminants are either suspended or react with the addictives, which constitutes a quarter of the motor oil.

  • But what if the oil you are pouring in is itself contaminated? That’s when the oil filter comes in. The first oil filter was developed in 1923. Oil filters have always been an important component, though. In the earlier times, a mesh or steel wool or wire meshes were used for filtering out the dirt.

  • The oil you pump into the oil pump first passes through the filter before it is distributed within the different components of the engine. The oil is passed through the filter under some pressure. The contaminated oil is filtered by the filter media. Then the clean oil is passed through the central tube into the engine. This passage is through the hollowed center mounting stud of the filter.

  • Even though with some care, you can prolong the use of your car’s current oil filter, it remains one of the items that are more frequently replaced during maintenance. Even if you never change your engine oil, it does get contaminated over time. You can simply use an oil filter to avert these problems. In fact, you can’t really work without one, because it is an essential spare part in your car. You just need to make periodic checks whether your car’s filter is in proper working condition or not. That said, it is advisable to change your motor oil regularly.

Faq’s

What is the purpose of oil filters?

The oil filters help to purify the oil from particles and don’t let them pass with the oil. Thus, it protects the oil from unwanted particles and stays fresh in the engine.

Why is it required to change the oil filter?

By the time oil gets a lot of contaminants and becomes thinner. The main job of the oil filter is to clean the oil from dirt and impurities. Thus, changing the filter lets the oil in the engine stays clear and free from contaminants.

Do the filter last forever?

All the filters eventually get clogged no matter what liquid it handles. It then reduces its capabilities as all things in the world come to an end. Some car systems still allow the oil to pass but this oil is not filtered then.

How often is it needed to replace my filter?

Mostly the filter needs to be changed with a change in the oil of the engine. However, it is recommended to refer the instructions as some filters are more durable than others. Also, sometimes it might lead to clogging while driving in different conditions.

Do road conditions have an effect on the life and performance of the oil filter?

Definitely, the dirt on the road affects the oil filters by getting into the engine. Any type of debris that lands oil filters find its way to the engine. Thus, it is required to replace the engine whenever you change the oil.

The Final Note

That completes my list of the best oil filters. It is generally recommended that you change your car’s oil filter every time you change the oil. This is because the fresh oil you pour in will be rendered useful after passing though the gunk accumulated from the previously used impure oil.