Is It Better to Use OEM Oil Filters?

Generally, OEM oil filters are a safe default because they’re built to the vehicle maker’s specifications and fitment, but “better” depends on your engine, driving conditions, and service interval. High-quality aftermarket filters often match or exceed OEM performance; the key is choosing a filter that meets the manufacturer’s specifications, including bypass valve settings, filtration efficiency, and capacity, and buying from reputable sources—especially while under warranty.

What OEM Means—and Why Oil Filters Aren’t All the Same

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters are the parts specified by your vehicle’s maker and often supplied by tier‑one companies that also sell aftermarket versions. While many aftermarket filters are engineered to the same standards, oil filters differ in construction and performance details that matter for engine protection and oil flow, particularly at cold start and high load.

The components below determine how a filter behaves in real engines, from start-up rattle to long-interval durability.

• Filter media: Cellulose, synthetic blend, or full synthetic media affects particle capture efficiency and dirt-holding capacity, especially for long oil-change intervals.
• Bypass valve: Opens when pressure differential rises (cold oil, clogged media). The PSI setting should match your engine’s spec to avoid unfiltered flow or oil starvation.
• Anti-drainback valve (ADBV): Prevents oil from draining out when the engine is off. Silicone valves typically seal better across temperature extremes than nitrile.
• End caps, seam, and can strength: Influence durability under pressure spikes and at high RPM; relevant for turbocharged or heavy-duty use.
• Dimensions and gasket profile: Proper fit and sealing prevent leaks and ensure the media seals correctly inside the housing (critical for cartridge designs).

Together, these details explain why two filters that “fit” may perform differently in cold weather, during extended intervals, or under hard use.

Pros and Cons: OEM vs. Aftermarket

OEM filters reduce uncertainty, but they’re not inherently superior in all cases. Here’s how the trade-offs usually break down.

• OEM advantages: Designed to the vehicle maker’s specs; correct bypass and ADBV behavior; consistent fit; minimal warranty friction; predictable performance on the car’s oil-life strategy.
• OEM drawbacks: Can cost more; performance may be “adequate” rather than optimized for extended drains; availability varies; counterfeits exist online.

For many owners, these benefits make OEM a reliable baseline—especially through the warranty period and for engines with known sensitivities.

Quality aftermarket filters can be an excellent choice when they are transparent about specs and built for your use case.

• Aftermarket advantages: Premium lines often offer higher efficiency and capacity (good for long intervals); wider price range; easier availability; options tailored to severe service.
• Aftermarket drawbacks: Spec transparency varies; bypass settings may differ from OEM; budget models may skimp on media or valves; higher risk of mismatched fit on cartridge systems.

If you go aftermarket, prioritize brands and product lines that publish test data and explicitly match the OEM’s bypass setting and service interval.

Warranty and Compliance

In the U.S., the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act prevents automakers from requiring OEM-branded parts to maintain warranty coverage, provided you use parts that meet the manufacturer’s specifications and follow the maintenance schedule. Similar protections exist in the EU (Block Exemption rules) and many other jurisdictions. However, a warranty claim can be denied if a nonconforming part causes the failure. Keep receipts, note part numbers, and ensure the filter meets the vehicle’s published specifications.

When OEM Is the Safer Choice

Certain scenarios favor sticking with the OEM filter or a verified equivalent that explicitly matches all OEM specs.

• Under factory warranty or during powertrain warranty claims, to streamline approval.
• Engines with known sensitivity to bypass valve settings, cold start behavior, or start-up rattle.
• Cartridge-style filters where precise end-cap geometry and media height are critical to sealing in the housing.
• Vehicles using long oil-life monitor intervals; OEM filters are validated against the factory oil-change strategy.
• Limited aftermarket data transparency—if specs aren’t published, OEM avoids guesswork.

In these cases, OEM helps minimize risk and variability, even if high-end aftermarket options may perform as well or better on paper.

How to Choose a Quality Oil Filter

If you’re considering aftermarket—or simply verifying an OEM choice—use this checklist to match your engine’s needs and your driving profile.

