The question “are oil filters universal” is one that has gained the attention of car enthusiasts for many years now. Many consider oil filters to be universal, a concept people have nurtured for centuries. Today, many variations bring further questions to the versatility of oil filters.
This article will take you through everything to know about oil filters so you can determine they are universal or not.
JUMP TO TOPIC
Are Oil Filters Universal?
Oil filters are not all the same and they are also not universal despite the fact that they are all designed to achieve the same thing. Their function is universal, but there are variations in how they achieve this function. Additionally, they come in different shapes.
Today most vehicle manufacturers prefer to use the same filters over different vehicle models and engines. This is only to streamline production and make things a lot easier. When buying oil filters for your vehicle, you need to always ensure that you get the right one according to your vehicle’s specs.
The main reason why many believe that oil filters are universal is because most brands usually have the same filters. For example, if you check brands like Nissan, Ford, Lexus, and Toyota, you will find the same filters in them.
The opinions generally vary among most installers DIYers, quick lube operators, and mechanics, but what you should never forget is that these filters now come in different threads and sizes.
Reason Why Oil Filters Aren’t Vehicle-Specific
With everything above you might start to wonder why oil filters are not vehicle-specific. Manufacturers usually have different specifications for oil filters for certain cars, but in most cases, you can use any oil on automotive filters designed for all vehicles.
In general, if you are using synthetic oil you will not need to get unique or different filters. They are also not vehicle-specific because they have similar working mechanisms.
Another thing to note is that they are all designed to perform a similar function which is to filter debris and other particles that can contaminate the oil and affect the running of your engine.
How Do Oil Filters Work
The main function of oil filters is to maintain the purity of the oil and ensure that the engine is kept clean. When oil passes through different parts of the engine, it has a great chance of picking different particles and contaminants.
These particles and contaminants can cause the parts of the engine to wear and tear. It can also lead to damage of engine components, which may be expensive to fix.
Every oil filter is designed to remove dirt and debris before it causes damage to your engine. They help trap the dirt and debris within the filter cloth or paper, allowing the oil to flow easily to different parts of the engine.
What Is the Best Time to Replace Filters?
There are different opinions when it comes to determining when to replace oil filters. However, the general recommendation from most vehicle manufacturers is to get a replacement every time you change your vehicle’s oil.
Doing this will help in ensuring that your engine always receives clean oil. The good thing is that replacing these filters’s not so expensive, and it will help preserve your engine.
If you are not sure about when to replace your filters, you might want to consult a trained and experienced mechanic or your vehicle’s owner’s manual. They can help you determine whether to get a replacement based on your driving habits.
What Are the Types of Oil Filters?
There are different types of oil filters on the market today, and they don’t only differ in their thread sizes. These filters have other differences regarding their overall design, and it mostly depends on the recommendations from the manufacturer.
Here are some of the oil filters that you will find on the market today:
Secondary Oil Filters
This type of filter is designed to provide support for full-flow oil filters. They only help in cleaning and purifying 10 percent of the oil in the vehicle’s engine.
This implies that they only filter dirt that might have gone past the primary filters.
Primary Oil Filters
They are also called full-flow oil filters, and you can find them on most vehicle brands. They help to clean and purify almost all the oil in your engine. This type of filter is the best option to use in regions with cold weather due to the effect it has on the viscosity of oil.
Whether the oil viscosity reduces in cold regions or not, the full-flow filters will still allow them to easily flow to the engine.
Magnetic Oil Filters
This type of secondary filter is designed to augment the filtering ability of the primary filters. They are designed to capture metallic shavings within the vehicle’s crankcase. These filters don’t affect grime and dust in the oil, and you may never need to replace them because they only need frequent cleaning.
Cartridge Oil Filter
It is a type of primary filter mostly installed in an upright position, making it easy to use.
They don’t have any metallic parts, and you won’t need to drain your oil to inspect the filter, which makes them easy to recycle.
Spinner Oil Filter
The spinner filter is also a secondary oil filter that utilizes a centrifugal force to filter particles within the oil. They are designed to generate a force that is 2,000 times more than gravity, allowing them to easily trap small particles.
