How to Find the Correct Oil Filter Size for Your Vehicle

To find your oil filter size, check your owner’s manual or the automaker’s parts catalog, use an online lookup with your year/make/model/engine or VIN, read the part number on your current filter and cross-reference it, or measure the filter mount and match the specifications. “Size” isn’t just height and diameter—it includes thread size/pitch, gasket diameter, filter type (spin‑on or cartridge), and bypass/anti‑drainback valve requirements.

What “oil filter size” really means

In automotive parts catalogs, “size” is shorthand for a bundle of specifications that ensure the filter seals, threads on correctly, clears nearby components, and performs as designed for your engine’s oil system. Matching only the can’s height or diameter can lead to leaks, poor oil pressure, or premature wear.

The following items make up the effective “size” for a compatible oil filter:

• Filter type: spin-on (canister) or cartridge (element inside a housing)
• Thread size and pitch for spin-on filters (e.g., M20×1.5, 3/4-16 UNF)
• Gasket outside/inside diameter and gasket thickness
• Canister height and body diameter (for clearance and capacity)
• Bypass valve pressure setting (if required by the engine)
• Anti-drainback valve presence and material (often silicone for better cold performance)
• For cartridge filters: element dimensions and required O-rings/seals

Treat these specs as a matched set; a filter that fits physically but lacks the right bypass setting or gasket size can still be wrong for your engine.

Fastest ways to identify the right filter

Check official sources

These steps use authoritative references to ensure an exact match based on your vehicle’s build data.

1. Owner’s manual: Look under the maintenance or specifications section for the oil filter part number or service spec.
2. Automaker parts catalog: Use the dealer’s EPC (electronic parts catalog) with your VIN to pull the exact OEM part number and any supersessions.
3. OEM site or dealership: Provide your VIN to a parts counter; they’ll confirm the latest correct filter and note mid‑year or engine‑code differences.

Using OEM sources reduces guesswork and avoids mid-year changes or engine options that generic lookups can miss.

Cross-reference your current filter

If you still have the old filter, its label is a shortcut. You can translate that brand’s part number to other brands while preserving the required specs.

1. Clean the old filter and note the brand and full part number (e.g., “MANN W 719/45,” “WIX 51356,” “Fram XG7317”).
2. Use the manufacturer’s cross-reference catalog (or a reputable parts retailer) to find equivalents in multiple brands.
3. Confirm the specs (thread, gasket OD, bypass rating) in the technical data sheet before purchase.

Cross-referencing is reliable when the original filter was correct; be cautious with unknown or counterfeit filters and double-check specs if something looks off.

If you don’t have the manual or old filter

Use reputable online catalogs

When documentation is missing, these widely used catalogs and retailers let you search by vehicle and compare specs across brands.

• Filter manufacturers: WIX, Baldwin, Mann+Hummel, Mahle, Bosch, Fram (vehicle lookup plus technical spec sheets)
• Automotive retailers: AutoZone, O’Reilly, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts, RockAuto (filter by year/make/model/engine; often show OEM number)
• OEM parts sites: Brand-specific catalogs where you can enter a VIN for exact matches

Cross-check at least two sources; if results differ, verify by VIN or engine code to resolve discrepancies.

Measure the filter mount (last resort)

If catalogs are inconclusive—common with swaps, gray-market imports, or modified engines—careful measurements can identify compatible filters. Work on a cool engine and wear gloves.

1. Determine filter type: confirm whether your engine uses a spin-on canister or a cartridge in a housing.
2. Measure threads (spin-on): use calipers to measure the nipple’s outside diameter and a thread gauge to determine pitch (e.g., M20×1.5, 3/4-16). A quick check: 3/4-16 is about 19.05 mm OD; M20 is 20.0 mm.
3. Measure gasket land: measure the sealing surface’s outer and inner diameters; note the groove style and surface flatness.
4. Check space and orientation: note available height/diameter and obstructions (frame, exhaust, subframe); record filter angle (vertical/horizontal) which affects anti‑drainback needs.
5. Match specs: use manufacturer catalogs that allow spec filtering (thread, gasket OD, height, bypass setting) to find candidates that meet or exceed OE requirements.

