15 best oil filter manufacturers

How to choose an oil filter

The choice of oil filter, despite the overall simplicity of the design, includes a lot of features and subtleties that must be taken into account. Expertex magazine recommends that you pay special attention to the following aspects:

Type of filter. There are three types of oil filters:

1. full flow - they incorporate an overflow valve that regulates the oil pressure in the lubrication system. It protects the seals and gaskets between the blocks from damage and tears, by passing excess pressure from the engine crankcase. In the case of a complete development of the filter resource (its blockage), in order to avoid oil starvation, the valve provides contaminated oil intake in order not to bring the engine to an overheating condition.
2. partial flow - provide finer filtering than full flow models, and therefore requires more time for the cleaning process. However, this principle of operation allows to avoid pressure drops in case of filter clogging, as well as in case of accidental sticking of the overflow valve.
3. combined - extra-fine oil purification filters that combine the advantages of the first two types and eliminate their characteristic drawbacks. They are more expensive than others, but they allow to significantly increase the service life of friction pairs and are recommended for use in heavy-loaded engines.

Serviceability of the bypass valve. This aspect is difficult to verify when purchasing a filter, but if such an opportunity is provided, make sure that the valve opening pressure is slightly higher (literally 0.1 bar) than the upper limit of the relevant system pressure. In this case, you will precisely protect the engine from ingress of unfiltered oil with a high content of abrasive particles. Similarly, it is possible to organize a check of the check valve of the return stroke for a tight closure in order to prevent oil leakage during engine idle time.

The thickness of the filter paper. This parameter directly affects the size of the working resource of the filter. Exposure to blockages and full development is greater, the greater the thickness of the paper layer. In addition, you should consider the moments associated with the maximum temperature of the heating oil in the engine. Be sure to find out what the permissible operating temperature of the oil filter, so as not to provoke a paper burnout during normal engine operation.

Body integrity. Indicator of secondary importance, which can greatly affect the operation of the filter. Before purchasing, make sure that there are no external damage to the housing, valves, as well as the integrity of the filter paper.

Manufacturer. In this case, the value of a branded product is obvious, since counterfeit products are often subject to rapid failure and may also entail a number of more critical faults.In this regard, we strongly recommend that you apply to purchase products from famous brands that have certificates of conformity to modern quality standards.

Rating of the best manufacturers of oil filters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	rating
Best Cheap Oil Filters	1	Goodwill	4.7
	2	Sakura	4.6
	3	BelMag	4.5
	4	Avtoagregat	4.5
	5	BIG Filter	4.4
The best manufacturers of oil filters in terms of price-quality ratio	1	Bosch	4.9
	2	Hengst	4.8
	3	Fram	4.8
	4	Nitto	4.7
	5	Hyundai / KIA	4.6
	6	Sct	4.5
The best manufacturers of premium class oil filters	1	Mahle	4.9
	2	Purflux	4.8
	3	Mann	4.8
	4	Union	4.7

Best Cheap Oil Filters

Goodwill

Rating: 4.7

Goodwill is a rare type of manufacturers whose product range contains filters for the budget, medium and premium price segments. Product quality in all variations is excellent, and the resource is highly dependent on the driving modes that the user selects, the frequency of car maintenance and its technical condition.

According to experts, the performance condition of GoodWill oil filters can be quite enough for 15-20 thousand kilometers, perhaps even with the presence of a residual resource. As for the consumers, they, in general, respond complementary to the product, noting its large choice in the retail market. Those who order filters through service centers located in the country, complain about the sluggishness of service and incompetence on the part of the staff, but at present these problems are almost leveled.

Sakura

Rating: 4.6

The phenomenon on the market is far from new and until recently very situational, Sakura is the result of the quality work done to give the filters the required qualities with minimal costs for their subsequent acquisition. Obeying the tendencies of the Japanese style, all manufactured goods undergo strict controls on the most important operations, eliminating secondary steps from the manufacturing technology.

The results of such manipulations are more than impressive: the reject rate barely reaches 4%, and the approximate working resource varies within 10 thousand kilometers. A number of independent tests nevertheless revealed some shortcomings associated with working in harsh overheating conditions, however, in essence, this behavior cannot be attributed to the shortcomings. Feedback from users, in turn, confirms the good quality of products under nominal operating conditions, referring to the steady and easy operation of the engine during operation. It reinforces a good reputation and a very low price, almost the same as in the case of domestic filters.

BelMag

Rating: 4.5

Magnitogorsk manufacturer of low-cost oil filters, revived after a full stop of production due to lack of funding and low demand for products. In-line production "BelMag" was launched in 1996, when the "butter dish" was urgently needed on the conveyor belt of the domestic auto industry. Being very dependent on the only (in fact) customer, the company could not survive the decline in the automotive niche and the entry of new companies into the market, announcing its closure.

