We all know how important a good oil filter is for our cars and machines. Oil filters are responsible for removing impurities from the oil, protecting our engines from damage and degradation over time. But with so many different brands and types of oil filters out there, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs.
In this article, we’ll take a look at two top contenders in the oil filter market: Fram VS K&N Oil Filters. We’ll explore the differences between these two brands and pick the right one. So, let’s dive in and see how Fram and K&N oil filters stack up against each other!
Fram VS K&N Oil Filter- Head-to-Head Comparison
Fram and K&N are two of the most popular brands of oil filters on the market. Both brands offer high-quality filters that are designed to remove contaminants from your engine oil and help keep your engine running smoothly.
However, there are some key differences between Fram VS K&N oil filters that are important to understand if you are trying to decide which one is the best fit for your vehicle. Here are some key differences between Fram and K&N oil filters:
Filter Media
When it comes to filter media, both Fram and K&N Oil Filter are commonly used as replacements for OEM filters. Fram uses a combination of cellulose and synthetic media in their filter, which is designed to capture particles down to 10 microns in size. On the other hand, K&N Oil Filter utilizes a synthetic media that can filter out particles as small as 7 microns. This provides greater filtration capability compared to Fram itself.
K&N Oil Filter also strives for extra strength and durability by using an internal stainless steel center tube on their filter media. Their oil filters also come with additional layers of protection on the media such as anti-drainback valve and bypass valve, which are the standard features in all their products.
These features work together to ensure that oil stays inside the filter even if pressure drops or the vehicle is left idle for extended periods of time. By having these additional safety nets, you can rest assured that your engine will be protected against any dirt or debris that may accumulate inside it.
Filtering Efficiency
You may think that which oil filter is more efficient at filtering out the pollutants? This is an important question to ask when selecting between Fram and K&N Oil Filter.
Both brands use oil filter media that helps capture and hold particles that are harmful to your engine. However, Fram’s oil filters come with an Advanced Re-engineered media technology, which offers a 99% efficiency for filtering out dirt particles as small as 20 microns.
On the other hand, K&N’s oil filters come with a W/ PRO-DRY S synthetic media with nano-fiber technology, which provides superior filtration compared to traditional cellulose filters. In addition, its 95% efficiency in filtering out dirt particles as small as 25 microns give it an edge compared to Fram’s oil filters.
Overall, when it comes to filtration efficiency between Fram VS K&N Oil Filter, K&N is the winner.
Anti-Drainback Valve
The anti-drainback valve is an important feature for an oil filter. It prevents the oil from draining back into the oil pan when the engine is not running. This ensures that there is oil in the engine when it starts.
When considering Fram VS K&N Oil Filter, both provide a good anti-drainback valve to make sure that your engine remains properly lubricated. However, K&N oil filters come with a heavy duty silicone o-ring that acts as a gasket, which helps to prevent leakage and create a better seal between the filter and engine when you install it. This gives K&N the edge over Fram in terms of the anti-drainback valve capability.
Another thing to note about K&N’s anti-drainback valve is that it is designed to reduce pressure drop, which means that you get better flow in your engine resulting in improved performance as well as lower fuel consumption.
Relief Valve
The relief valve is an important feature on any filter, especially the oil filter. It’s a mechanism designed to open when the filter becomes too clogged, so it can release some pressure and keep your engine running smoothly. So, how do Fram and K&N stack up?
K&N’s filters come with a built-in pressure relief valve that is set at 12-15 PSI. This is a great feature, as it allows for enough pressure to keep the filter from collapsing, but also ensures that it won’t get too clogged before it needs to be changed.
Fram’s filters are slightly different; they have an adjustable relief valve that can be set anywhere between 8 and 17 psi depending on your preferences. While it’s not as precise as K&N’s method, it does give you more control over the pressure of your filter. However, you’ll need to make sure that you’re adjusting the relief valve regularly if you want to ensure that your engine remains running smoothly.
Bypass Valve
The bypass valve is designed to protect the engine by preventing dirty oil from entering it in the event of a clogged filter. The Fram Extra Guard oil filter has a bypass valve that can open at 8-14 PSI, while K&N Performance oil filter has a bypass valve which can open at 11-21 PSI.
This difference in the pressure rating of the bypass valve means that the K&N Performance oil filter offers better protection for your engine than the Fram Extra Guard oil filter. This is because, in case of a clogged filter, K&N’s will open earlier than Fram’s, preventing dirt from entering the engine and causing damage.
Durability
When it comes to durability, Fram and K&N both stand out. Both oil filters are built to last long, but let’s look at how they stack up against each other.
Fram oil filters are made using an advanced synthetic-blend media that can withstand tough conditions, such as extreme temperatures and pressure. This makes them highly durable and allows them to last for up to a year or 12,000 miles.
K&N oil filters are known for their amazing durability. They come with wire-back support that makes them strong enough to withstand pressures up to 75 psi and temperatures up to 400°F. On top of that, the filter media can last for more than one year or 15,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Although both Fram and K&N oil filters are quite durable, K&N oil filters have proven themselves to be the more resilient of the two due to their extended life span and higher temperature tolerance capability.
Price
Now, let’s talk about the price of a Fram VS K&N Oil Filter. When it comes to budget, both Fram and K&N oil filters are pretty competitively priced—and for good reason, since both are high-quality filters.
If you compare the prices of the two brands at retailers like Amazon or Walmart, Fram is typically cheaper. On average, you can expect to pay around $6 for a Fram filter compared with around $9 for a K&N filter.
But don’t forget that you get quality for your money. Usually, when it comes to filters (and many other things) you don’t want to skimp on quality just because something is cheaper—you still need something that will last and protect your engine from damage. So, it’s important to consider factors like filter media, filtering efficiency, durability and more when looking at price too.
The bottom line is that you can find good value in either the Fram or K&N oil filters without spending too much money—so the final choice really comes down to balancing cost with performance based on what your needs are.
Fram VS K&N Oil Filter- The Winner
So, what’s the overall verdict? Who’s the winner in the Fram vs K&N oil filter comparison?
To be honest, it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you care more about price and want to save some money, then go with a Fram oil filter. But if performance and durability are your top priorities, then K&N oil filters are the way to go.
K&N oil filters are also longer-lasting, due to their heavy-duty construction—so if you don’t mind spending a bit more money, then K&N might be worth it in the long run. As long as you maintain them properly, K&N filters will provide better protection for your engine for much longer than a Fram filter would.
When comparing Fram vs K&N oil filters side by side, K&N definitely comes out ahead in terms of performance and durability. However, this comes with a higher price tag attached—so it really comes down to your own personal preference and budget constraints.
Final Thought
It’s clear that while both the Fram and K&N oil filters are quality options, there are factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right one for your vehicle. The Fram oil filter offers superior filtering performance and improved efficiency, while the K&N filter is designed to offer improved durability and higher capacity.
Ultimately, the decision between Fram VS K&N Oil Filter is largely dependent on your specific needs and preferences. However, there is no denying that both the Fram and K&N oil filters are great options that are sure to deliver quality results.