In auto parts stores are often representeda huge range of oil filters, so car owners often face the dilemma of choice. Price, size and appearance are different. And although this is a small and cheap element of a large mechanism, without it this very mechanism will work less efficiently and will quickly become unusable. Therefore, every car owner should know which oil filter is better suited to his car. In this article we will look at what types of oil filters are available, and what parameters should be considered when choosing them.
Oil filter device
The very first cars that were created yetin the XIX century, did not have oil filters. This device appeared in the 20s of the XX century. Previously, due to the lack of a filter, the oil in cars was changed after 700-800 km. At the same time, the engine life was very small, and the oil consumption was large. Now the engines and oil fluids have improved, but the practice of applying oil filters has played an important role in the modernization of the engine.
What are oil filters in general?These are devices that cleanse oils of various impurities and particles that can come from the external environment. As a result of using filters, the process of converting lubricant into an abrasive mixture slows down significantly. Without it, the oil will quickly lose its performance characteristics, which will adversely affect the performance of the cylinders, oil rings and bearings.
Filter element - "curtain"
It is the “curtain” that is the main element, and itis in all oil filters. It is a thick layer of filter paper made from a mixture of glass, synthetic and cellulose resins. The paper itself is impregnated with phenol-formaldehyde resins, which is why it is durable and provides a long service life.
This filter paper is folded with an accordion andenclosed in a metal cylinder. The design is the basis of the filter. In fact, there is nothing complicated in the design, but the efficiency of such filters is high. But in any case, such devices are not able to trap all impurities that enter the lubricant from the outside. Virtually all filters have a bandwidth of 45 microns, which makes it possible to retain approximately half of the particles contained in the oil.
Types of filters
Now that we are at least a little familiar with the design, we can talk about which oil filter is better. At least there are 2 types:
- Collapsible. These are the most common elements of an oil system that can be replaced at any time.
- Not separable - to be replaced after the end of life.
In this case, the filter element of such devices is identical for both types. The difference lies only in the design of the cylinder.
It is more important to understand that there are filters that differ in the cleaning method:
- Centrifugal.
- With mechanical type of cleaning.
- Magnetic.
- Gravity type.
Mechanical
Which oil filter is better to choose from these types?The most effective and common are devices with a mechanical type of cleaning. At the same time they can be with deep and fine cleaning. The very first is installed in the crankcase of the engine, so it is invisible to the human eye. It is operated without replacement for the entire life of the motor. But the fine filter cleans fine particles of soot and dirt in the oil, because of which the lubricant at the outlet is as clean as possible.
By the type of filtering element, this part can be felt, mesh, wire, paper, plate, etc.
Gravitational
The principle of operation of these filters is different.In the people they are called "settlers". The operation of these filters is based on the force of attraction - gravity. Due to the greater density of trash particles contained in the oil, they precipitate in a special container. This container should be cleaned from time to time by the car owner. When cleaning, some of the contaminated oil will be lost. It is difficult to call such filters practical, but with the cleaning efficiency everything is in order. In general, in modern cars gravitational refining oil elements are very rare. They were used previously.
Centrifugal filters
These work on a different principle.Instead of gravity, centrifugal force is used here, thanks to which dirt particles are separated from the lubricant and deposited on the walls of the filter. And the oil itself continues to move into the highway.
Well, magnetic filters work even easier: they attract iron particles contained in the oil, and thereby purify it.
Which oil filter is better?
Теперь, когда мы понимаем основные типы фильтров, You can go directly to the rating. Common high-quality models that effectively serve the entire life of the oil take part in it.
Mahle OC205
Mahle company is known in the circle of motorists.It produces components for engines and provides a fairly large range, selling consumables and even cylinder-piston group units. So which oil filter is better? Of course, this is Mahle OC205. It is easily unscrewed / twisted, has a high-quality and thick body that does not deform and withstands high oil pressure even during cold start. Also, the device is highly reliable.
However, there is a drawback. Lovers of low-cost semi-synthetic oils need to warm up the engine before the trip.
MANN W75 / 3
This filter is cheaper thanwith the previous one It is recommended to use on new cars. However, if we compare it with the previous filter, then this one loses a little because of the smaller area of the cleaning element. However, the efficiency of the device is high, it can withstand the pressure of a viscous and not very viscous oil. Removing and installing the device is easy, has a high quality workmanship and durable metal housing. If you do not know which oil filter is better for the "VAZ 2106", then you can safely take the MANN W75 / 3. The characteristics of him indicated that he is suitable for cars brand LADA.
Often drivers are interested in which oilbetter filter for Chevrolet Niva. So, the manufacturer Mann offers the original part W914 / 2, which is recommended by the manufacturer of the car. However, there are analogues from Bosch and WIX Filters. As for other products from lesser-known manufacturers, it is difficult to say which oil filters are better for Chevrolet. It is best to use the parts specified in the instructions for the car.
Note that the manufacturer Mann also behaves wellrecommended in the Russian market, because its products are used even in domestic cars. If you do not know which oil filter is better for the "VAZ 2114", then you should pay attention to the products of Mann and Knecht. In general, spare parts Mann are suitable for almost all VAZ cars. From the range, you can even choose a good oil filter on the "VAZ 2107". Which is better to choose from a large range - this is a more complicated question, which depends on the viscosity and type of oil.
Bosch 0451103316
No less interesting is the filter Bosch0451103316, which is intended for a large number of cars. This product is cheap and, like the previous ones, easy to install and dismantle. As for efficiency, the device is of good quality cleaning and assembly. The only possible disadvantage of this filter is a more flimsy design compared to the device from Mahle. However, this does not interfere with oil cleaning.
Hyundai / Kia 26300-35503
Easy to guess that this filterintended for use in cars brands Hyundai and Kia. This item has a high cost, so it does not enjoy high popularity in the market. As for quality, the product loses a little German parts. However, this filter has some advantages: a guarantee of starting the engine at low air temperature, reliable and durable operation, resistance to temperature extremes.
FRAM PH6811
This rating is completed by a model from the manufacturer.Sogefi Filtration, which makes filters under the Fram brand. Products of this brand are used in the production of cars of such major concerns: Mazda, Audi, Citroen, Land Rover, Ford. Model FRAM PH6811 deserves special attention - this brand filter is perfectly adapted to high temperatures. It easily withstands +160 degrees and is not at all afraid of high oil pressure. The filter is just great, but if you believe the reviews of car owners, the efficiency of the product is low.
One of the drawbacks of the device is a small area of the filtration element. All the advantages of the filter immediately come to naught before this disadvantage.
Conclusion
Oil filter - an important element of the oil systemcar. If you use a bad filter, the engine will not last long due to the low efficiency of the lubricant. However, it is not necessary to know which company is better oil filters. Ideally, you should choose the part that is specified in the instructions for the car. However, if this is not indicated, then you can always consult with the seller in the store or the master at the service station to ask for advice on choosing the best filter. And before buying it is advisable to read user reviews on the Internet, because they will allow you to more accurately determine whether your chosen item is effective and of high quality.