Looking for the best engine oil filters on the market? Here’s a selection which should keep your motor in fine health.
Just like running the correct grade of synthetic motor oil is crucial for your engine, choosing the right oil filter for your performance car is. Especially if you want to keep on top of car maintenance and have it running in its optimum condition. Not all oil filters are created equal though and selecting the wrong one can have disastrous consequences for your engine’s performance, health, and reliability.
Below, we take a look at our selection of the best engine oil filters for performance cars. So, if you want to protect your engine’s performance and keep it running smoothly, keep reading!
What is an engine oil filter?
An oil filter works by trapping contaminants and debris that can damage the engine’s internal components, and using the wrong type of oil filter can lead to reduced engine efficiency or worse still, complete engine failure. There are various styles of oil filters available such as spin-on and cartridge filters, designed to fit different vehicles and engine designs. When it comes to choosing which is the best engine oil filter for you, consider factors such as filtration efficiency, compatibility with your car, durability, longevity, and price.
Why choosing the right oil filter is important
Quality oil filters are essential for maintaining your performance car’s engine. By preventing contaminants from circulating in the engine oil, they improve both performance and longevity. The right filter size and type for your car ensures proper oil flow and filtration. Performance cars with increased horsepower and torque require specialized filters that can handle those demands – they also often require an oil cooler to keep the temperatures under control too. Regularly changing your oil filter is also crucial to maintain your engine’s performance over time. All these factors combined make choosing the right oil filter an important decision for any performance car owner.
How we chose these products
When it comes to performance cars, selecting the right oil filter can make a significant impact on your engine’s performance and longevity. You want a filter that will efficiently remove any contaminants, withstand the high oil pressures and temperatures that come with a tuned performance motor, and is compatible with your specific make and model of car.
With so many options available in the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best engine oil filters for performance cars. This isn’t a list for budget, off-the-shelf replacements you’ll find at any auto parts store, though. Our list looks at what really matters to performance car enthusiasts based on features like efficiency, durability, compatibility, size, brand reputation, filter media quality, anti-drainback valve, relief valve, and, of course, cost.
Editor’s Note:
As the former editor of Fast ford, Jamie has been in and around the modified car scene for many years, and he certainly knows his way around an engine bay. For that reason, you can trust the recommendations he’s set out in the list below.
Best engine oil filters
At a glance:
Bosch premium oil filter – RRP: from $8.50. Buy it here.
K&N Performance Gold – RRP: from $15.00. Buy it here.
Fram with Sure Grip – RRP: from $8.41. Buy it here.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance – RRP: from $11.00. Buy it here.
Motocraft Oil Filter – RRP: from $4.00. Buy it here.
WIX XP – RRP: from $10.50. Buy it here.
Royal Purple Extended Life Premium – RRP: from $12.88. Buy it here.
FAQs about Engine Oil Filters for Performance Cars
Bosch Premium Oil Filter
RRP: from $8.50. Buy it here.
The Bosch Premium Oil Filter easily made it onto our list of the top 10 best oil filters for performance cars. It has a high filtration efficiency of up to 99%, can hold up to 14g of dirt and contaminants, and can handle high oil pressures and temperatures, making it ideal for performance cars. It also comes with an anti-drainback valve to prevent dry starts and a relief valve to ensure proper oil flow. Compatible with most makes and models, the Bosch Premium Oil Filter is worth the investment for any car enthusiast looking to boost their engine’s performance and longevity.
K&N Performance Gold Oil Filter
RRP: from $15.00. Buy it here.
When it comes to high-performance cars, the K&N Performance Gold Oil Filter is a top choice for both car enthusiasts and professional tuners alike. It offers excellent filtration and engine protection, thanks to its high flow rate that reduces restrictions in the oil system. The heavy-duty canister can withstand high pressures, making it an ideal option for tuned turbocharged or supercharged engines.
However, one of the most impressive characteristics of the K&N Performance Gold Oil Filter is its unique design: A nut on the end of the filter makes installation and removal a breeze, without requiring special tools. Plus, with a 1-year limited warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing your engine is protected with a quality product.
Fram Ultra Synthetic Oil Filter with Sure Grip
RRP: from $8.41. Buy it here.
The Fram Ultra Synthetic Oil Filter with Sure Grip is designed to meet the demands of high-quality synthetic motor oils used in most modern performance cars and provides superior filtration for your engine. Its dual-layered synthetic filter media captures and holds more dirt and contaminants than traditional filters, ensuring maximum protection for your engine. Additionally, the Sure Grip coating on the filter makes installation and removal easy, even when the filter is oily or greasy. With an extended life, you can change your oil less frequently without compromising performance. Choose the Fram Ultra Synthetic Oil Filter with Sure Grip for reliable engine protection with synthetic oil.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter
RRP: from $11.00. Buy it here.
When it comes to the performance of your engine, you need an oil filter that can keep up with your driving demands. The Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter is a great option for those seeking long-lasting engine protection. It features advanced synthetic fiber blend media that captures up to 99.6% of contaminants, ensuring your engine stays clean and running smoothly.
Additionally, the durable canister can withstand up to nine times the normal operating pressure, making it ideal for high-performance engines. With its silicone anti-drain back valve, this filter prevents dry starts and ensures your engine is always ready when you are. If you’re looking for a reliable oil filter that can handle extreme conditions and provide excellent filtration, the Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter is a top choice for any performance car owner.
