The use of synthetic oil has increased in recent years, but many car owners are still determining if they can use a regular filter with synthetic lubricant. This has given rise to the common question, can you use a regular oil filter with synthetic oil?
Synthetic oil has many advantages over conventional lubricant, including better performance, improved fuel economy, and longer engine life; no wonder using a regular oil filter with synthetic oil has generated questions and debate. Some even believe it has drawbacks.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether you can use a regular oil strainer with synthetic oil and also explain best oil filters to use with synthetic oils.
Can you use a regular oil filter with synthetic oil?
Yes, you can use a regular oil filter with synthetic oil, but not necessarily recommended. To be safer, use an oil filter specifically designed for synthetic oil if it’s available or factory-spec oil filters for your car, as it’ll provide better protection.
While you need to check with your car’s manufacturer to be sure, most motor oil producers disclose you may need a different or unique filter when you use synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil filters provide better filtration and can properly handle the higher viscosity of synthetic lube. Also, they can handle higher temperatures better, making them more durable and long-lasting. And they are designed to protect the engine from wear and tear.
In addition, synthetic oil is more difficult to break down and has a higher tolerance for heat and pressure, meaning that a higher-quality filter is needed to strain out dirt and debris. If you use a regular oil filter with synthetic oil, it’s essential to check it more often and replace it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Otherwise, you may face less oil in filter due to blocked oil filter.
Generally, to get the most out of synthetic oil, it’s best to use a filter specifically designed for use with synthetic lubricant.
Difference between synthetic oil filter and regular oil filter
What is the difference in oil filters, anyway? Synthetic and regular oil filters are important parts of any vehicle’s engine. Both types have the same purpose, to protect the engine from dirt, dust, and other debris that can cause wear and tear on the internal components.
However, the two types of oil filters differ in construction and design. Here are their differences;
Synthetic oil filters are designed with synthetic materials, such as synthetic rubber and synthetic fibers. These materials are more durable and resistant to heat and pressure than regular oil filters. They’re also designed to be more efficient at filtering out particles, meaning they can catch smaller particles than a standard strainer can.
On the other hand, Regular oil filters are made from paper or cotton cloth and are designed to trap larger particles and contaminants. They’re not as efficient at purifying particles as synthetic oil filters, but they’re generally more affordable and accessible. Regular oil filters also tend to be easier to change out, as they’re less complex and require less time and effort.
Which one will you choose; synthetic or mineral oil filter? When choosing between the two, the decision is based on your vehicle’s needs. However, Synthetic oil filters are more expensive, but they can provide better engine protection.
In a nutshell, Synthetic oil filters are designed to last longer, trap more dirt and particles, and offer better performance than regular ones. They’re also more resistant to extreme temperatures and allow for better oil flow. But one important thing, change your damaged filter at the earliest when you notice.
Do synthetic oils require a special filter?
Synthetic oils can work with both synthetic and regular filters. However, synthetic oils are designed to be much thinner than conventional fluid, so they can easily pass through traditional filters.
This also means that traditional filters can’t always handle the increased flow rate of synthetic oils. If a filter can’t handle the flow rate, it can become clogged and cause problems.
Use a quality oil filter specifically designed for synthetic oils to prevent this from happening. These filters are designed to be more efficient at cleaning out contaminants and handling the higher flow rate of synthetic oils.
When choosing a filter for synthetic oil, ensure that it’s rated for the kind of synthetic oil you’re using. Generally, it’s best to refer to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of oil filter to use when switching to synthetic fluid.
What is the best filter to use for synthetic oil?
The best oil filter to use with synthetic oil is specifically designed for synthetic oil. It should feature a high-efficiency media, robust steel casing, and an effective seal.
It should be a high-quality filter designed to clean small particles, such as dirt and debris. It should also withstand the higher viscosity of synthetic oil.
So, what are the recommended oil filters for synthetic oil? Look for filters with a good reputation for performance and durability, or consider the auto manufacturer’s recommendation. Some well-known brands for synthetic oil filters are WIX XP, FRAM, and BOSS etc. The idea is to get a quality filter for your engine’s optimal performance.
Are all oil filters the same size?
If you are asking, are oil filters universal? The answer is no; oil filters come in various sizes and shapes, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
But does oil filter size matter? Yes, the size matters. You must use the correct filter for proper filtration and better engine performance.
Conclusion
Can you use a regular oil filter with synthetic oil? Yes, you can use a regular oil filter on synthetic oils, but it’s not recommended. Instead, you should use one specifically for synthetic oil for better filtration and engine performance.
In other words, using a regular oil filter with synthetic oil will not cause catastrophes on most vehicles. However, check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific lubricant and filter to ensure compatibility and your engine’s best performance.