I am at the local Pep Boys buying filter and oil. Mobil 1 and a Fram filter. The guy behind the counter tells me I am wasting the oil buying a Fram because they are junk. Supposedly the element is held on with string and it isn't designed for synthetic lubricant. He gives me a whole schtick on you need to use a Mobil filter with the synthyetic oil. Is he full or is a Fram a lousy filter? I had never heard this before.

 

Unfortunately, he's probably giving it to you straight. Check out this extensive comparison study.
Click here

 

yeah he is being honest...get the mobil 1 filter...fram really doesn't stack up.

 

Nice link Ravenwerk! Great reviews. Looks like I need to add a filter to my Mobil1 oil changes too.

 

I really liked Todd's assessment of the different filters...

From my quick read of the site, it looks like the Mobil 1, Bosch, and STP filters all use the same construction, filter area, etc. with the only difference between the three (construction-wise) being some sort of a coating on the Mobil 1 filter (and no idea what it does). However, at $10 for the Mobil 1 and less than $3 for the STP, I think I'll try a different brand this time around.

 

Unfortunately, he is right. Fram filters are absolutely the worst frickin filters i've ever seen in my life and I wouldn't wish a Fram filter upon anyone. Even if someone gave them to me for free, i'd much rather toss them away in the trash than let anyone use it. The sad part, is that because Fram filters are so cheap, lots of people use them including most of the big chain oil change places like Jiffy(can't fricking do anything right) Boob.

 

Based on my understanding of the basic Fram filter, I wouldn't use fram oil filter on my S2000. However, the pep boyz counter person doesn't seem to have his particlar facts straight why it's inferior to others.

I would consider using a higher quality Fram filter, and I have done so on my beater. But I have a significant beef with their high line filter. If you read the packaging, it shows a bypass filter. However, it also says "if applicable" or something like that... only certain sizes have it. And they don't tell you whether or not the size you have in your hand has it. That's BS.

Bottom line, if you don't have significant evidence that a particular filter is as good as or better than the OEM filter, DON'T TRY TO SAVE A COUPLE BUCKS on an oil filter. It ain't worth it.

 

If you guys can't find the Mobil 1 filter, the K&N oil filter is the same thing almost. They are made by the same outsourced company with the same components.

 

sorry if this is stupid, but are honda filters made by fram?

thanks

 

OK so now I know I've been using crappy filters in my car. I have been changing the oil every 3K. The oil is always clean when I change it. 30K on the car. 2Q's- (1) do I change every 5k now that I am using a quality filter with the Mobil 1? and (2) Have I damaged my engine?