What's a good oil filter?

[FD3S]

What do you guys use? I was thinking about FRAM

[alonsorules8]

I use the Nissan filter which is specifically designed for the Versa and Tiida models.

[sooner4x4]

For the first year or so, I was using the Nissan filters, then they started showing up with "made in China" on them. I am not a China basher, but quality control issues from China products are a concern.

I now use Purolator Pure One filters. They are getting kind of pricey but are good quality. Last time I checked at Pep Boys they were 7 bucks. I was getting the Nissan filters for $4 (if I bought four at a time).

Fram? You can do better. Lots of Fram haters out there. My motto is ABF (anything but fram). This opinion is based on what I have read about Fram for years.

Significant discussion about oil, filters, etc, can be found at bobistheoilguy.com

[silverarrow27]

Mobil 1, K&N, or oem Nissan.

[srellim234]

I agree with your assessment, sooner. Plus, if you change the oil every 3,000 miles the difference is only $1 for every 1,000 miles. That's a cheap price to pay for better engine protection.

I would guess that just about everyone here would be well served to give up one cup of coffee or one fast food hamburger a month to pay for it.

[Onyxblue]

I am using Mobil1 filter and Mobil1 oil, changed every 7500 miles.

[2dr_sentra]

i use fram, wix, or napa filters.

[CPS]

Stay away from Fram.

The factory Nissan filter is identical in design and construction as the Purolator, but of course Nissan won't tell you that because then you'll just go buy a Purolator.

I use Purolator Pure One filters on everything I own, including my motorcycles.

[fjwagner]

I am using Mobil1 filter and Mobil1 oil, changed every 7500 miles.

good choices. your mileage interval is right on target. Even dino oils are good for at least 5 k with the modern oils. Synthetic 7500 to 10000. Even 15 k, but I personally get uncomfortable at more than 10. I work for ExxonMobil and we specify that our oils are good for the longer intervals. Lab analysis confirms.

[Red Devil]

K&N Gold and AMSOil

[shiryu0]

Mobil 1........stay away from FRAM

[VersaMG08]

I just have Nissan change out the oil filter.

I don't change my oil, I don't have time, I'm on a schedule, school and work. I bring it in to Jiffy Lube/Grease Monkey. They usually put in Castrol GTX 5W-30, changed every 3k miles.
Modified by Mile High Versa at 7:04 PM 2/22/2009

[fjwagner]

K&N Gold and AMSOil

no need to spend that extra money.

[greggie195]

So many people hate Fram and I read quite a bit about how inferior it is and had I ever read that I would have never used Fram. That being said, I always used Fram (air/fuel and oil) and on my last 2 cars I got well over 200,000 miles. Changed the oil every 3-5K miles and always used Quaker State (which now I read is aweful oil) and marvel mystery oil (which now I read is also bad to add). Maybe if I would have used another combo I would have gotten 300,000 miles on my 92 Maxima (head gasket failed at 210,000 miles) but it would not have done any difference to the 86 200SX I got rid off with 230,000 miles on it (heating core failed and I didnt want to replace).

My point is that people get so passionate about their love or hate of a product (not only with cars) that I think in the end it is personal opinion. As for me, I now have Nissan change my oil. 30 bucks is worth my time and getting dirty!

[CPS]

The problem that people have with Fram is their assembly process. They use a cheap glue that fails at normal oil temperatures, which can allow unfiltered oil to go right on through. They were also notorious for not having anti-drainback valves on their filters, which causes all kinds of startup noises on modern engines due to lack of any oil in the engine (no valve means the oil just drains right on back down to the pan, causing dry starts). Even the $2.50 Microguard from Oreilly's has that, but Fram uses all that extra money they've charged for years for advertising instead of making a quality product. You don't see many Purolator or Wix ads (other than on racecars) because they use their money or R&D and using quality components. This gives them word of mouth advertising instead of TV time.

As far as Quaker State goes, once again, same deal. Quaker State was paraffin-based oil for years (I don't know what they use now) but they spent all their ad money back in the day (your grandpa and dad used it, it should be good enough for you mentality). Now they are ad heavy because everybody has learned or seen what their oils have done over the years.

Both of these companies left a sour taste in the mouth of Gen X'ers like me and Gen Y'ers like my brother, so now they are trying to get whatever in the heck they call the current generation and are hoping their ads are more effective than people who have had first hand experience with their failures can say that is bad about them. Whether or not their product has improved or not, I will never buy their products and will encourage others to buy an alternative and will gladly explain to them what I have seen happen to engines that have used their products.

[fjwagner]

I just have Nissan change out the oil filter.

I don't change my oil, I don't have time, I'm on a schedule, school and work. I bring it in to Jiffy Lube/Grease Monkey. They usually put in Castrol GTX 5W-30, changed every 3k miles.

Modified by Mile High Versa at 7:04 PM 2/22/2009

Three thousand miles is very old school with older generation oils. 5000 is a good conservative number to shoot for. In fact, I have done lab analysis on oil at 7500 (non synthetic) and is still had plenty of miles left in it. I do 5 k with dino oil, 7500 with synthetic. I do not work in lubes for ExxonMobil but am on the oil and gas production side; however, I talk to enough to lubes engineers to appreciate how good oils are now. Fred

PS: Jiffy Lube and others want to see you every 3k to get your hard earned cash. Ironic that the oil companies themselves are suggesting longer intervals.

