Quality of filters etc

[trevorbayliss]

I need to get the car serviced and i usually buy all the filters (air, oil, fuel).

Europarts asked what quality i wanted and so i just said average.

Is there any difference between getting a cheap oil filter and the most expensive ?

We service once per year and on my van i always get the cheapest, but for the car i wonder if it is worth paying a bit more.

 

[Burnerman]

Id say yes, there is a difference and its worth buying OE quality. If you want a recommendation I use Blueprint whenever possible, and that includes discs and pads.
John

 

[mointainwalker]

I was reading something recently which recommended buying filters with a non-return valve to speed lubrication for cold-starts. What's the general opinion of this and which makes have this feature ? That presumably means the filter would be on the feed-side of the system, so is that a general convention in engine-building ??

 

[Burnerman]

A useful point....non return valves are vital for filtering systems where the filter isnt vertical - which includes many vehicles. Using a filter without one gives momentary oil starvation until the filter fills up again.
On some of the ultra high performance but tiny engines these days, the filter contents actually remain under pressure for a while after switching off -so you get an unexpected eyeful when you loosen it
John

 

[mointainwalker]

On my Vectra it is vertical, so you would say not needed or not relevant ? What are other good international filter -brands ?

TIA John

 

[Burnerman]

Logic tells me as your filter is vertical then an internal valve wouldn’t be necessary but I’m not the one to judge! Some filters do have an internal pressure release valve but I think they are rare now.
As for filter makes I’m always happy with Purflux, Mann or any other makes made in Europe......if I knew a filter came from the Orient then it wouldn’t be for me. Genuine Japanese stuff is great, however - its the Chinese copies I’d avoid.
John

 

[trevorbayliss]

I bought the Mann brand and got everything from car parts 4 less, which looks like a eurocar parts division. So the oil/fuel/air and pollen filter plus 5l oil cost £62 delivered and if i went to Euro it was £65. Maybe they would have come down if i mentioned the website, but i am happy with the convenience.

 

[Avocet]

As a general rule, I look for the writing on the component itself. A maker's name is a good start. At least they're willing to put a name on them!

Next, I look for anything that looks like a date or batch code. That means they at least go through the motions of operating some kind of quality control system with traceability.

Beyond that, you can't do much. I like Mahle products because I've had good service from that company at work.

 

[Burnerman]

The Chinese are the masters of copying and that includes the exact colour scheme of products......
The European leaders of filtration are claimed to be the Sogefi group - anything that they make will be good.
John

 

[Avocet]

Yeah, saw a tv programme on that some years ago (maybe Panorama)? Cheap Chinese rip-off oil filters for Caterpillar. The boxes were absolutely indistinguishable - even the hologram was copied! Cut one apart and it just had old rags in it!

 

[Belle427]

I'd avoid crosland as I believe they are now euro car parts own brand and are junk just the same as their eicher brake parts.

 

[DIYspanner]

Safest option is go the nearest main dealer and get the filters there. At least then there's no warranty quibble, if applicable.

As far as VWs go, the local Andrew Page and VW are 300 yards apart, AP sell the same as VW but 40% cheaper. VW filters have the VW logo, AP filters have the Mann logo stamped on them, Mann supplying the VW car assembly plants.

One aspect of Mann cartridge oil filters, they're not supplied in sealed plastic bags to prevent contamination in transit.

 

[Thomasthepiperson]

The pollen filters in my car, must be dire, I have had such sore eyes and sneezing

 

[Burnerman]

Best to replace them every year......some offer a HEPA alternative.
John

 

[DIYspanner]

If its of any interest, a filter appraisal.