Why is car oil filter manufacturers Better?

It’s time to put the smackdown on OEM vs. aftermarket oil filters. Do you go to the dealership? Do you shop online? Or do you walk into your local auto parts store in search of aftermarket oil filters? If so, which brand of oil filters are better? Why is there such a price difference? Should I really buy the OEM part? The tech team at our in-house auto parts store in Lake Wales is going to lay out all the facts for you so that you can purchase all the Chevy parts you need as if you were a lifetime mechanic.

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So let’s buckle up and dive in for the truth about OEM vs. aftermarket oil filters.

The Truth About Aftermarket Oil Filters

Let’s not run from the truth. You’ll save a few bucks on an aftermarket oil filter — no doubt about it. But take a step back for a second. Businesses need to make some money in order to stay in business. So when an aftermarket oil filter is sold for less than the price of fast-food coffee, you’ve got to wonder what that filter costs to produce.

The real answer is next to nothing. Aftermarket oil filters are produced on the cheap because inferior materials are used. There’s almost no quality control, not to mention the final assembly coming from unskilled hands at a high-volume facility where one size is supposed to fit all.

The Truth About OEM Oil Filters

This isn’t just true for Chevy and other GM vehicles. This rule holds for all other OEMs. The highest level of quality and attention to detail comes with OEM parts. Manufacturers spend years developing their vehicles, and in order to ensure consumer satisfaction, all parts must uphold the highest level of fit, finish, and performance.

Sure, you’ll pay a little more for a premium product, but we’ll help you save as much as we can with our invaluable oil filter coupons. Now, here’s the other thing concerning OEM vs. aftermarket oil filters: your warranty.

Did you know that your original powertrain warranty demands proper service and maintenance? Failure to use OEM oil filters can void your engine’s warranty. Saving a few bucks at the quick lube has led some of our customers to the brink of a financial crisis. We’ve seen it all — incorrect oil weights and types. Loose, missing, or the wrong oil filter installed. Low oil. You name it.

When you sign off on the work order from the quick lube, what you don’t see should scare you. Usually, on the back of the work order, there’s a disclaimer saying that by signing the work order, you waive the shop of any potential liabilities if mechanical damage results from their service.

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You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Purefine.

And guess who is on the hook for major engine repairs? Yup. You.

Oil filter quality does make a difference. Friction, heat, and particles are your engine’s enemy. Only an OEM filter is designed to lubricate according to your engine specifications. An OEM filter is also designed to protect your engine but also the company. Think about that for a second. Sure, they want you happy. But they also want to safeguard themselves from potential liabilities. And the best way to do that is with quality materials — every time.

Look at it another way. Do you think million-dollar race teams use the $2.99 oil filter? Nope. They don’t. Every part counts, and one of the best ways they can ensure a finish — and a win — is with parts they can rely on.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Oil Filters FAQs

If you want, we’d be happy to share a 60-page study on the manufacturing practices and testing of premium OEM oil filters. We realize that you may, umm, have better things to do, so we’ve put together this handy list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that we get down here at our oil change service center and parts department.

Are OEM filters better than aftermarket?

You bet your new car warranty and the long life of your engine! An OEM filter is designed to handle the exact flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and filtration requirements demanded by your performance engine. Going with anything less than OEM quality can lead to costly repairs.

Does brand matter for the oil filter?

You bet it does. Nothing replaces the performance and protection of a Genuine part or OEM filter. Shopping for cheaper Chevy aftermarket parts might seem like a good idea at the moment, but what happens when you’re on your way to a doctor’s appointment, stopped at a traffic light, and plumes of smoke begin to pour out of your engine compartment? Saving $5 on an aftermarket oil filter just cost you your engine. The mounting threads melted because they were not made from steel. And guess who needs to spend $5,000 on a new engine?

Are OEM filters better?

In every way. Did you know the National Sanitation Foundation will typically endorse only an OEM filter? This means that your OEM filter is not just designed to protect your car. It’s also designed to protect the environment. Give one of our service advisors a call. They’d love to show you all the ways our premium OEM filters are the true champion of your Chevy vehicle.

