Choosing An Oil Filter for the Subaru WRX
An oil filter is one of the most important components of your engine. We all know that oil is crucial to the smooth running of the entire system but we must also remember that this oil must be clean.
The role of the oil filter is to remove particles from the oil, making sure no dirt and debris find their way in. Just like blood is life to our bodies and the kidneys serve to keep it clean, oil filters keep oil in the engine clean.
The main part of the filter is the media, which is the filtering component. Primary media sieves out particles of about 25 to 30 microns. Secondary media keep up with even smaller particles of about 5 to 30 microns.
Best Oil Filter for Subaru WRX
Subaru 15208AA15A Oil Filter
This oil filter is an OEM part which means it is specifically designed for Subarus. We placed it at the top of our list because, with it, you never have to worry about quality. The possibility that it may not fit in your engine is also eliminated because it is an exact fit.
This is one of the best Subaru WRX oil filters.
It comes with a nitrile rubber gasket which is not as superior as silicone gaskets in other oil filters. However, the upside is that nitrile serves just fine as long as the filter is replaced in good time. The anti-drain back valve is made from the same material. It is average priced compared to other brands.
Key Features
- OEM part
- Nitrile rubber gasket and valve
Pros
- Exact fit
- Durable
- Quality Guarantee
- Average price
Purolator Oil Filter
Purolator is a well-known brand and one of the best oil filters. This product has a rugged internal construction which ensures high filtration performance. This brand’s multi-fiber media traps more than 96% of debris which assures you of clean oil all the time.
It is designed with a metal center tube and a bypass valve to optimize oil flow. The end caps are made of wear-resistant metal for increased stability and integrity. An anti-drain valve prevents dry starts.
The manufacturer offers a 30-day replacement warranty if the part is defective.
Key Features
- Metallic end caps
- Lasts about 5,000 miles
- Has anti-drain back valve
Pros
- Dirt removal – 96%
- Multi-fiber, high-density media
- 30-day warranty in case of defect
Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filters
Mobile 1 produces one of the best oil filters available for any car. As its name suggests, this oil filter lasts longer than others. The caveat used by the manufacturer, who also manufactures motor oil is that the filter works best when used with Mobil 1 motor oil.
When the two are used together, users are guaranteed one full year of service. It can, however, be used with all types and brands of engine oil.
It meets the requirements of the Mobil 1 Annual Protection limited warranty.
This warranty offers a guarantee of protection and top-notch performance for one year or 20,000 miles. Whichever comes first.
These filters use synthetic blend media which holds more dirt. With a filtration efficiency rating of 99%, oil is kept cleaner for longer.
This rating is based on the media’s ability to remove particles as small as 30 microns from oil. You don’t have to worry about extra weight added to your engine, this part weighs only 11 ounces and takes up minimal space with dimensions measuring 4 x 4 x4 inches.
The durability of this part is enhanced by strong components like a heavy-duty canister which is capable of withstanding up to 9 times the normal system operating pressure. The gasket is made of nitrile rubber, a material known to be efficient in sealing oil leaks.
Key Features
- Synthetic blend media
- Heavy-duty canister
- Nitrile gasket
- Weight: 11 ounces. Dimensions: 4 x 4 x4.
Pros
- 99% efficiency rating
- Last two times as long as other brands
- Versatile – works with other oil types
- Mobil 1 Annual Protection motor oil limited warranty
CarQuest Premium Oil Filter
The manufacturers of Carquest premium oil filters aim to meet or surpass the specifications of OEM parts to ensure long-lasting engine protection. You can use this part with premium conventional or synthetic oils and on any other vehicle model besides your Subaru.
This product comes as a single unit per pack and weighs 10.4 ounces. How much space does it take up? Its dimensions stand at 5 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches.
It comes with a highly-efficient synthetic blend media which provides superior engine protection. The gasket is internally lubricated and a bypass valve ensures optimal flow of oil. The drain-back valve is made of superior material, which is silicon, which adds to efficiency in preventing dry-starts.
A 30-day warranty is offered for parts proven to be defective before installation.
Key Features
- Synthetic blend media
- Gasket internally lubricated
- Silicone drain back valve
- Weight: 10.4 ounces; Dimensions: 5 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches
Pros
- Can be used with conventional or synthetic oil
- All new car warranty requirements are met
- 30-day replacement warranty if defective
ACDelco Oil Filter
ACDelco is a premium, professional, aftermarket engine oil filter which makes sure your engine is supplied with clean oil at all times. It has cellulose media which can trap particles as small as 1/3 the width of human hair or 25 to 30 microns.
This gives it a 98% multi-pass filtering efficiency rating. Filtration efficiency is further increased because of a thermosetting adhesive seal which serves to hold the filtering media in place. The seal provides consistency in filtration to make sure no debris slips through the system.
This part’s burst strength is five times greater than most oil operating pressures after operating temperatures are reached. This is as long as engine oil operating pressure remains below 51psi.
