Modern engines face extreme conditions: oil flows at up to 6 bar and temperatures exceed 100°C. In this environment, a reliable filter is essential. A quality filter traps up to 2 grams of contaminants per litre, keeps oil flowing at 30 litre per minute under pressure, and captures 99% of particles over 20 microns. It also regulates pressure with bypass and anti-drain valves—features cheap filters often lack.
The result? Better protection, consistent lubrication, and longer engine life. Skimping on quality can lead to wear, seizure, and costly repairs.
The hidden risks of cheap filters
Ineffective Filtration: A poor-quality filter often uses the wrong media:
- Too coarse → lets harmful particles through. Just 20 microns of debris can scratch bearings and pistons.
- Too fine → clogs quickly, restricting oil flow, can starve the engine in under 30 seconds.
Short Lifespan: Limited filter surface means premature clogging. When the filter blocks, oil bypasses through the relief valve—circulating unfiltered oil straight into your engine, can occur after only 3,000 miles with low-grade filters.
Inferior Materials: Cheap fibres degrade under heat and chemicals, while weak adhesives or seals cause leaks and allow oil to bypass the filter. A failed seal can dump up to 1 litre of oil per minute, causing catastrophic lubrication loss.
Design Flaws: Poorly calibrated bypass valves open too early or too late, causing either unnecessary unfiltered oil flow or dangerous lubrication shortages. Incorrect sealing can let up to 10% of oil bypass the filter entirely.
Mechanical Consequences: The result? Accelerated wear, risk of engine seizure, filter collapse under pressure (up to 6 bar), and contamination from disintegrated filter media. A single failure could potentially cost between £2500 – £7000 in engine repairs
Your engine deserves better than shortcuts. Choose quality.
FRAM®, Global filtration expert