For more car oil filter manufacturersinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Kind of hard to know without doing some research. There are far more filter brands than there are filter makers, so many of them are close to the same thing or are made by the same company. You need to look at the specs of the OEM filter and see if what you're getting is as good or better. There are some SAE testing certifications that you may want to look for. Ex: if your car calls for an SAE J, the brand you buy shouldn't matter much as they're all meeting the same standard. Some may exceed it.

For my Nissan Sentra that isn't under warranty I'm not too picky provided the filter meets the manufacturers spec. For my Boxster I wouldn't consider a non-OEM filter even after it's out of warranty. Read up over on Bobisthoilguy for oil and filter recommendations.

What car do you have? Some OEM filters are better than others. For example, Honda filters are quite good, whereas Nissan filters are not. So sometimes an aftermarket filter might be better.

I see that you're also in Toronto. So in that case Napa Gold, Mobil 1, Fram Tough Gaurd and Fram Ultra Synthetic are all great alternatives to OEM filters and are easy to get locally.

I've used Napa Gold in the past, but they were about $14 each. Now I get the Fram Ultras, which are arguably better, when they go on sale at Canadian Tire for $11 each. My bias is towards factory vender filters. Working on BMWs and Audis, when an oil change was done elsewhere with an aftermarket filter, the difference is easy to spot since it's a filter insert instead of just a spin on. The aftermarket junk ends up collapsing on itself, and the o-rings (if it comes with them) are really cheap.

Where are the Napa gold filters made? I see Napa filters a lot that are breaking down/collapsing, nearly always made in Poland. Chinese filters also have a really bad track record. Worst I've seen was a valvoline oil filter from a rapid oil change where the filter was breaking down leaving sediment in the housing.

Just my 2¢ based on what I've seen having done a lot of oil changes. I don't skimp when it comes to engine care. Yeah, the OEM Mopar stuff is a bit more pricey, but you are talking 15-20 bucks. I don't put many miles on my truck, so that's once a year for me.

And........ If there is ever some kind of engine failure, they can't say to me "Well, you used this or that aftermarket filter and oil".

I don't skimp when it comes to engine care. Yeah, the OEM Mopar stuff is a bit more pricey, but you are talking 15-20 bucks. I don't put many miles on my truck, so that's once a year for me.

And........ If there is ever some kind of engine failure, they can't say to me "Well, you used this or that aftermarket filter and oil".

They would have to prove that the aftermarket oil filter is not up to OEM specs, many aftermarket oil filters and other parts are up to OEM specs though if you think about it.

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They would have to prove that the aftermarket oil filter is not up to OEM specs, many aftermarket oil filters and other parts are up to OEM specs though if you think about it.

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While this is very true Rog, I still stick with OEM. Plus, the dealer changes my oil. I'm too old and busy to be crawling around on the ground doing that crap anymore.

In my teens and 20's, I'd think nothing of swapping an engine or tranny on the weekend. Those days are long gone.

Paul have you gotten the oil change package ? It's pretty cheap per oil change. Ask your service advisor some dealerships just don't try to push them cause they make less money per oil change on them. I work at a mopar dealer fwiw.


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Paul have you gotten the oil change package ? It's pretty cheap per oil change. Ask your service advisor some dealerships just don't try to push them cause they make less money per oil change on them. I work at a mopar dealer fwiw.


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Yes sir, I do. In fact, I went to HS with the dealer's son (now the co-owner). Worked there when we were both in HS.

I bought my truck new in '12, and they still come and get it from my work and bring it back when they are done.

Mullen Motors. Southold, NY. :dblthumb2:

The dealership used the OEM magneti marelli oil filters in my cars first couple oil changes and Pennzoil Euro Platinum, out of the jug. Since then I've switched to Motul synthetic oil and Mann oil filters, I call this a "Euro oil change".

Excellent choices across the board. Mann filters rank as my favorite- factory vender for most of the cars I work on. I was also running Motul until recently switching to Liquimoly

Since this is an oil change thread, I'll add my plea: Every 5,000 miles please!