What Happens if You Use the Wrong Oil Filter

Oil filters play a crucial role in maintaining the health of your vehicle's engine by removing contaminants and debris from the engine oil. However, not all oil filters are universal. They are engineered in different shapes, sizes, and specifications to match the needs of various engines and oil systems. Each engine has specific requirements for oil flow rate and filtration capacity. Using the wrong oil filter—one that doesn’t meet the engine’s specifications or doesn’t physically fit—can cause severe mechanical issues. Below, our team discusses more about the risks, symptoms, and best practices related to oil filter compatibility.

What Happens if You Use the Wrong Oil Filter

Oil Leakage: Installing the wrong oil filter can result in oil leaks due to mismatched diameter, thread pitch, or gasket size. The gasket must form a secure seal between the filter and engine housing. Even slight size differences prevent the gasket from sealing properly, and this may cause the oil to leak. Over time, leaked oil reduces lubrication, leading to friction and damage to internal engine components.
Reduced Lubrication Efficiency: Filters are designed with specific flow rates to allow the right amount of oil to circulate under pressure. For instance, high-performance engines require filters with higher flow capacities to accommodate increased oil circulation. A filter with a flow rate that’s too high or too low disrupts oil circulation, either starving or flooding engine components.
Ineffective Filtration: The oil filter media’s ability to block particles is measured in microns. The wrong micron rating fails to filter contaminants effectively. Large debris bypasses the filter and lodges in oil passages, blocking the flow and causing localized overheating and scoring on components like bearings.
Oil Compatibility Issues: Some oil filters are engineered to work with either standard, synthetic, or high-viscosity oils. Using the wrong filter may result in incompatibility with the oil’s viscosity.
Engine Damage: Installing the wrong oil filter on your car means you expose engine components to unfiltered oil or inadequate lubrication. Pistons, bearings, and camshafts wear down faster due to increased friction. Over time, these components can overheat or fail, putting the engine at risk of severe damage.

Symptoms of Using the Wrong Oil Filter

If you suspect you’ve installed the wrong oil filter, watch for the oil pressure warning light or signs of oil puddles or streaks under your vehicle. The oil pressure warning light indicates insufficient oil flow, often caused by a filter that restricts oil flow. Oil leaks, on the other hand, suggest a poor seal between the oil filter and the engine block. Inspect the filter for incorrect fitment or a damaged gasket to prevent further issues.

Choose FRAM Oil Filters

No matter whether you drive a heavy-duty work truck for towing and hauling equipment or a compact sedan for everyday driving around town, FRAM® engine oil filters do more than help your vehicle maintain maximum performance—they ensure full protection for every type of engine and driving style. FRAM offers a diverse range of quality oil filters for most vehicle models, designed to perfectly match the engine and oil system. Use the Part Search tool on our website to find the oil filter designed for your car's engine and oil system.

Questions? We're here to help. Reach out the FRAM specialists for product and maintenance support.

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