Are Oil Filters All the Same or Universal? (Explained)

Car filters are one of the vital parts of your car. The oil filter helps your car engine stay clean. It prevents contaminants from getting into the engine oil and causing issues. Filters are used so that the oil can be clean for a longer duration.  

However, most often car owners tend to have an argument over car oil filters and whichever may be suitable for them. Additionally, if you are wondering whether oil filters are all the same or universal, then you are at the right place. 

Today we are going to have a detailed discussion on the topic. Without further ado, let’s get started!  

Are oil filters all the same or universal?

Oil filters are not all the same or universal. But, typically designed oil filters that are designed for modern vehicles, can be used with any type of oil. However, you can double-check with your manufacturer to ensure whether you can use it or not. But, keep in mind that they are not universal. 

Each oil filter has different media of oil flow, different flow rates, and different bypass valves. They are made to bond with your engine well.

Therefore, they are different and come with their own specification. Replacing your old oil filter may not be proven fruitful if it does not have the ideal features.

So, do not question the manufacturer’s idea. However, if you still choose to replace your oil filter, make sure that it fits your engine.

Honda oil filters:

Most Honda filters are the same. However, there are a few exceptions. Additionally, typically made modern oil filters are manufactured in a way that they can be compared with all oil engines.

Apart from that, you can try consulting your manufacturer before changing or replacing the oil filter. As most Honda oil filters are the same, there shouldn’t be much issue if you need to replace your old one.

Kohler oil filters:

Most Kohler oil filters are the same except for a few. The job of the filter is to keep nasty particles out of your engine so that it can run smoothly. Price of the filters will be higher if the micron efficiency number is low.

The only difference between Kohler oil filters is the internal capacity of the filters.

Harley oil filters:

Harley oil filters are absolutely different from each other. These filters are manufactured according to the requirements of the specific vehicle.

All engine oil works the same way, whether it’s a car or a motorbike. As different vehicles are manufactured differently, they will not fit a one-size oil filter. Therefore, Harley oil filters cannot be considered universal.

Briggs & Stratton oil filters:

The answer is positive. Briggs and Stratton oil filters are all the same. The manufacturers make only one oil filter for all the Briggs and Stratton vehicles.

However, to get rid of any sorts of confusion, you can contact your manufacturer. Additionally, keep in mind that according to major manufacturers you do not require any special type of oil filter while using synthetic oil.

Subaru oil filters:

Subaru oil filters are the same. The Subaru oil filters are typically made in small sizes, however, they have different varieties of colors available.

Most manufacturers recommend changing your oil filter every second time you get your oil changed. So, therefore if you are riding on a 6,000-mile vehicle you’d need to change out the filter after every 12,000 miles.

SBC oil filters:

SBC oil filters are not the same. The SBC oil filters come in different numbers on them. These are considered filter numbers.

The screws on the filters are different, therefore they are considered different filters.

Toyota oil filters:

Most Toyota oil filters are the same. The filters used by Toyota are manufactured by a Japanese company known as Denso.

Toyota offers you great filters for its value. These filters are made with an exact specification for the flow rate, filter quality, and oil capacity of your Toyota.

Therefore, if you require any replacements you’d want to contact your manufacturer for a better service. 

Are oil filters interchangeable?

Generally, oil filters are interchangeable. However, there can be exceptions. Additionally, if the oil filters are sized in the same way, you can consider them interchangeable. Most modern oil filters can be used with all types of oils.

Therefore, you can use them with any oil. However, you can double-check with your manufacturer to ensure that it will work well.

Are all oil filters the same thread?

Most oil filters are the same thread but not all of them. Oil filters may look very much alike in size or dimensions. However, small detailed things such as the thread number, and gasket size can have an impact.

To check what sort of filter you need, you may check the user manual. The manual usually comes with a referring a parts catalog. Other can that, you can still contact your manufacturer.

Are all oil filters the same quality?

Not oil filters are the same quality. However, they all serve the purpose. You will not find a single oil filter that is not doing its job properly. Additionally, they have different thread numbers on them. Apart from that, it’s better if the micron efficiency count is low.

Are all oil filters the same size?

Oil filters are not the same size. Oil filters are sized differently, depending on the amount of oil that can be filtered through them. Smaller engines will not require the same-sized filters that larger engines will. Therefore, not all the oil filters are the same size.

What are the types of oil filters?

Although most oil filters are considered the same, there are variations in them. Here are some types of oil filters:

Full flow oil filter:

Full flow oil filters are widely used by reputed carmakers. Full flow oil makers are also known as primary oil filters. While most filters only purify the car’s motor oil, a full flow oil filter captures impurities from all the oil that is used by the car. 

These filters are ideal for cold weather. A full-flow oil filter helps motor oil move more freely than most other filters. Therefore, your vehicle gets enough oil to perform smoothly.

Secondary oil filter:

Secondary oil filters are used for the extra protection of your car engine. These filters are 10% less effective than a full-flow oil filter.

A secondary oil filter removes the contaminants that were missed by the primary oil filter. These filters can be proven effective to increase the lifespan of your vehicle. Apart from all these, it also provides extra protection to your car’s engine.

Cartridge oil filter:

Another type of oil filter is the cartridge oil filter. Cartridge oil filter is basically a type of full-flow oil filter.

These filters are easy to mount and easy to use. It can be easily inspected without removing the oil from the filter. Additionally, some cartridge filters do not come with metal parts, this makes them more ideal for recycling purposes.

Spin oil filter:

Spin oil filters are another type of full-flow filters. These filters have the simplest installation and require minimal tools.

These filters feature steel canisters that are paired with paper elements.

Spinner oil filter:

Spinner oil filters are secondary oil filters used in vehicles. Spinner oil filters use centrifugal force to trap the contaminants from the oil.

Some of the filters may be able to generate a force that is 2,000 times greater than that of gravity. Using these oil filters, it’s possible to remove the smallest piece of contaminant that is available in your engine oil.  

Therefore, spinner filters are a great option for you if you plan on increasing the

Magnetic oil filter:

Magnetic oil filters are considered as secondary oil filters. These filters effectively clean metallic contaminants from the oil. The best part about magnetic oil filters is that they do not need to be replaced, like other oil filters.

A cleaning that is done regularly is enough to keep the filter working for a long duration. Therefore, they can be a great option if you do not want to change your oil filter anytime soon.

Final thoughts

All the oil filters are not the same. However, modern oil filters can be considered interchangeable. But there are exceptions. Not all oil filters are considered universal. Additionally, there are many oil filters that are considered universal or can be used for multiple vehicles.