[keanucosmo]

This was my 2nd oil change using Mobil 1 and NAPA Gold filter. I have been moving my change interval up 1500 miles per change. Third change was at 8k and did well in the analysis. Fourth change will be between 9000 and 9500 and I will be switching to 0W30 Mobil 1.


Modified by keanucosmo at 9:09 AM 2/23/2009

[They Call Me Whatshisname]

Before you slam it, FRAM IT!

At least their slogan is catchy.

[Ginsu]

What is this magical "oil" stuff? Will it help me drift better?

[Knightro2]

What is this magical "oil" stuff? Will it help me drift better?

Sure, put a little on your tires and you're good to go! It will also make them smoke more.

[SuperTurbo]

What is this magical "oil" stuff? Will it help me drift better?

My God.... Use some common sense man! You suppose to duct tape your tires to make your car drift better!

Or another way to make your tire slide more is keep putting those corkboard nails or pins on your tires! So it looks as shiny as a disco balls, and as slippry as a soccer balls!

[marlin29311]

good choices. your mileage interval is right on target. Even dino oils are good for at least 5 k with the modern oils. Synthetic 7500 to 10000. Even 15 k, but I personally get uncomfortable at more than 10. I work for ExxonMobil and we specify that our oils are good for the longer intervals. Lab analysis confirms.

Lol - I wonder if you know my dad...he's the same age as you and works for ExxonMobil as well (well, a subsidiary, but has been in the Exxon family for over 25 years or so...)

He says the same things too - though this is ideal conditions under controlled driving. You don't see race drivers hitting 7500 miles on their oils because they brake down under higher stress levels.

If you are an easy going driver and are moderate with the car, there is no reason not to be able to get 5000 out of dino oil - hell, nissan even bumped your change intervals up to 3750...

If you slam your car 24/7, you might need to do this sooner...but only oil analysis can tell what's perfect for you.

[They Call Me Whatshisname]

I steal a bunch of plastic cafeteria trays, throw them under the rear wheels and have at it.

[fjwagner]

I love data rather than old wives tales and I did the exact same thing on another car awhile back with dino oil. Took it up to 7500 miles and did analysis; no problem. Did not exceed that though.

[fjwagner]

Lol - I wonder if you know my dad...he's the same age as you and works for ExxonMobil as well (well, a subsidiary, but has been in the Exxon family for over 25 years or so...)H.

I do not know him, but I work in the Production Department Reservoir Engineering and am involved in field development and management of our fields in West Africa. I suspect he is in the downstream in Marketing, Lubes, Refining, or Chemicals; assuming he is also in New Jersey.

[feloniousmonk]

II bring it in to Jiffy Lube/Grease Monkey. They usually put in Castrol GTX 5W-30, changed every 3k miles.

That's the last place I would take any car to. Two people I know (who don't give a rat's a** about their cars) did that and the said monkeys neglected to tighten the drain plug. Both ended up with severely damaged engines. Not saying all Jiffy Lubes are just as bad, but just think about the sort of people these quick lube places employ. Most are temporary labor, not trained or certified technicians. It's just a pay check to them.

And unless you really beat on the car, or drive in places that are very dusty or see extreme temperature changes, every 3k miles is excessive. You are just pouring money down the drain.

What do you guys use? I was thinking about FRAM

What's wrong with the Nissan filter? Filters are filters, why take the chance of Nissan blaming your non-factory approved part for whatever malfunction just to save a few bucks? And why spend more on a filter with fancy packaging and brand when the factory one does the same job equally well (and perhaps better)?

Just like oil changes. It's not the brand that matters. It's regular service intervals! All oils and filters protect equally well as long as you change them on a regular basis (at the most every 5k miles for regular oil, 7k for synthetic). I've worked on advertising for one of the major brands and have seen lab test data. All the stuff that makes you think brand X is better than brand Y is just marketing voodoo. Advertising is the art of telling half-truths. Some brands might hold up better at 10k miles than others, but if you're changing every 5k or 3k anyway, it makes no difference (except a lighter wallet!)
Modified by feloniousmonk at 5:21 PM 2/23/2009

[VersaMG08]

Sure, put a little on your tires and you're good to go! It will also make them smoke more.

lmao

Maybe you could slap a 'Dorifto' sticker on the back of your car and spray some Pam on your tires! That could help you drift better too!

[Shad0wXCalibur]

Fram is one of the worst filters. Anything else like Wix, Purolator, Mobil 1, etc, would do just fine. Even Supertech (walmart) filters are cheaper than Fram yet higher quality if you like cheap oil changes. I will also agree with everyone else in that dino oils are a lot better than what they used to be. I use dino oil in my old beater Neon and even when I check it at 2,000 miles after an oil change, I can hardly see where it is on the dipstick because it still manages to stay so clean. Of course that also may be because I add fresh oil every now and then since it burns some.

[SuperTurbo]

Com on..... that's for high school kids! You grow up now, do something more creative!!! :P

Ex. make 2 wooden rims + wheels!! :P

[They Call Me Whatshisname]

But I'm a senior =0. If i still had a shop class I might have done that, though.