A new milestone in the history of "BelMag" was laid with the arrival of the combined concern "Renault-Nissan", which concluded another contract for the delivery of oil filters for domestic conveyors.Initially mediocre, the quality of products with capacity increases began to grow gradually, and today has reached the ceiling in the budget segment, equaling with the recognized grandees.

Avtoagregat

Rating: 4.5

The Russian manufacturer, ranked among the best thanks to the release of oil filters, not only for passenger cars, but also for trucks, providing products throughout the CIS. The latter was possible only because the company was already in its infancy and was able to provide a satisfactory quality of filter elements. Later, their own developments were supported by foreign technologies in order to provide the “butter dish” with an even greater level of compliance with accepted quality standards.

Despite the low cost of filters from Avtoagregat, it is often simply impossible to find them in retail. The fact is that the company's working abutments rest on the need to work on orders, supplying the product directly to the conveyor lines of VAZ, KAMAZ, Ural, etc. In this connection, only a small part of the consumables produced (no more than 10-15%) goes to retail sale, which is the most negative quality of the brand from the perspective of consumers.

BIG Filter

Rating: 4.4

Without exaggeration, the leading manufacturer of filters for cars, engaged in the development of low-cost products for the domestic and foreign parts market. The main advantage and feature of this brand is the existence of a contract for the supply of consumables to Volkswagen plants located in Russia.

According to experts, the value of "BIG Filter" is in a wide range of manufactured oil filters: the model range includes more than 100 types of product that has passed a multi-stage test for compliance with quality standards. In particular, special attention is focused on ensuring the proper operation of shut-off valves that prevent oil leaks during engine idle time. As for consumers, many people prefer to install filters from “BIG” instead of regular ones at the stage of the working resource, and, in general, are satisfied with the quality of the engine. It is noteworthy that the company is always striving to update the product range, and more recently it has been selling a growing number of technological products.

The best manufacturers of oil filters in terms of price-quality ratio

Bosch

Rating: 4.9

Perhaps the most diligent manufacturer of oil filters near the budget price segment, showing excellent results in terms of the quality of the product. In essence, the quality of oil filtration from impurities in Bosch filters can be called a reference at all service life cut-offs: neither the relief valve nor the cartridge has any problems with the provision of functions at the later stages of operation.

According to experts, the only problem that is haunting some of the Bosch oil filters is due to the overestimation of normal operation times, which causes a wave of indignation and misunderstanding in the minds of most users.This is explained quite simply: when the corporation is focused on producing a wide range of products (from power tools to other consumables from auto parts), monitoring storage and transportation is very difficult. Only this insignificant cost of the product can offset this factor, which encourages car owners to make a purchase.

Hengst

Rating: 4.8

According to the assurances of world experts, Hengst is one of the leaders in the segment in terms of the number of collaborative relations with renowned automakers. It took more than 50 years to establish connections and establish a brand as it is now, but the status gained is definitely worth it. Painstaking work resulted in the signing of contracts for the supply of oil filters on conveyors Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Isuzu, BMW and many others, after which the glory came to the company most in demand in its niche.

According to users, such a complete element in the system of oil purification from impurities has a positive effect on the safety of the engine, creating excellent conditions for its stable operation throughout the lifetime of the filter. If we talk about the scale of production Hengst, then for all the time it has produced about 5 thousand different filter modules, which invariably become competitive even in comparison with premium models.

Fram

Rating: 4.8

Like Purflux, Fram is a representative of the Sogefi group of companies, whose name is associated with the concepts of “quality” and “durability”. Unlike the premium counterpart, this brand is focused exclusively on output for retail sale in the secondary market, with the goal of equipping with oil filters mainly used cars.

The choice of such a specific target audience is by no means accidental, and the calculation here is focused on the mass character of the consumer. As a result, high sales figures at an average price tag, thousands of satisfied customers and high places in various top ratings. In addition, the main advantage of the Fram brand for experts is the observance of environmental friendliness (expressed in the creation of “lightweight” versions of filters) and a focus on the constant expansion of the range. Given the scope of activity, this brand clearly could not pass by the top three nominees.

Nitto

Rating: 4.7

The Japanese company for the production of filter elements, founded in 1959 in Ibaraki Prefecture, where the main production facility is located. According to official data from a study conducted in 2017, it is the largest player in the segment (exceeding Union in this indicator), which accounts for more than 20% of Japan’s domestic market.

The main advantage of the company Nitto lies in the focus on compliance with the strictest control in all aspects of production: from the selection of raw materials to the packaging of packaging filters.Such an approach to business, along with compliance with the requirements of international standards ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, which approved the introduction of innovations, allowed us to significantly increase the level of working life (up to 30-40 thousand kilometers, provided that the car is used normally), while maintaining quite loyal to the consumer price frames.

