Fram vs. Motorcraft Air Filters
Without clean air, your car engine cannot operate at an optimum level. This makes the air filter– whose purpose is to ensure the engine has the proper mixture of air and fuel- an integral player in overall engine performance. In this Fram vs. Motorcraft air filter review, we look at the differences between these two brands and help you choose the right air filter for your vehicle.
I am positive we all agree that the engine is the most expensive and cumbersome vehicle component to replace. That being said, we as car owners should do everything in our power to increase its lifespan, and here is where air filters come in. The number one cause of engine damage is wear.
An ineffective air filter will allow dust particles to reach the engine where they will band together (like long lost friends) to form large objects that can cause some severe wear and tear. Also, a clogged air filter will restrict airflow to the engine, which will affect its performance.
You should, therefore, not take your air filter replacement choice lightly. Nor should you go beyond the recommended air filter replacement schedule listed in your car owners’ manual. Now that we are all on the same page let us look at what these two brands have to offer.
Fram vs. Motorcraft specifications-How do they compare?
Filter media
When it comes to filtering media, Fram air filters use advanced proprietary technology in their design. For example, their Extra Guard Rigid Panel air filter does not use regular paper as a filter media.
It uses a blend of round and synthetic fibers designed to offer double engine protection. Additionally, their pre-oiled filters (Tough Guard and Ultra Premium) come fitted with a metal screen on the filtered side that extends into the seal (frame). This increases the durability of the product by reducing the possibility of tearing during strenuous driving conditions.
Motorcraft air filters, on the other hand, mostly come pre-oiled, but when they don’t (FA1031), they use regular paper as a filter media. Despite this, both Fram and Motorcraft claim to have a 98.5% filtering efficiency.
This can be as a result of the pre-oiled filter media that is primarily used in Motorcraft air filters since an oily filtering element does a better job of attracting and holding dirt.
However, if the oil used on the filter isn’t heavy enough, it will get sucked into the engine and cause a lot of problems. You should, therefore, ensure that just like Motorcraft, your air filter can prevent both water and oil from reaching the engine.
Seals
Buying an air filter that doesn’t seal well defeats the purpose of the air filter, which is to protect your engine from road debris and any contaminants.
Both Fram and Motorcraft air filters boast polyurethane seals, which can withstand extreme ‘under the hood’ temperatures. This is an important feature to have, especially if you are in the market for a durable air filter that will consistently protect your engine.
Compatibility
Air filters do not fall under the ‘one size fits all’ category, and you should verify that the product dimensions fit your vehicle. You can do this by crosschecking your vehicle model number with the air filter brand. It also helps when you purchase an air filter that was initially made for your vehicle (OEM).
This way, you are guaranteed a perfect fit, which eliminates the chances of having to drive with a noisy engine due to an ill-fitting air filter. That being said, Fram air filters are compatible with a wide variety of modern-day vehicles. Motorcraft air filters, however, cater to specific vehicle models such as Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.
Change Intervals
Installing a new air filter every 15,000 or so miles is a big part of engine maintenance. Staying with an air filter past its replacement schedule will increase fuel consumption, emissions, and reduce acceleration.
Although Fram air filters generally require replacement after every 12,000miles, their Ultra Premium series extends change intervals to 24,000miles, which is quite impressive. Motorcraft air filters, however, stay within the 15,000mile limit but can last longer if you do not regularly experience rough driving conditions or live in an exceptionally dusty area.
Fram vs. Motorcraft Air Filters-A Product Review
Fram Air Filters
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We can all agree that Fram air filters are well designed. Their filter media has deep and expansive pleats that guarantee consistent, clean airflow to the engine. Not to mention the extra perks such as a metal screen that comes attached to their filter media.
As a result, Fram filters better than any standard air filter in the market. This brand makes durable, high-quality filters that are quick and easy to install, all thanks to the step by step on-pack instructions that include illustrations and QR codes for installation videos.
With Fram air filters, you can save the money (labor cost) your mechanic would request for installation. Fram air filters are also affordable and readily available in the market. Additionally, their Ultra Premium air filter can go up to 24,000miles before it requires replacement.
Pros
- Their advanced filter media provides double engine protection and increases horsepower
- They are less costly than original equipment manufacturer and aftermarket air filters
- Easy to install with broad vehicle compatibility
Cons
- They are not reusable (their reusable product line up- the Washable Premium Air Filter-was discontinued)
Motorcraft Air Filters
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Despite their vehicle specific application, Motorcraft manufactures good air filters. Their most significant selling point is the fact that their filter media is chemically treated to protect the engine from oil and water contaminants.
This enhances its filtering efficiency. Speaking of filtering efficiency, these high performing air filters have a 98.5% efficiency rate. Motorcraft air filters use a pre-oiled filter media to keep dirt particles from reaching and damaging the engine. Their polyurethane seals are leak-proof and resistant to high temperatures.
The fact that they are mostly Ford specific arguably makes them OEM air filters. This makes it easy to install since they will be a perfect fit for your vehicle’s air filter housing compartment. You can also rely on their ability to perform and durability.
Pros
- Provides maximum engine protection and improves performance
- Uses high-quality seal material that is resistant to extreme temperatures
- Chemically treated filter media that increases filtering capacity and efficiency
Cons
- Does not cater to a wide range of vehicle models
In conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right air filter for your vehicle, you are always better off with the air filter that provides the best filtration, which in this case is Fram. Actually, unless you drive a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle, Fram air filters should be your first choice.
Other than the attractive price point, these air filters are robust and can withstand strenuous driving conditions that increase engine exposure to harmful contaminants. Their deep and extensive pleats are locked into place to improve airflow, overall engine performance, and accelerations.
With Fram air filters, you don’t have to compromise the integrity of the filter media by carrying out routine maintenance checks. The metal screen that is attached to the filter media protects it and ensures it stays intact until the replacement schedule is realized.