• Match the bypass valve spec: Consult service data; typical settings vary widely (often roughly 8–20 psi). A mismatch can mean more unfiltered flow or oil starvation.
• Demand published filtration data: Look for ISO 4548-12 multi-pass efficiency figures (premium filters commonly publish 95%+ at 20–25 microns) and meaningful capacity claims.
• Check ADBV material: Silicone is preferable for high heat, long intervals, and cold climates.
• Confirm exact fit: Diameter, height, thread pitch, and gasket profile; for cartridges, verify end-cap design and included O-rings.
• Align with service interval: For extended factory intervals or oil-life monitors, choose higher-capacity synthetic media filters.
• Buy from reputable sellers: Counterfeits affect both OEM and popular aftermarket brands; use authorized retailers.
• Follow the manual: Replace the filter at every oil change and use the specified oil grade and standard (e.g., API SP/ILSAC GF‑6, dexos1 Gen 3, ACEA), which directly affects filter load.

These steps help ensure you’re selecting on performance, not just brand, and that the filter will support your engine’s intended oil strategy.

Practical Recommendations by Use Case

Your driving pattern and climate should influence the choice more than a logo. Consider the following scenarios.

• Daily commuting, normal intervals: OEM or a reputable mid/high-tier aftermarket filter that states OEM-equivalent bypass and publishes efficiency.
• Long oil-life monitor intervals: Premium synthetic-media aftermarket or OEM “extended life” variants with high capacity and published ISO efficiency.
• Turbocharged/performance use: Filters with strong cans, silicone ADBV, and proven high-temperature durability; change slightly earlier if tracked.
• Cold climates or lots of short trips: Prioritize a quality ADBV to reduce start-up clatter and ensure rapid oil delivery.
• Older/high-mileage engines or sludge history: Use quality filters but shorten intervals; capacity matters less than frequent changes in these cases.

Tailoring the filter to the job can reduce wear, noise, and pressure-related issues while keeping costs reasonable.

Cost and Availability

OEM filters often cost a bit more at dealerships, while aftermarket equivalents may be cheaper and easier to find locally or online. Premium aftermarket filters designed for extended intervals can cost as much as or more than OEM. Regardless of choice, avoid suspiciously low prices from unverified sellers to reduce counterfeit risk.

Bottom Line

OEM oil filters are a dependable, low-risk choice—especially under warranty or for engines with tight tolerances—because they match the vehicle’s validated specifications. But a well-chosen, high-quality aftermarket filter that clearly meets those specs (and publishes test data) can equal or outperform OEM, particularly for extended intervals. Choose by specification and use case, not by label alone.

Summary

The key points below distill when OEM is “better” and when a quality aftermarket filter is equally suitable.

• OEM is safest for warranty, exact fit, and known-sensitive engines.
• Quality aftermarket can match/exceed OEM—verify ISO 4548-12 efficiency, bypass PSI, capacity, and ADBV material.
• Match the filter to your interval, climate, and driving; buy from reputable sources.
• Always follow the oil spec and change the filter at each oil change.

If in doubt or documentation is thin, choose OEM; if specifications are clear and validated, a premium aftermarket filter is often just as good—and sometimes better for long drains.

What oil filter is considered the best?

Best for Everyday Use: Wix, due to its superior filtration and build quality. Best Budget Option: Fram, particularly for standard driving conditions. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your vehicle, driving habits, and budget. If you prioritize high performance and extended service intervals, go for Mobil 1.

Is it worth paying more for a quality oil filter?

Absolutely. The differences in filtration efficiency, flow restriction, capacity and overall quality/quality control can be significant. Realistically though, these things would only really matter for performance applications, or adverse conditions/long term.

Should I use an original oil filter?

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.

Does using a non-OEM oil filter void the warranty?

Non-factory oil filters can void your warranty
But the use of non-factory oil filters may be a concern. Every carmaker’s warranty policy contains the clause “damage caused by non-factory components or parts” under the heading, ‘what’s not covered by your warranty’.