Key Questions to Ask When Ordering oil filter factory

Hopefully someone can enlighten me, I feel a bit confused about this matter... I have some people telling me using aftermarket oil filters provided at PM service places (TA, Loves, etc) is completely fine. I have some other people telling me that I should buy OEM oil filters on my own and have them use that instead of their own...

Just wanted to see what actual semi truck mechanics/professionals thought on this issue. This would be for a Freightliner Cascadia with a DD15 and about 90k miles on it. Also, would your answer also apply to the other filters? (fuel, air, fuel/water separator). The truck is mainly used for long haul OTR, mostly highway travel

Forgive my ignorance, and thanks in advance for any guidance.

You know what opinions are like. ..., everyone has one.
Aftermarket filters won't void any warranty. There are numerous stories from shop owners who will tell you, and I have seen it firsthand, how aftermarket parts caused problems, including filters. They won't cause problems 100% of the time but the honest ones who care about quality (and not comebacks due to parts) will tell you to use OEM. Too many times I tried to go cheap and/or aftermarket I got burned. Some learn the hard way. There are limited exceptions where one can determine who the OEM manufacturer is and buy the part from them. It just won't say Freightliner or DD or Toyota on the box but the part is identical.

My view is oems design an engine to X spec. Thus the parts they use need to meet thst spec within tight tolerances as many other parts could perform diffrently then designed otherwise. As such many OEMs will axe a company that screws with quality for the simple fact they pay well and dont want the backlash or warranty claims.

Aftermarket filters have few/no oem oversights and there can be HUGE variances in design, quality, flow rates, pressure number of holes and so on. Not to mention the companys they use may decide to cheap out on any number of parts. I think it was K&N for example (feel free to correct me) had a spat where the guys they used were selling K&N branded empty cans and destroying engines.

Dont get me wrong, a crap filter is better then no filter if for example we have another parts shortage where its crap or nothing at all. But barring that edge case. Is gambleing with a 20k+ rebuild or worse an entire engine really worth the $50 you saved? Especially if you lose?

Oh p.s also if you have your own filters then if something happens you have spares. I know there have been a few times i was sure glad to have then when my fuel gelled or in one memorable case a rock punched a hole clean through the one on my ram. Plus if they are out you have them with you already. Also heard horror storys where a shop reused filters when they ran out just to sell an oil change.

For the record. I always have at least fuel filters with me. Fleetgaurd. As soon as I got surplus I was giving my buddies my Baldwins. LOL.

I keep oil filters too. I've only been out here 10 years and both have been necessary.

Keep an extra belt too, or at least the old one.


Don't get me started on coolant hoses.

All this stuff is super important. When you need it.

I'm on the edge of buying a 20ton bottle jack and an impact

Q: How often should I change my oil filter?

A: The mileage at which to change oil and filters really depends on factors like your driving habits, the mileage on the vehicle, and the manufacturer’s recommendation for changing your engine oil and filters. Purolator recommends you change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles, or as specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

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Q: What are multi-viscosity oils, and how do they affect the oil filter you should install?

A: Viscosity is the oil's resistance to flow. For example, the thicker (higher viscosity) the oil, the slower it will flow. Multi-viscosity oil, also known as multi-grade oil, has the viscosity of the base grade when cold and of the second grade when hot. You should always use the oil type and viscosity specified by your vehicle's manufacturer.

Q: Can I use synthetic oil in my vehicle? And do I need a special oil filter?

A: You should always use the motor oil type and viscosity recommended by your engine’s manufacturer. Purolator Filters work well with any oil type – including full synthetic. In order to maximize your engine protection and service life, we recommend you use a premium filter such as PurolatorBOSS® or PurolatorONE™ to get the most out of your oil and filter change. 

Q: Do I need to pre-fill oil in my spin-on oil filter prior to installation?

A: You don’t need to pre-fill oil in your spin-on oil filter. Oil flows through the filter as soon as the vehicle is started.

