How Much Is an Oil Filter?

In the U.S. as of 2025, most passenger-car oil filters cost $8–$20, with economy options around $5–$10, premium or extended-life filters $12–$30, and performance filters $20–$50+. Prices vary by vehicle fitment (cartridge vs. spin-on), brand (OEM vs. aftermarket), media quality, and where you buy. If installed as part of an oil change at a shop, the filter portion typically accounts for about $5–$25 of the service price.

What Drives the Price of an Oil Filter

Several factors explain why one oil filter costs more than another. Understanding these helps you decide whether a budget, midrange, or premium filter fits your vehicle and maintenance schedule.

• Vehicle fitment and size: Larger or specialty filters (diesel pickups, performance models) generally cost more.
• Filter type: Spin-on filters are common; cartridge elements are typical on many European and newer vehicles and can be pricier depending on the application.
• Media and construction: Synthetic or blended media, silicone anti-drainback valves, higher dirt-holding capacity, and stronger cans add cost.
• Service interval rating: Extended-life filters designed for 10,000–20,000-mile intervals cost more than standard 5,000–7,500-mile filters.
• Brand and origin: OEM and well-known aftermarket brands may command a premium; economy lines are cheaper.
• Retail channel and promotions: Big-box stores and online retailers often discount; dealerships tend to be higher but offer exact OEM fit.
• Multi-packs and subscriptions: Buying in bulk or on subscription can lower per-filter price.

In short, you’re paying for fitment precision, materials, and how long the filter is designed to last between changes.

Typical Price Ranges by Vehicle or Equipment

Here are ballpark ranges you’ll see for different applications, noting that exact prices depend on the specific part number.

• Passenger cars and light trucks (spin-on): economy $5–$10; standard $8–$15; premium/extended-life $12–$30.
• High-performance/synthetic-media filters: generally $20–$50+ depending on brand and capacity.
• European cartridge elements (BMW, VW/Audi, Mercedes, Volvo): commonly $10–$25; some applications reach $30+.
• Diesel pickups (Power Stroke, Cummins, Duramax): approximately $15–$40 based on size and brand.
• Motorcycles/ATVs: about $6–$15 for most common models.
• Small engines (mowers, generators): typically $5–$12.

These ranges cover regular street pricing; sales, bundles, or store brands can bring costs down, while niche or hard-to-find filters may run higher.

Brand Examples and Current Street Prices (2025)

The following examples reflect typical online and big-box store pricing in 2025 for common part numbers; exact prices vary by vehicle fitment and retailer.

• FRAM Extra Guard: about $5–$9; Tough Guard: $9–$14; Ultra Synthetic: $11–$18.
• Motorcraft (Ford OEM, e.g., FL-series): roughly $6–$12.
• ACDelco (GM OEM, e.g., PF-series): around $6–$12.
• Toyota, Honda, Mopar OEM: typically $7–$15 depending on model.
• MANN, MAHLE, Hengst (common European OEMs): about $8–$18; some cartridge elements $20+.
• Bosch Premium/DistancePlus: roughly $9–$18.
• Mobil 1 Extended Performance: about $12–$20.
• K&N Performance: typically $15–$25.
• WIX/NAPA Gold: usually $10–$18; higher for specialty numbers.
• AMSOIL EA15K series: about $15–$25.
• Baldwin, Fleetguard (heavy-duty/diesel): commonly $12–$35.

Expect fluctuations with retailer promotions, regional availability, and whether you buy single units or multi-packs; part numbers with fewer compatible vehicles tend to be pricier.

Installed Cost vs. DIY

Buying just the filter is one cost; having it installed as part of an oil change is another. Shops bundle oil and filter, and may charge more for premium filters or synthetic oil service.

