Just as your body needs clean blood flowing through its veins in order to function properly, your truck’s engine needs clean oil flowing through it in order to function properly.
And just as your body has a filter to keep the bad stuff out of your blood, your truck has an oil filter to keep the bad stuff out of its oil.
The oil filter for trucks is a vital component that helps to remove contaminants from the oil before it circulates through the engine.
This helps to keep the engine clean and running smoothly. Without a properly functioning oil filter, the engine could become clogged with dirt and debris, leading to expensive repairs down the road.
So if you want to keep your truck’s engine in good shape, be sure to change the oil filter on a regular basis.
With that said, there is a lot of debate over who makes the best oil filter for trucks. Some people swear by Fram filters, while others prefer to use Wix or K&N.
So, which brand is really the best? And more importantly, which one should you use for your truck? Read on to find out!
Table of Contents
Different Types of Oil Filters
There are two main types of oil filters: disposable and reusable.
Disposable oil filters are the most common type, and they’re designed to be thrown away after use.
Reusable oil filters, on the other hand, can be cleaned and reused, which is a more environmentally-friendly option. However, they’re not as widely available as disposable oil filters.
Different types of oil filters on the market are also classified as:
- Spin-on filters: The most common type of oil filter is a spin-on filter that’s screwed onto the engine like a gas cap.
- Canister filters: A canister-style oil filter is usually found on older vehicles. The canister contains the filter element, and it’s mounted on the side of the engine block.
- Cartridge filters: A cartridge-style oil filter is similar to a canister filter, but the cartridge contains the filter element, and it’s mounted inside the engine.
Most Reliable Oil Filter Brands for Trucks
With so many different brands and types of oil filters on the market, it can be hard to know which one is really the best for your truck.
Here is a list of 10 oil filters that are known for being high-quality and effective at keeping your truck’s engine clean:
1. Wix
Wix oil filters are designed to remove contaminants from your engine oil, and they’re a great choice for any truck owner. They have a high flow rate and can remove particles as small as five microns.
They also have a low-pressure drop, so they don’t put too much strain on your engine. So, whether you’re looking for a standard oil filter or one that’s specifically designed for your truck, Wix has you covered.
2. K&N
K&N oil filters are one of the most popular types of oil filters on the market. They are known for their high quality and their ability to filter out contaminants that can clog up an engine.
These filters are made from a pleated paper design that allows them to trap more dirt and debris than other types of filters. They also have a metal mesh screen that helps to catch even smaller particles.
K&N oil filters can be used in both conventional and synthetic oils, and they are available in a variety of sizes to fit different engine types.
3. Fram
You might want to consider the Fram oil filter because it’s guaranteed to keep your engine running smoothly, and it’s available in a variety of sizes to fit most trucks.
Plus, it comes with a handy Warranty Protection Plan, so you can be sure you’re covered in case of any problems.
Not convinced? Here are a few more reasons to choose the Fram oil filter:
- it’s easy to install
- it has a durable construction that can withstand even the toughest conditions
- and it’s backed by a trusted name in the automotive industry
4. Baldwin
Baldwin oil filters are designed to remove contaminants from your engine oil, as well as help extend the life of your engine.
These are available in a variety of sizes to fit most trucks, and they come with a handy installation guide to make things easy.
Plus, they’re backed by a comprehensive warranty, so you can be sure you’re getting a quality product.
5. Mobil 1
Mobil 1 oil filter for the truck not only helps to protect your engine from the dirt and grime that can build up over time, but it also helps to keep your oil fresh and clean.
And because they’re so easy to change, there’s no excuse not to keep your truck’s engine running like new.
Besides the above, the other most popular oil filter brands include:
- Purolator
- Bosch
- ACDelco
- Valvoline
- Beck/Arnley
How to Choose the Right Oil Filter for Your Truck?
When choosing an oil filter for your truck, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.
First, you’ll need to know what size oil filter your truck uses. You can usually find this information in your truck’s owner’s manual.
Second, you’ll need to decide what type of oil filter you want. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to ask a professional for help.
Your truck’s mechanic will guide you in choosing the type of filter based on the factors:
- Ease of use: If you’re not comfortable changing your own oil, you’ll want to choose a filter that’s easy to install.
- Cost: Some filters are more expensive than others, so you’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to spend.
- Performance: The type of filtration media used in the filter will generally affect its performance. So, you’ll want to choose a filter that’s designed to remove contaminants from your engine oil, as well as help extend the life of your engine.
- Capacity: Some filters can hold more oil than others, so you’ll need to decide how much capacity you need.
- Warranty: Some filters come with a warranty, so you’ll want to choose one that’s backed by a reputable company.
- Design & Construction: The materials used in the construction of the filter will generally affect its performance. So, you’ll want to choose a filter that’s made from high-quality materials.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should be able to find the perfect oil filter for your truck.
Do I Need a New Oil Filter with Every Oil Change?
Yes, it’s generally recommended that you change your oil filter with every oil change. This will help to keep your engine clean and running smoothly.
However, you should always check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations, as some vehicles may have different requirements.
You can usually tell when your oil filter needs to be replaced because it will be dirty. If you notice that your filter is starting to look dirty, it’s probably time to replace it.
How often you should change your truck’s oil filter will depend on a few factors, such as the type of filter you’re using, the type of oil you’re using, and how often you use your truck.
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to change your filter every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first.
The Conclusion
Based on my personal experiences and reviews, I have found that the best oil filter for synthetic oil is the Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter.
It’s designed to extend the life of your engine, and it has a high capacity to trap and hold contaminants.
You don’t necessarily need to use a synthetic oil filter for synthetic oil. However, if you want the best possible protection for your engine, it’s a good idea to use a synthetic oil filter.
Before deciding, consider cost, performance, capacity, warranty, and design to be able to find the perfect oil filter for your truck.
Based in Orem (Utah) John Paterson graduated from Utah Valley University and has begun writing in 2009. He has a large wealth of experience in writing articles related to cars, automotive repair, wheels, cleaning/maintenance, and much more. He has also written instructional articles in a similar niche for a few online publications as well. Currently, he works as a mechanic in his personal garage shop where he loves serving his countrymen from his heart.