I decided to replace my cabin air filter today, so I went to Wally World, and I bought a Fram filter–which was the only brand that they stocked.
When comparing the new Fram to the “old” OEM filter, I was surprised to find that the Fram was MUCH less substantial than the OEM filter. Next year, when it’s time to replace the filter again, I’ll probably go to Auto Zone, open some boxes, and compare the various brands that they sell. If they’re all as flimsy as the Fram filter, then I’ll just buy a replacement from the dealer’s parts counter.
Then again, given the bad financial situation of Fram’s parent company, that brand might not even be around next year.
d a Chrysler minivan with the 3.3 engine. It was very noisy with the Fram filter. Noise went away with a Motorcraft filter. I got a tip from a Chrysler minivan forum that the Motorcaft worked even better for this than even the Mopar filter.I h
I’ve had at least 2 vehicles that I used Fram filters exclusively for well over 300k miles with zero issues. for the past 10+ years I’ve been using Wix because I can buy them in bulk. Never had a problem with them either.
I can’t speak for todays Fram filters. But 15 years ago when I used them exclusively they were always knocked, but they were a decent filter.
Those were probably engine air filters and/or oil filters. They might still be decent quality, but–trust me–the current Fram cabin air filters are so flimsy that I would never buy one again.
Not to start anything, but try to buy a Honda or even AC filter at AZ, Oreilly, etc. you have to go to a dealer. I can buy any quantity on line from dealers instead of franchise parts stores. Prices are about 50% what you would pay over the dealer parts counter. I just keep a set of filters on the shelf so I have them when I want them, then re-order again. Yeah I’ve seen all the filter evaluations, etc. and just buy oem. I’m not an engineer so not interested in metal components, filter media, etc.
Sorry Nevada, but I do the same thing for small engine parts and keep belts and critical parts on hand for when needed. Driveway blocked is no time to try and get out and find a belt somewhere. But yeah I change parts in anticipation too.
Sometimes if I change cars I’ll get stuck with obsolete parts but so what? I just toss them or peddle them to anyone that can use them.
I ONLY use Motorcraft on my Mopar fun car, FL1A and have also used FL300 (short filter) a time or 2…
Now I will only be buying for my Toyota’s (from a dealer only, Amazon and eBay has too many knock offs) oil filters and most other parts as well, from one of the Toyota dealers that basically wholesale them (online only), I (you) can buy OEM canister type oil filters for $4.28 normally which is about 27% off MSRP, but if you catch the Black Friday online sale, you get an additional 25% off for $3.21 each… The prices shown are the already normally discounted prices and then if you do the math you get the 25% off also, I think this was a MSRP price of a little over $169.00 before the double discounting… Yes that is 6 quarts of 0W20 full synthetic oil for $34.86, I got it for $26.14 or $4.36 a quart… Next BF sale I will buy a years worth of stuff… lol
BTW, The oil filter (Not FRAM) for my Vibe/Matrix cost me $9.99 for a Carquest Premium (cheapest at the time), no more, going dealer all the way…
Free shipping on $75.00^ orders, so you do have to plan ahead… lol
I recently bought a 3 pack of OEM filters for the 2025 RAV4 hybrid from Amazon. Genuine OEM Toyota filters with the drain plug gaskets for $25. The generic knock offs were $20 so no incentive to take that risk.
First car I had where the drain plug and filter have clear drain paths so nothing gets in the way of the draining oil. What a treat that was!
Yes, the car came with 2 year maintenance coverage included but that’s a few tire rotations and oil changes. I’ll gladly pay the money for the oil and filters and do the changes myself. Nobody touches my cars unless it is a warranty repair…
