K&N Versus AMSOIL Oil Filters

Let’s compare the features offered by both AMSOIL and K&N automotive and motorcycle oil filters.

When comparing oil filters, there are a couple of factors to consider. How well are they built? More importantly, how well does an oil filter remove contaminants?

Note that we do sell AMSOIL automotive and motorcycle oil filters. Let’s put biases aside and look at the facts.

About K&N Oil Filters

K&N Oil Filters are well-built and well thought-out. They have high-end components such as heavy-gauge canisters, silicone anti-drain-back valves and Viton or nitrile gaskets.

We have to give K&N full-credit for the nut that they weld at the top of their spin-on filters. This allows for the use of a box-end wrench to remove the filter. This ingenious feature alone likely accounts for a solid portion of their popularity (and rightfully so).

K&N automotive and motorcycle oil filters use what they call a “partial synthetic” filter media. They describe this as a “resin-impregnated cellulose filter media”.

About AMSOIL Oil Filters

AMSOIL Oil Filters also boast many premium features (sans the nut). Their oil filters include heavy-duty cannisters, nitrile gaskets, silicone anti-drain-back valves, wire-backed media and stamped end-caps.

AMSOIL oil filters for automotive applications have a gripper coating (for improved installation grip).

Most importantly, AMSOIL Oil Filters contain a full-synthetic filter media.

Efficiency Ratings Of K&N And AMSOIL Oil Filters

As mentioned, AMSOIL uses a full-synthetic oil filter media, while K&N uses a partial-synthetic media. How do they compare in terms of actual filtering ability?

AMSOIL claims an absolute efficiency rating 98.7% at 20 microns for their automotive and motorcycle oil filters.

K&N’s technical department tells us that their automotive and motorcycle oil filters have an absolute efficiency rating of 98.7% at 30 microns.

In other words, AMSOIL’s full-synthetic media stops much smaller particles.

Service Intervals

Refer to the filter product box for final determination on service interval.

• Larger AMSOIL models for auto/light truck (EAO models) have a service interval of up to 25,000 miles (40,000 KM) or one year (whichever comes first).
• Smaller AMSOIL filters for auto/light-truck (EA15K models) should be changed at 15,000 miles (24,000 KM) or one year (whichever comes first).
• AMSOIL motorcycle/powersports oil filters can stay in service for up to twice the OEM drain interval (when used with AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil). When used with other brands of motorcycle oil, change filter at the interval prescribed by the owner’s manual.
• Some larger K&N automotive/light-truck oil filters have an oil change interval of up to 20,000 miles (31,000 KM).
• Most smaller K&N oil filters for automotive/light-truck applications are to be changed at the OEM service interval.
• K&N motorcycle/powersports oil filters should be changed at the OEM service interval.

Conclusion

Both of AMSOIL and K&N offer quality-built engine oil filters. AMSOIL’s oil filters certainly offer much stronger absolute efficiency numbers.