Motorcraft Oil Filter
RRP: from $4.00. Buy it here.
The Motorcraft Oil Filter is an excellent budget-friendly option for performance cars. Designed to meet the specific needs of Ford vehicles (and Lincoln, and Mercury in the USA), it offers exceptional value for its price point. The filter’s pressure relief valve helps to maintain consistent oil flow and prevent engine damage, while its silicone anti-drainback valve ensures that oil stays in the filter when the engine is turned off, preventing dry starts.
In addition, Motorcraft oil filters are made from high-quality materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and conditions. Their durable construction and reliable performance make them a popular choice among car owners on a budget. With the Motorcraft Oil Filter, you can rest assured that your engine will receive the protection it needs without breaking the bank.
WIX XP Oil Filter
RRP: from $10.50. Buy it here.
As a performance car owner, you might be looking for an oil filter that can withstand extreme conditions. The WIX XP Oil Filter is specifically designed to provide superior filtration even in the harshest environments. Its synthetic filter media captures up to 99% of harmful contaminants, while its heavy-duty canister provides extra protection against punctures and other damage. Additionally, the silicone anti-drainback valve prevents dry starts and ensures oil reaches critical engine parts quickly. If you’re looking for an oil filter that can handle extreme conditions without compromising on performance, the WIX XP Oil Filter is an ideal choice.
Royal Purple Extended Life Premium Oil Filter
RRP: from $12.88. Buy it here.
When it comes to engine oil filters, longevity and durability are crucial factors that can impact your car’s overall performance. This is where the Royal Purple Extended Life Premium Oil Filter shines as the best option. Its heavy-duty steel casing and silicone anti-drain back valve protect your engine during cold starts and prevent dry starts. Additionally, its micro-glass synthetic media provides superior filtration, capturing even the smallest particles of dirt and debris.
The Royal Purple Extended Life Premium Oil Filter is also compatible with a wide range of performance cars and can provide up to 15,000 miles of protection – more than enough to see most performance cars between service intervals! Overall, it’s an excellent investment for those who want long-lasting engine protection.
FAQs about engine oil filters for performance cars
To ensure optimal engine performance, it’s essential to choose the right oil filter for your performance car. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about engine oil filters.
How often should you change your engine oil filter?
Regularly changing your engine oil filter is crucial to maintaining optimal engine performance and preventing costly repairs. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals and replace the oil filter accordingly. In general, it’s recommended that you change your oil filter every time you change your engine oil, which for most performance cars typically every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive in harsh conditions, enjoy track days, or have an older vehicle, you may need to change your oil filter more frequently to ensure maximum engine protection.
What are the signs of a bad oil filter?
Signs of a malfunctioning oil filter include decreased fuel efficiency, unusual engine noises or vibrations and low oil pressure warnings. These symptoms are often caused by dirty or clogged filters, which can cause the engine to overheat and eventually fail. Regularly checking and replacing your oil filter is essential to maintaining optimal engine performance and avoiding these issues. In addition, it’s important to use high-quality oil filters that meet the necessary standards for your vehicle’s make and model to ensure proper filtration and protection against contaminants.
Can I reuse an oil filter?
Proper disposal of used oil filters is crucial and reusing them is generally not a good idea. Although it may seem cost-effective, reusing an oil filter can compromise its effectiveness and ultimately damage your engine. By reusing a filter, you risk introducing contaminants into your engine oil, which can lead to clogged or damaged filters. In turn, this can cause your engine to overheat and eventually fail. It’s important to prioritize the health of your engine by choosing a high-quality oil filter with good filtration efficiency and regularly changing it according to manufacturer recommendations.
What is the difference between a cheap and expensive oil filter?
Investing in a high-quality oil filter is crucial for the longevity and optimal performance of your engine. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper alternative, there are significant differences between a cheap and expensive oil filter. Cheaper filters are often made with lower-quality materials, which can compromise their filtration efficiency and lifespan. On the other hand, expensive filters often use higher-quality components that can better protect your engine from contaminants and last longer.
Using a cheap oil filter can result in poor engine performance and potentially costly repairs in the long run. Additionally, high-end filters usually have better filtration capabilities so they can remove more contaminants from the engine oil. This not only protects the engine but also improves its overall performance. Therefore, investing in an expensive oil filter is worthwhile, especially on a performance car.
How do I know if I need a performance oil filter?
If you have a high-performance engine or take part in track days or competitive racing events, it’s crucial to ensure that your engine is running at its best. This is where performance oil filters come in. Designed to handle higher oil flow rates and pressures than standard filters, they can improve help engine performance and longevity and are designed to withstand the higher demands of a tuned motor.
Additionally, many feature advanced filtration materials and anti-drainback valves that prevent dry starts, ensuring optimal lubrication even when the engine is turned off for an extended period. While you may not need a performance oil filter for everyday use, investing in one can provide significant benefits for those with high-performance engines.
How much does an engine oil filter cost?
When it comes to the cost of engine oil filters, there are various factors to consider. The brand, quality, and type of filter can all impact its price. Generally, performance oil filters cost around double the price of a standard replacement. However, it’s essential to remember that the cost should not be the only factor when choosing an oil filter. Investing in a high-quality filter can ultimately save you money by protecting your engine and prolonging its lifespan.
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