Wix vs. K&N Oil Filter (Features & Benefits)

You may not know this, but the oil filter you use for your car’s engine affects its performance and longevity. This means you must choose carefully which oil filter you use; however, it can quickly get confusing with so many options available in the market.

Today, we will help you narrow down your choice by comparing two popular options from two trusted brands, Wix and K&N. We will discuss their main features, including differences, and help you decide which one is best for your purposes in our comprehensive comparison of Wix vs. K&N Oil Filter.

However, before we start comparing the Wix and K&N Oil Filter, you must understand that oil filters come in various sizes. This means that no single oil filter will fit all vehicles. It is always best to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual before you choose an oil filter for your car.

That being said, let’s dive right in.

Wix vs. K&N Oil Filter

As with most of our comparisons, we like to start with the reason for comparing the products in question.

Why Compare?

The main reason to compare Wix and K&N oil filters is to give you an idea of which one is most effective in various circumstances. The differences will help you understand which one may be the better oil filter choice for your purposes.

This detailed and objective comparison will also help those people who may want to transition from one oil filter to another. They will get an idea of whether it is the right thing to do or if they should stick to the oil filter they are currently using.

Main Features

Here, we will look at the main features of each oil filter.

K&N Oil Filter

K&N oil filter is a popular option, especially among off-road vehicle owners. This is because the filter is designed to allow a larger volume of oil to flow through it, which is something that bigger engines of off-road vehicles require.

At the same time, it can efficiently filter the large quantities of oil that flow through it. This feature of the K&N oil filter allows it to be used in a wide range of engines and vehicles. Even older vehicles with high-performance engines, such as vintage or classic cars, can make good use of this oil filter.

This is probably why the K&N oil filter is trusted by so many vintage and classic car enthusiasts. However, it is not limited to only functioning with high-performance, vintage, or high-capacity engines. There are plenty of everyday sedan engines that are compatible with the K&N oil filter.

This oil filter is widely considered a reliable option, especially since it comes with a one-year warranty and meets the standards of most auto manufacturers. It can effectively protect high-capacity and high-performance engines, even in difficult driving conditions.

The K&N oil filter functions properly even in heavy rain, dense fog, and other environmental conditions a heavy-duty engine may face. Its excellent filtration technology allows it to remove unwanted, harmful chemicals from the oil and keep it flowing through your engine as intended.

What’s more is that the K&N oil filter and its filtration technology work well with all types of engine oils, including mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic oils. This means you can use it in almost any type of engine.

Wix Oil Filter

As an oil filter manufacturer, Wix has been producing quality oil filters for around two more decades than K&N. They are a reliable and popular brand for oil filters across the nation. Moreover, their filters offer higher filtering efficiency than K&N oil filters.

It is capable of filtering even the tiniest of particles in the oil. As a result, the Wix oil filter offers better filtering performance in tougher conditions. Unlike the K&N oil filter’s cellulose filter, the Wix oil filter uses a synthetic variant, which means it has a longer oil change interval than its counterpart.

This means it can perform and last longer than the K&N oil filter. The synthetic filter also allows it to withstand higher temperatures than the cellulose filter in the K&N oil filter. Additionally, the Wix oil filter is also compatible with all types of oils, including mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic oils.

You can use the Wix oil filter in a wide range of vehicles, except for some high-capacity, high-performance, and vintage engines. This is simply because the Wix oil filter does not offer the same high-volume oil flow capacity as the K&N oil filter.

However, the Wix oil filter does come with a silicone anti-drain back valve instead of a typical rubber one in the K&N. This silicone valve offers greater durability and performance in extreme temperatures. For example, it ensures that the oil doesn’t reenter the pan, allowing consistent starts in colder temperatures.

Moreover, the Wix oil filter comes with some extra, premium features like metal end caps, a metal center tube, and a steel base plate. There is also a wired back to support the oil filter’s structure.

These features, along with the Wix oil filter’s capability to efficiently filter particles of most sizes, make it an excellent choice for lengthy journeys.

Drivers who wish to drive across the nation, like in a truck, may choose a Wix oil filter because they can rely on it to perform for longer in a variety of conditions and temperatures.

Key Benefits

In this section, we will look at the key benefits of the Wix and K&N oil filter.

K&N Oil Filter

• Relatively inexpensive
• Simple installation and convenience due to the 1-inch exposed nut design safety wire fitting
• Silicone rubber valve for preventing oil drain back
• Available in cartridge form for vintage and classic vehicles.
• Better performance for high-capacity and high-performance engines

Wix Oil Filter

• Synthetic filter for more effective oil cleaning
• Can withstand high/ low temperatures and tougher environments
• Offers longer change intervals
• Ideal for longer journeys because of solid steel construction and impact-resistant hard casing
• Better performance for standard engines

Conclusion

While oil filters may be confusing to choose from, we hope that this Wix vs. K&N Oil Filter comparison has helped you understand the difference between the two. The K&N oil filter offers greater oil flow, and as a consequence, has inferior filtration among the two options.

On the other hand, the Wix oil filter offers superior oil filtration with its synthetic filter, but less oil flow. For standard engines and longer journeys, it is an excellent choice because of its premium construction and ability to perform in various conditions.

The superior filtration also offers you longer change intervals, which can save you money over time. However, the K&N oil filter is the only one out of the two that is compatible with vintage and classic car engines.

Although, if we had to pick a winner for this comparison, we would likely choose the Wix oil filter, only because of its superior oil filtration. This is because filtration is the key feature of an oil filter, and in the long run, an inferior filter will permeate more particles and reduce the engine’s lifespan.

Still, at the end of the day, the choice between Wix vs. K&N Oil Filter comes down to your preference and the needs of your car’s engine. Always remember to consult your car’s owner’s manual or manufacturer before you opt for any oil filter.