Measurement narrows options to safe candidates, but always prefer an OE-spec listing once you identify the engine or VIN.

Decoding specs and common patterns

These common values can help you sanity-check catalog results; always confirm against your specific engine’s requirements.

• Frequent thread sizes: M20×1.5 (many Asian makes), 3/4-16 UNF (older Ford/GM/Chrysler), M18×1.5 (some motorcycles/compacts), M22×1.5 (some European)
• Typical bypass settings: roughly 8–14 psi for many passenger cars; performance/turbo applications may differ
• Anti-drainback valve: silicone is often specified in colder climates to prevent dry starts
• Cartridge filters: usually identified by exact OEM part numbers; ensure included O-rings match the housing’s grooves

Use these as guides, not rules—thread match alone is insufficient without the correct gasket diameter and valve specs.

Practical tips and caveats

A few best practices help you avoid fitment mistakes and protect your engine.

• Don’t “upsize” for capacity without verifying clearance, gasket match, and bypass/flow specs for your engine.
• European models often require specific cartridge endcap designs; visual similarity isn’t enough.
• Turbocharged, hybrid, and start‑stop engines may specify particular media and valve characteristics.
• Mid‑year changes happen: verify engine code, production date, or VIN when results conflict.
• Hand‑thread the filter; if it doesn’t spin on easily, stop—cross‑threading damages the mount.
• Stick with quality brands and trusted retailers to avoid counterfeit filters.

Following these tips reduces the risk of leaks, low oil pressure, or startup rattle caused by an incorrect filter.

Summary

The quickest path to the right oil filter is your owner’s manual or a VIN-based OEM parts lookup, followed by cross-referencing a known-good filter number. If documentation is missing, use reputable online catalogs and, as a last resort, measure the filter mount to match thread, gasket, and valve specs. Always confirm the full specification set—not just physical dimensions—to ensure proper sealing, flow, and engine protection.

How to read oil filter numbers?

Understanding Oil Filter Ratings

1. BX=2. The “X” denotes the size in microns of particles above which the filter is only removing 50 percent of the particles entering.
2. B10=X. The “X” in this case denotes the Beta ratio corresponding to particles larger than 10 microns.
3. BX=75.

How do I know what size oil filter I need?

To determine the correct oil filter size for your vehicle, consult your car’s owner’s manual, check the filter specifications on the manufacturer’s website, or use an online lookup tool that matches your vehicle’s make, model, and year. You can also visit an auto parts store and provide your vehicle information for assistance. 
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
1. Owner’s Manual: 

• The most reliable source of information is your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It will specify the correct oil filter type and size for your specific engine.
• The manual may also indicate the recommended oil filter brand or part number.

2. Online Resources:

• Many auto parts websites (like NAPA Auto Parts) offer online tools that allow you to input your vehicle’s details (year, make, and model) and find compatible oil filters. 
• You can also search for your vehicle’s specific oil filter part number on these websites. 

3. Auto Parts Stores: 

• Visit your local auto parts store and provide them with your vehicle’s information. They can access their databases to determine the correct oil filter size and provide you with options.
• Some stores may have printed catalogs or online lookup tools that you can use yourself.

4. Cross-referencing: 

• If you know the part number of the oil filter currently installed on your vehicle, you can use that number to find compatible filters from other brands.
• Many websites and auto parts stores offer cross-reference tools that allow you to find equivalent filters from different manufacturers based on the part number.

Important Considerations:

• Engine Type: Different engines require different sizes and types of oil filters. 
• Oil Type: The type of oil you use (conventional or synthetic) may also influence the type of oil filter you need. 
• Driving Conditions: If you engage in heavy-duty driving or towing, you may need a heavy-duty oil filter. 

How do I figure out my oil filter?

Check your car’s owner manual
The manual provides specific recommendations for the type and size of the oil filter that is compatible with your car’s engine and oil system. Adhering to these specifications ensures optimal performance and prevents potential damage to the engine.

How do I find out my filter size?

Measure from edge to edge in inches, rounding up to the nearest inch for each measurement. For example, if your measurements are 19.5″ x 24.5″ x 0.75″, your filter size would be 20″ x 25″ x 1″. Always record measurements in the standardized order of length, width, and depth for accurate replacement ordering.