Spin-on Oil Filter
It is also a primary filter that is made with a steel canister and paper element. The installation procedure of this type of filter is very easy which is why most DIYers choose them.
How Do These Oil Filters Differ?
The different types of oil filters differ mostly in their oil flow rate, gasket size, filter material and vehicle specifications. They also share other differences especially when it comes to their internal construction, and mechanism they use in filtering particles from oil .
To help you understand how these oil filters differ from each other here’s a more detailed overview of their distinguishing features:
Filter Material
One of the common factors that distinguishes the different types of filters is the materials used in making these filters. This also plays a key role in determining the working efficiency of the filter.
An example of a material used in making these filters is paper which is also effective in removing smaller particles.
Oil Flow Rate
This is what determines the speed the oil needs to flow through the filter. If it has a higher flow rate, it means that more contaminants will be filtered off. This could also mean that the filter will require more time to filter oil.
Gasket Size
This describes the size of the seal that is between the engine and the oil filter. When installing oil filters, it’s essential to ensure that the correct gasket size is used, or the filter won’t function properly.
Vehicle Specifications
In addition to the differences above, a key thing to recognize is that every vehicle has its own oil filter requirements. This usually depends on the engine size, driving conditions, and the type of oil you use in the engine.
Always consult a qualified mechanic or the owner’s manual of your vehicle before you install oil filters.
Other Differences to Note
As mentioned earlier, the oil filters also differ in their internal design. With some filters, you will find a mesh screen while other filters have a pleated paper filter in them. Also, the filter media they come with is a factor that can affect the dirt-holding capacity and flow rate of the filter.
Another unique feature you will find on some oil filters is the bypass valves. These valves are designed to allow oil to pass especially when the filters are clogged. The aim is to ensure that the oil continuously receives oil when the engine is running.
What Are the Ways of Determining the Ideal Oil Filter Size?
Determining the ideal oil filter size is important especially to ensure that you install the right filters for your engine. Today, there are conflicting ideas among mechanics and vehicle owners. However, everything ultimately depends on your vehicle, the filters, and the type of oil you use.
This means that there isn’t any generic answer to how you can determine the ideal oil filter size. There are a few approaches you can consider which include the following:
- Check reference guides or online databases. There are also many websites today that provide vital information that can help you determine the right size of oil filters to get for your vehicle.
- You can also find information about the ideal size to get in your vehicle’s user manual. To get this information you may need to flip through different pages within the manual, but you can rest assured to find what you are looking for.
- The current filter in your vehicle is also a great way to determine the ideal size to get.
- If you try all the options above without getting any useful information, the next thing to do is to visit your local vehicle parts seller.
A key thing to remember is that you have four different sizes to choose from. This is mostly based on the length and diameter of the oil filter. The canister oil filter is the common size available on most passenger vehicles. Bypass oil filters, spin-on filters, and cartridge filters are the other sizes you can get, and they are mostly found on high-performance vehicles, SUVs, and trucks.
Micron rating is also a vital consideration to make when determining the ideal filter size for your vehicle. This is an indication of the size of particles that the filter can remove implying that smaller micron rating will be able to remove more contaminants.
Conclusion
Oil filters play a key role in preventing the circulation of dirt and contaminants in your engine, which can cause damage. For many years, people have argued that oil filters are universal. However, with everything above, it’s clear that they are not universal.
- There are different types of filters on the market today, and they include primary, secondary, spin-on, spinner, cartridge, and magnetic oil filters.
- These filters have many distinguishing features, including their oil flow rate, gasket size, filter material, internal components, and vehicle specifications.
- Determining the ideal size for your vehicle is essential, and you can do this by using an online database, checking your user manual, or consulting your local auto parts sellers.
The importance of oil filters for vehicles cannot be overemphasized, and the good thing is that they are effortless to install. However, we recommend consulting with a professional before performing the installation.
References
- https://micdot.com/are-oil-filters-universal/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214785323041925
We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked.
- Best Exhaust Tip for Deep Sound: Top Picks for 2025 - May 3, 2025
- Best Clear Coat for Headlights Reviewed: Top Picks for Enhanced Visibility - May 3, 2025
- Best Car Coffee Table Books for Auto Enthusiasts - May 3, 2025