Does A Synthetic Oil Filter Need To Be Used With Synthetic Motor Oil?
A reader asks: Do I need to use a special oil filter with synthetic motor oil? I see that there are “synthetic” oil filters available. What is the difference between a synthetic oil filter and a regular oil filter?
Our answer: You do not need to use a synthetic oil filter with synthetic engine oil. Conversely, you can use a synthetic oil filter with regular conventional engine oil. There are no special features in an synthetic oil filter that make it “compatible” with synthetic oil.
However, some synthetic oil filters can provide benefits that may be worth the extra cost.
What Is the Difference Between A Synthetic And Regular Oil Filter?
Regular (or conventional) oil filters use a cellulose filter media. The media is the component that catches contaminants and foreign particles. Cellulose is derived from processed wood fibers. See an image of a disassembled oil filter below to view the filter media.
Synthetic oil filter media material is man-made. Therefore, it can be engineered to have more consistent pore dimensions. Synthetic filter media can be designed to be more efficient and hold smaller particles than cellulose filter media material.
The media material in many synthetic oil filters can also resist breakdown and deterioration for longer over cellulose oil filter media materials.
Can A Synthetic Oil Filter Last Longer?
Yes. A synthetic oil filter can stay in service longer due to synthetic media material’s ability to resist deterioration over cellulose oil filter media. Synthetic oil filter media can also be designed to have a greater holding capacity over regular cellulose media material.
Do All Synthetic Motor Oils Last Longer?
Not all synthetic motor oils are equipped to last long than regular conventional motor oil. In fact, most synthetic oils have additive packages that offer similar service life to conventional oils. An engine oil labeled as “synthetic” does not automatically mean that it has extended drain capabilities.
Unless a motor oil’s label suggests extended service life, assume that it should be changed at the interval suggested by the owner’s manual or oil life monitor.
Motor oils like our AMSOIL Signature Series or Extended Life Series are designed for long service life.
