ForConstructionPros.com

Which oil filter strikes the best balance between performance, cost and longevity? To find the answer, you may want to view the oil filter as a type of insurance policy.

"No contractor needs an oil filter," says Bert Elfers, director of product management, Baldwin Filters. "What they need is protection for their equipment. If it ran fine without filters, they would be satisfied. That said, they are really shopping for the best insurance to keep their equipment operating and generating money."

Filter selection tips
Do not match replacement filters only by dimensions. The internal components and specifications can be different. Some important differences include the use of anti-drain-back valves, bypass valves, post seals, varying media types and a range of burst or collapse pressure ratings.

"In general, if the OEM filter had certain features, such as a bypass valve or an anti-drain-back valve, you want to make sure you maintain those same features," says Keith Bechtum, engine liquid filtration group, Donaldson.

"The OEM has balanced the trade-offs of things like oil starvation vs. unfiltered bypass flow," says Elfers. "Choosing to ignore their recommendation is flirting with disaster. OEMs publish specifications for the filters, including efficiency and capacity. There are less notable factors, such as burst, element collapse or bubble point, pressure drop and even can thickness. The best way to ensure a replacement filter meets the OEM demands is to buy a brand that has built its reputation on meeting or exceeding OEM requirements."