Hyundai / KIA

Rating: 4.6

Korean highly specialized oil filters designed for installation in cars of the same name brands. From the very start, the manufacturers enjoyed low popularity with consumers, although they were intended to be installed in warranty service centers. The reason for this was the extremely unstable quality of work, accompanied by the rapid development of the resource and the need to quickly replace the item with a new one.

Over time, the situation improved, mainly due to the opening of a full-fledged research bureau for testing existing and prototypes. Korean engineers managed to identify the weakest points in the design of oil filters, after which painstaking work began on eliminating them for several years. At the present stage, the Hyundai / KIA corporate product enjoys greater preference than competitors from Nitto, Sakura, or a more famous Union.

Sct

Rating: 4.5

The German firm SCT is positioned by many experts as a full-fledged competitor to Mann, but with a much wider scope in terms of financing and production volumes. The main "point" of sales of oil filters for it are the CIS countries, the main of which, of course, is Russia. Domestic consumer is familiar with this product firsthand, and speaks of it quite well. Yes, in a large assortment there was a place for not very successful representatives, but this is more of an exception to the rule than an established pattern.

As in the case of Mahle, the main advantage of SCT is its adequate pricing policy, which maintains a delicate balance between cost and operating parameters. According to experienced car owners, this is a great option for buying in the middle price segment, especially for cars of the old formation.

The best manufacturers of premium class oil filters

Mahle

Rating: 4.9

Like Mann, Mahle is a representative of the German group of manufacturers engaged in the manufacture of oil filters. That's just unlike a competitor, she pays much more attention to the secondary market, simultaneously shipping the “oil cans” to the conveyors of no less famous automakers of her country (which is worth only cooperation with BMW and Mercedes-Benz). In addition, Mahle is an active developer of expensive consumables for VAZ cars - by coincidence, those can be seen in the Priory, now taken from the conveyor.

According to the manufacturers themselves, the resource of one oil filter can be enough for a run of 50 thousand kilometers. Experts, in general, support this statement, but believe in such an exorbitant figure with great difficulty, converging on a 30 thousand mileage much less embarrassing the imagination.For consumers, fine filtering parameters come out on top, thanks to which the engine works surprisingly “clean”. Given all the above, even with a slight adjustment for loud words, investing in the purchase of a product from Mahle will be fully justified.

Purflux

Rating: 4.8

The trademark of the Sogefi group of companies, under the logo of which reliable and adequately priced filters for the purification of crankcase oil from impurities are produced. Saying “adequately assessed”, we mean the legitimacy of the established cost of working qualities, the violation of which sometimes not less famous competitors “sin”.

By tradition, representatives of the premium segment, Sogefi (read, Purflux) pursues a comprehensive policy of providing consumers with the highest quality product, which results in the creation of a whole research complex (albeit not of the same scope as that of the Union). According to consumers, a thorough comparison of the operating parameters of these oil filters with others often reveals a small Purflux gain in value or rational constructive respect, which is a big plus in the brand's moneybox. In parallel with this, experts identify the original form of filter paper (it is built with a Christmas tree), which does not make any sense except for the difficulty in forging. For a series of small subtleties and a very competent pricing policy, this brand deserves the second line of the rating.

Mann

Rating: 4.8

Mann is a product of the merger of two of the oldest German auto parts manufacturers (Filterwerk Mann and Hummel GmbH), which has grown to the size of the main operating corporation of all of Europe. Famous for a very tough approach to quality control of its products, which positively affects the reject rate (less than 2% of the total). Production control here begins straight from the stage of preparation of raw materials, which allows to exclude even the slightest deviation from the nominal input as the creation of the product advances.

According to users, the quality of oil filters from Mann is manifested not only by the degree of filtration, but also by the notorious increase in service life. As for the experts, they mark an extremely risky but very effective method of delivering the newly developed product straight to the conveyor lines of famous automakers, including the entire VAG group, as well as a number of well-known Russian brands (Nissan, Peugeot and etc.). It is also worth noting the focus of the manufacturer on the production of products for the retail market in quantities sufficient to meet the needs of car owners.

Union

Rating: 4.7

Eminent manufacturer of premium oil filters from Asia, ranked due to the excellent reputation among the consumer segment.It has a general agreement with the overwhelming majority of automakers in Japan, Korea and China on supplying conveyors with oil filters: they can be found in mass-produced cars Lexus, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, etc.

According to experts, the main advantage of Union lies in the innovation and constant search for the best technological solutions. According to this indicator, no competitor can compare with a brave Japanese corporation: annually, the brand takes almost a third of total revenue for research in the field of oil filtration and increasing the life of individual elements (including internal combustion engines). This step, on the one hand, allows you to move forward the entire area of ​​the market, and on the other, does not allow the company to lose relevance in modern conditions.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.