If you are looking at this filter and one from another manufacturer, you will notice it is about 25% smaller than other brands despite having more filtration media. It weighs only 1.76 ounces and is 3.6 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches. Oil flow is improved by 10 times more open area in the core compared to other brands.
It is impressively environmentally friendly because its steel shell and threaded plate assembly are all recyclable. The non-metallic cartridge can be crushed to remove oil and then utilized as an energy source. A lubricity gasket helps to reduce installation torque.
Key Features
- Cellulose media
- Weight: 1.76 ounces; dimensions: 3.6 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches.
- Large open area in the core
- Threaded plate assembly and steel shell
Pros
- 98% filtering efficiency
- Environmentally friendly
- Burst strength is 5 times greater
Fram High Mileage Oil Filter
The reason the words ‘high mileage’ is included in this filter’s name is that it is designed for older engines with 75,000 miles or more which are more susceptible to oil break-down.
It has a filter efficiency rating of 95% thanks to a combination of natural material and synthetic fiber used to make the media. The most common media used in this filter is cellulose, a natural material that presents an irregular and random field of fibers to oil running through it.
Cellulose alone can only provide about 80% of dirt-trapping efficiency. Including synthetic, microscopic fibers adds small windows which trap smaller dirt particles without interfering with oil flow. The result is superior dirt-trapping efficiency and dirt-holding capacity which assures users of higher engine protection levels and longer engine life.
This part is relatively small and light. It weighs 2.72 ounces and its dimensions stand at 0.8 x 0.5 x 0.3 inches. It also helps to balance oil PH using gel additives. A cartridge of proprietary compounds and detergents helps to reduce corrosion (usually a problem in older vehicles), maintain oil viscosity, neutralize acids and ensure engine components are always clean.
They thought about the speed of changing oil filters as well. This one has SureGrip, an anti-slip texture that makes changing very quick and easy.
Fram makes very good quality oil filters and one that will fit almost all Subaru cars.
Key Features
- Weight: 2.72 ounces ; dimensions: 0.8 x 0.5 x 0.3 inches
- Proprietary compounds and detergents in the cartridge
- Gel additives
- Cellulose and synthetic blended media
Pros
- Ideal for older cars
- 95% filtration efficiency
- SureGrip anti-slip texture
Beck Arnley Oil Filter
Beck Arnley is a leading brand for OE parts. The application-specific oil filters match OE form, fit, and function and are designed for use with both conventional and synthetic oils. Filter media are made from top-quality materials which ensure the proper flow of oil. Some include a drain-back valve.
This filter is preferred because of its filtration efficiency coupled with average pricing. It weighs 8.2 ounces and its dimensions are 4 x 4 x 5 inches.
Key Features
- Weight: 8.2 ounces; dimensions: 4 x 4 x 5inches
- Application-specific
Pros
- Media made of high-quality material
- Designed for both conventional and synthetic oil
Bosch Automotive Oil Filters ( 3310)
Bosch is a renowned German multination engineering company. Its oil filters are well-known for Subarus through different types of filters are recommended for specific Subaru models and years.
For instance, the Bosch automotive 3310 premium oil filter is ideal for the 1998-1999 Forester. It can also be used on the 1993 – 1999 Impreza and 1990 – 1999 Subaru legacy. For best engine performance, Bosch recommends the use of this filter with Castrol motor oil. It weighs 9.6 ounces and takes up space equivalent to 10.1 x 3.2 x 13.3 inches.
The part is made using FILTECH media technology which traps dirt and debris in oil before it gets into the engine. Base plates and housings are made of steel making them strong enough to prevent leaks, withstand warpage and ensure a perfect fit. The anti-drain back valves are made from superior silicone material which ensures you never have to deal with dry starts.
A high lubricity gasket design ensures maintenance of a tight seal yet it can be removed quickly and easily.
Key Features
- Weight: 9.6 ounces; dimensions: 10.1 x 3.2 x 13.3 inches.
- Black body
- Exclusive FILTECH media technology
- Lubricity gasket design
Pros
- Steel base plates and housings
- Silicone anti-drain back valves
- Usable in multiple Subaru models
K & N Performance Gold Oil Filter
This K&N Performance Gold oil filter is designed for performance vehicles like racing cars as well as vehicles used for everyday driving. It has a metal top-end cap which ensures all oil getting into the system is properly filtered.
A strong inner core provides extra support to prevent the filter from collapsing when under pressure. It weighs 12.6 ounces. Its dimensions are 4 x 4 x 4 inches.
Filter media is impregnated with resin to give the part superior filtering capability. In fact, it has an impressive filter efficiency rating of 99%. When it is time to remove the filter, removal is made easier by a 1 -inch exposed nut.
Some have anti-drain back valves to prevent dry starts when starting the engine and prevent oil from draining back into the crankcase when the engine shuts down.
Oil filters from this manufacturer are covered by a limited warranty. The conditions are that complaints must be related to defects in material and workmanship and when installation and replacement are done within manufacturer-recommended service intervals.
You can use this part in all EJ motor Subaru cars including 2002 – 2014 WRX and STIs.
