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Your engine requires oil to function. However, without an oil filter, your engine could stall when you least expect. A quality oil filter can help extend the life of your engine and increase reliability in the long-term.
The K&N oil filter is an oil filter that works well for racers and high-performance vehicle owners. In this detailed K&N oil filter review, we look at who would benefit from this oil filter and how it compares to other oil filters in the market.
What is the K&N Oil Filter?
The K&N oil filter was specifically for demanding auto racers. However, as time went on, it’s now a favorite with most car users due to its easy removal and durability. The brains behind the oil filter wanted to create something that would ease the headaches experienced with other oil filter brands over the years.
What Features Make the K&N Oil filter Unique?
Some of the unique features you’ll find on the K&n oil filter include:
- Pre-drilled for secure wire security
- Heavy-duty canister and base plate
- Premium synthetic media
- Uniform pleated synthetic filter media
- Pre-lubed base gasket
- Anti-drain back valve
- 17mm Hex Nut
Heavy-Duty Construction
The K&N oil filter boasts of thick canister walls for durability and extra sturdiness. Also, this reduces the risk of damage from debris and rocks. The filters can withstand high oil pressures, especially in a racing environment.
The safety wire attachment prevents blown filters from getting on the track and causing a hazard to other race vehicles.
High Flow Rate
K&N oil filters have resin cellulose filter media that enables high flow rates while offering excellent filtrations. The flow rate comes in handy for racing cars that use heavier grade oil and require quicker pumping than on standard vehicles.
You don’t have to worry about the loss of pressure through the filtering process because the engine circulates at high GPM rates. The filter works with synthetic engine oils, which help to provide flow performance even in cold conditions.
Warranty
The K&N oil filter is covered by a limited warranty from defects in quality and materials. That means if the oil filter malfunctioned when it was being installed, you could get an exchange.
Price of the K&N Oil Filter
How it compares to other Oil Filters
In this K&N oil filter review, we look at how it compares to other oil filters.
Bosch Premium FILTECH Oil Filter Vs. K&N
The first comparison that I want to look at is the Bosch vs. K&N oil filters.
Bosch is a favorite brand when it comes to various household items like washing machines and fridges, but you may not know it’s also a leader in the best oil filter brands. The FILTECH utilizes a blended media with 99.9% efficiency. It sports a combination of glass materials and cellulose to get to this rate.
The filter can capture a particle that is 20 microns out of engine oil. Its media is 40% thicker when compared to standard Media. At the heart of the filter, you’ll find a metal spiral wound, which boosts internal strength and durability.
You’ll love the stable build quality of the Bosch oil filter. Like the Royal Purple oil filter, the Bosch filter has an anti-drain back valve to reduce dry starts. You don’t have to worry about the filter drying out.
The pre-lubed gasket makes installation straightforward, which helps to save time. Its reasonable price is another reason why the filter is popular and highly-rated.
Mobil 1 M1 Extended Performance Filter Vs. K&N
Mobil 1 is a massive brand that is well known which is why comparing Mobil 1 vs. K&N filters is important.
The Mobil 1 M1 Extended performance filter comes from a leading oil manufacturer, and it doesn’t disappoint. You can expect to cruise through a substantial amount of miles before your filter is exhausted. The extended performance filter allows you to go longer between oil changes.
You’ll want to get this filter if you’re a long distance driver. The filter on the inside has a synthetic media that reaches 99.6% efficiency levels. Furthermore, it can trap particles that are as small as 25 microns. Unlike the K&N oil filter, the Mobile filter can withstand over ten times the standard operating pressure.
What’s more, the filter has 25 grams of capacity for contaminants, which gives it a 15,000-mile maximum life for frequent drivers. Its silicone anti-drain back valve prevents dry starts through removing any internal leaks during a shutdown. In case of any clogs, the filter’s bypass valve keeps the oil flow intact.
Although you may find the filter’s price costly, you can relax knowing that you won’t have to go through regular oil checks and enjoy the durability of the filter.
WIX Spin-on Lube Filter Vs. K&N
Next, let’s compare Wix vs. K&N oil filters.
WIX is a reputable brand famous for its air, oil, and fuel filters. The company has three types of oils for light and regular trucks. The Spin-On filter stands out for its value and efficiency. It has a nitrile sealing gasket that’s hydrogenated to enhance durability in high temperatures.