Q: What does the installation drawing on the Purolator oil filter boxes depict? 

A: Here's an example:

• Apply film of oil to filter
• Install filter
• Tighten the amount specified for your filter beyond gasket contact (3/4, ¾ - 1, etc)
• Fill engine with oil to normal level
• Check for engine oil level and check for leaks and re-tighten if necessary

Q: What part number fits my vehicle?

A: The Purolator Filter Lookup is a tool you can use to look up your vehicle's year, make, model, and display all appropriate Purolator filters. If your vehicle isn’t listed, just contact our PROs and they'll be glad to help.

Q: What Purolator product will replace the filter I use now?

A: Just enter your current filter’s part number in the Competitive Interchange tool to find the Purolator equivalent. If your filter isn’t listed, please contact the PROs for assistance.

Q: I have a Purolator filter, but I'm not sure what vehicle it fits in.

A: Enter your Purolator part number in the Buyer’s Guide tool for a list of compatible vehicles. If you can’t get the information you need, contact the PROs for assistance.

Q: Does my vehicle have a cabin filter?

A: 80% of all vehicles on the road today came with a factory-equipped cabin air filter. To find out if your vehicle has a cabin filter, check your vehicle's manual, look up your vehicle in our Filter Lookup, call the PROs, or contact your vehicle manufacturer to find out.

Q: Does my vehicle have a transmission filter?

A: To find out if your vehicle has a transmission filter, check your vehicle's manual, look up your vehicle in our Filter Lookup, call the PROs, or contact your vehicle manufacturer.

Q: Does my vehicle have a breather filter?

A: To find out if your vehicle has a breather filter, check your vehicle's manual, look up your vehicle in our Filter Lookup, call the PROs, or contact your vehicle manufacturer.

For more information, please visit oil filter factory.

Q: Can I use a PurolatorONE™ oil filter on my motorcycle?

A: Purolator highly recommends using the PurolatorSPORT™ motorcycle filter specially designed for motorcycles and ATVs. Check out the Purolator Motorcycle and ATV Application Guide to find the right motorcycle filter for your bike.

Q: I bought a Purolator Cabin Filter for my car, but I'm not sure how to install it. Can you help?

A: Inside most Purolator Cabin Air Filter boxes you will find a detailed installation instruction sheet. All instructions are also available in PDF format on this site. Please note that some filters are very easy to install (less than 5 minutes), while others are more difficult (45+ minutes), due to the location of the cabin filter housing.

Q: Can I order my filter directly from Purolator?

A: Sorry, we don’t sell our products directly to customers, but you can find Purolator filters at our retail partners. Purolator filters can also be purchased from automotive jobbers and internet trading partners.

Q: How much do filters cost?

A: Our filtration product prices vary by filter type and application, but all are a relatively inexpensive investment to improve your engine’s performance and extend its life. Please check with your retailer for specific product pricing.

Q: I want a bigger oil filter so I can maximize my filtration potential. What filter can you recommend?

A: We only recommend the application specified for your vehicle.  Any use of a filter not on our OEM recommended list will void the warranty we provide for our filters. Purolator filters are built for specific vehicles, and even if one oil filter can look the same as another, it won’t necessarily fit your application. Any custom oil conversion or relocator kits should have a filter size recommendation on the instruction sheet. You can use this recommendation to find a corresponding Purolator part number.

Q: I measured the filter that's currently in my vehicle and am looking for a replacement. Can you tell me what the equivalent Purolator part number is based on filter dimensions?

A: We only recommend the application specified for your vehicle. Any use of a filter not on our OEM recommended list will void the warranty we provide for our filters. Purolator filters are built for specific vehicles. Even if the filter looks the same or has the same dimensions, it doesn't mean it’s appropriate for your use.

Q: Where can I find more information on filters?

A: The following sites are good resources for additional car care, filtration, recycling and general automotive information:

Filter Manufacturers Council

The Car Care Council

Still have a question? Contact the PROs for assistance.

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