• Quick-lube/independent shops: conventional oil changes often $40–$70; full synthetic $70–$120, with the filter included. Upgrading to a premium or extended-life filter can add $5–$15.
• Dealerships: commonly $80–$160 for synthetic oil changes depending on vehicle and location; OEM filter included.
• DIY: filter $8–$20 (typical) + oil $20–$60 (5–7 quarts, brand/viscosity/synthetic) + crush washer $0.50–$2. Many parts stores accept used oil and filters for free recycling.

DIY is usually cheaper per service, while shops offer convenience and may include inspections, top-offs, and maintenance reminders.

Where to Buy and How to Save

Prices vary by retailer. If you’re flexible on brand and timing, you can often save without sacrificing quality.

• Compare across auto parts chains (AutoZone, Advance, O’Reilly, NAPA), big-box stores (Walmart), and online sellers (Amazon, RockAuto).
• Watch for oil-and-filter bundle deals, holiday sales, and loyalty rewards; multi-packs lower per-filter cost.
• Stick to reputable sellers to avoid counterfeits—especially for premium brands.
• Cross-check the exact part number by VIN or fitment tool to avoid returns and ensure proper bypass valve and anti-drainback specs.
• Match the filter to your oil change interval: paying more for extended-life media makes sense only if you run longer intervals.

A little comparison shopping and careful part-number verification can cut costs while ensuring proper fit and performance.

How to Choose the Right Oil Filter

The “best” filter depends on your vehicle’s requirements and how you maintain it. These points can guide a smart choice.

• Check your owner’s manual or OEM part number first; use equal or better specifications.
• For standard 5,000–7,500-mile intervals, a quality midrange filter is usually sufficient.
• For extended intervals with full synthetic oil, pick an extended-life/synthetic-media filter approved for longer mileage.
• For vehicles sensitive to start-up noise or oil drain-back, ensure the filter has the correct anti-drainback valve material and orientation.
• Consider warranty and maintenance plans; some OEM warranties or service contracts prefer OEM-branded parts.

Right-fit and right-spec generally matter more than brand prestige; an appropriate filter used on-time protects your engine effectively.

FAQs

Do I need a premium or extended-life filter?

Only if your oil change intervals are longer (often 10,000 miles or more) or your vehicle/conditions demand higher capacity and better filtration. Otherwise, a reputable midrange filter changed on schedule is adequate.

How often should I replace the oil filter?

Replace it at every oil change. Follow your vehicle’s oil-life monitor or manual; many modern cars run 7,500–10,000 miles on synthetic oil. If using an extended-life filter, do not exceed the filter’s rated interval.

Are expensive filters worth it?

They can be, if you need extended service intervals, higher efficiency, or robust construction for severe use. For typical commuting with standard intervals, a vetted midrange filter offers strong value.

Summary

Most passenger-car oil filters cost $8–$20 in 2025, with economy options near $5–$10 and premium or extended-life models $12–$30; performance filters can reach $20–$50+. Prices depend on fitment, media quality, brand, and retailer. Match the filter to your service interval and vehicle specs, and compare reputable sellers to get the best price without sacrificing protection.

Can I drive with a damaged oil filter?

Potential Engine Damage: Continuing to drive with a broken oil filter can lead to serious engine damage, which may require costly repairs or even engine replacement. If you suspect your oil filter is broken, it’s best to have it replaced before driving the vehicle.

How much is it for an oil filter change?

An oil and filter change in a car is a routine maintenance procedure that involves draining the used oil from the engine, replacing the oil filter, and adding new fresh oil. The average cost of doing an oil change and oil filter change is £90, with prices ranging from £60 to £190.

How much is oil change in AZ?

Generally, our oil changes run anywhere from $25 to $75 depending on if you’re wanting conventional, semi-synthetic or full-synthetic oil put in your vehicle. Just so you’re aware, full synthetic is the highest quality and most expensive.

How much does an oil filter cost?

An oil filter can cost under $10 in some situations but range to more than $100 for some specialty applications. And as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. In this article, we’ll review what an oil filter does and the best oil filter choices available. How important is an oil filter?