Other notable features include the metal center lube, steel base plate, and the metal end caps. Its coil spring has durable bypass material. Its silicone anti-drain back valve is durable and works well in low or high temperature.
You can expect a 99% efficiency thanks to the wired backing. The Spin-On is a must-have if your vehicle goes through highway driving or stays idle for long times.
You’ll appreciate the quality components that assures you won’t be stranded. On the downside, it has an odd shape which requires you to use a specific wrench to screw the filter. However, after screwing, the gasket stays attached to the vehicle.
Purolator Premium Oil Filter Vs. K&N
When comparing Purolator vs K&N oil filters it’s important to look at longevity. Purolator has been around for decades and boasts of quality oil filters in the market. If you’re looking for a budget oil filter, you should check this one out.
Its high-density synthetic blend media gives you 99% efficiency with over 9,000 miles of usage when working with synthetic oils. Experts recommend oil and filter changes after 5000 miles; this filter will help you reduce your costs.
Like previous oil filters, the Purolator has a silicone anti-drain back valve. Other features include end caps, metal bypass valve, and metal center tube.
One thing to note is that you may experience a reduction in maximum oil flow rate because of the high density of the media. You should opt for a different filter that works with high-performance engines if that’s your need.
Also, the Purolator isn’t wire backed. However, car experts don’t find it a critical factor as synthetic blend media is simpler to old and stable than synthetic filters. It’s worth noting that Purolator has two other line filters, the Purolator Boss and Purolator Classic.
The Purolator Boss has similar features to Purolator One but boasts of durable design. However, it’s expensive, but you can be sure to cover 15,000-miles with a 99% efficiency with this oil filter. The classic version is cheaper and a beginner filter that gets you 5000 miles. Its 96.5 efficiency isn’t as impressive as what you would find in the Purolator One.
Royal Purple Oil Filter Vs. K&N
When comparing the Royal Purple oil filter vs. K&N it is important to know all about the Royal Purple filters as well.
Although Royal Purple Extended Life Oil Filter hasn’t been around for long, the brand is synonymous for its excellent quality. The company makes the filter for various engines and automobiles. Most users love the filter’s ability to block particles and sediments.
When handling particle remover, the filter offers a 99% filtration efficiency at 25 microns with 100% micro-glass, something you won’t find in the K&N oil filter.
You don’t have to worry about punctures as the filter boasts of heavy and thick shell material. Also, the bypass valve allows for correct oil flow when there’s a restricted element flow. You’ll find a nitrile rubber base gasket that provides a leak-free seal. It’s also lubricated to lower torque during removal and installation.
Unlike the K&N oil filter, the Royal Purple extended oil filter has a silicone anti-drain back valve that staves off dry starts by ensuring there’s no oil drain back in case of a shutdown. Moreover, the silicone material works in both cold and hot temperatures.
The only downside is that the oil filter is expensive compared to other filters. However, you will find its value is worth every penny.
K&N Oil Filter Pros and Cons
You’ll find the K&N oil filter convenient whether you’re looking for an oil filter for your SUV, truck, or a motorcycle. The filter works with most vehicles. Also, it boasts of durable and sturdy construction, which means it can withstand severe conditions.
It has a resin-impregnated media, a useful feature that helps to trap 99% of harmful contaminants. The filter has an inch exposed nut that ensures simple filter removal.
Most users’ love the anti-drain back valve that reduces dry starts by making sure that no oil drains back during the shutdown.
You’ll love the high flow rate even when using heavy grade oils. Unfortunately, the oil filter may affect the filtration efficiency due to its small size, which means a small contact area.
Pros
- Ideal for both conventional and synthetic oils
- Excellent flow rates
- 00% filtration efficiency
- Easy removal
- Heavy-duty construction
Cons
- The small size may interfere with the filtration efficiency
Final Thoughts
I hope that the K&N oil filter review gives you a better perspective of what to expect.
The K&N oil filter is a quality filter that works with both conventional and synthetic oils. You can use the filter with an SUV, ATV, or a motorbike. With a 99% effectiveness, the oil filter is famous for its performance and efficiency.
Although you may find the oil filter expensive compared to other oil filters, you can enjoy the durability and high filtration levels. It’s also easy to install and comes with an anti-drain back valve to ensure that there are no leaks during the shutdown.