Key Features
- Resin impregnated media
- 1 inch exposed nut
Pros
- 99% filter efficiency rating
- Strong inner core
- Warranty offered
Fram Synthetic Oil Filter
This Fram ultra synthetic oil filter looks like the best of all the oil filters available. You will need to check if there is a model available for your auto as this is an add on that we have added due to its ratings and stars.
Factors to Consider When Buying Oil Filters for Subaru WRX
If you have gone out to buy an oil filter for your car, you have probably got a bit confused by all the conflicting advice and information. The car owner’s manual says one thing, the attendant at the shop says something else and the auto-technician installing it for you has an opinion too.
Here are some basics on what to look out for when buying oil filters for your Subaru WRX.
Capture Efficiency and Micron Size
This is one of the most important details to check when buying an oil filter. If you are spending the extra dollars for a premium quality oil filter, this is perhaps the most significant difference between a premium and a standard product.
Micron size refers to the size of particle the filter has the capacity to trap. The smaller the micron size quoted on the pack or on the product summary, the more superior the product. This is essentially what is referred to as capture efficiency.
Let’s assume you come across an oil filter said to have a capture efficiency of 95% for particles 10 microns and bigger. This means the filter will sieve out 95% of dirt particles of this size and any larger ones. 5% of particles of this size and larger will pass through the filter.
Any dirt particles smaller than 10 microns will pass freely through the filter.
Another important detail to check is the Beta Ratio. This, in summary, is a measure of the weight of contaminants, rather than particle sizes and count. One large particle may have the same negative effect as a million tiny ones.
A typical standard-grade oil filter will have a capture efficiency rating of about 95% at 40 microns. It will cost you under $10. As the quality of the product increases, the capture efficiency rating increases, the micron figure reduces, and of course, the price goes up.
Dirt Holding Capacity
How is this different from capture efficiency? That is a common question.
While capture efficiency refers to the size of particles the filtration material sieves out, holding capacity refers to the amount of dirt the media can hold before it goes into bypass. How much dirt can it hold before it becomes clogged and oil cannot pass through it anymore?
It is important to have some information on this because the oil filter is not like other engine components which warn you when its lifespan is nearing an end. Considering the crucial importance of oil constantly flowing through the engine, you need to know how long you have.
The truth is that there is no way of knowing exactly how long an oil filter will serve before it starts getting clogged.
but what we do know for certain is that some serve longer than others. Auto technicians generally advise that you change your oil filter when changing oil whether it is clogged or not. This way you never get to the end of the filter’s holding capacity.
If you often drive on rough roads which will expose your filter to more dirt and debris than regular tarmac driving, make a point to check your filter every so often to make sure it never gets clogged.
Filtration Media and Gasket Material
A standard oil filter has a rubber gasket and a rubber anti-drain valve.
A premium filter has these two components made of silicone which is better quality material.
There is nothing wrong with filters with rubber gaskets and valves, they work fine. The point is to note that the standard filters don’t last as long as premium ones.
Standard filters would generally need to be replaced every 7 months or every 7,500 miles (whichever comes first) and premium ones should give you at least 10,000 miles of clean oil.
Use a Product Finder
Many manufacturers of oil filters or online shops selling such products have this. It simply requires you to fill in details like the make, model, and year of your car, as well as the type of engine it uses. It gives you all the necessary information and options available.
What’s Your Budget?
As mentioned, premium filters cost more than standard ones. If you are looking for the most cost-effective options when replacing your oil filter, it is best to pick a less-expensive product. The most important thing is to be aware that a cheaper one will require to be replaced sooner than a more expensive one.
FAQs
How Often Should Subaru Engine Oil Filters Be Replaced?
For standard driving, you need to change the oil in your Subaru every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. If you do some extreme driving, then it will need to be changed more often.
What’s the Difference in Oil Filters in The Market?
There are several differences to think about. The main one is the material used to make the filter media. Some use paper, others use cellulose. The higher the quality of the media, the more efficient filtration you will have. Some filters can only be used with one type of oil while others can be used with both conventional and synthetic oils.
How Do I Know if My Oil Filter Is Bad?
These are some typical signs of a bad oil filter.
- Dark exhaust fumes
- Low oil pressure
- Reduced engine power
- Engine overheating
What Is a Dry Start?
This is what happens when you try to start your vehicle when there is insufficient, fuel, oil or lubricant in the system. Where oil filters are concerned, dry starts happen when the car is started after being off for a while and the oil has drained out of the filter.
To prevent dry starts, oil filters have a drain back valve. It prevents all the oil from flowing out of the filter when the car is not moving. When you start it up again, it starts easily because there is still some oil in the filter.
Conclusion
Finding the best oil filter for your Subaru WRX can be a real headache. It doesn’t help that everyone you talk to has a different opinion. From our analysis of oil filters for this specific make and model, we found the Mobile 1 Oil Filter to be the best option.
It is made by Subaru for Subaru so it is a perfect fit made by people who know the car you are dealing with inside out. It is averagely priced and quality is guaranteed.
