11 Tips for Oil Filter Selection to Boost Profits for Wholesalers
A checklist for dropshippers, wholesalers, and product suppliers
Oil filters are one of the most frequently replaced automotive parts. Vehicles users need to replace their filters after three months or 3000 miles.
However, due to the massive variation in oil filter brands and models, wholesalers need to be well informed before purchasing filters in bulk.
In this guide, you will discover the essential factors to consider when you want to order for a new batch of oil filters to serve your retail customers.
Table of Contents
1 Car brands in your region
2. Type of oil
3. Driving conditions
4. Capture efficiency
5. Micron size
6. Filter material
7. Dirt-holding capacity
8. Build Quality
9. Bypass valve
10. Anti-drain back valve
11. Premium vs. economy-grade design
Final thoughts
1. Car Brands in Your Region
You need to stock filters compatible with popular car brands in your domain. In the Asia Pacific region, popular brands include Japanese, Chinese and Korean brands.
If you serve that region, order for filters that work well with Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Cherry, BOYD, and Kia models.
In Europe, you should purchase more filters compatible with European car brands like BMW, Benz, Volvo, Peugeot, Rover, Rolls Royce, Renault, Golf, and Volkswagen.
In North America, buy aftermarket filters for brands such as Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile,
After buying filters for popular brands, you may add a small batch for other less popular car brands.
2. Type of Oil
Select filters that are suitable for different types of engine oil. If cars use synthetic engine oil, premium filter brands will boost performance.
Cars using synthetic oil have longer oil change intervals. The high-grade oil filters will keep the oil clean during that period.
On the other hand, vehicles that use organic oil can use low budget filters.
3. Driving Conditions
Cars driven in dusty or off-road conditions need high-quality oil filters that accommodate more dirt.
In cold climates, engine oil tends to thicken and become more viscous. Cars in cold regions need premium filters with responsive valves. Such filters will prevent oil starvation in the engine.
4. Capture Efficiency
Sand, dust, and other airborne particles may enter the engine’s lubrication system. The ability of the oil filter to remove these particles is known as capture efficiency.
Oil filter manufacturers usually specify filtration efficiency for each particle size. Typically, lower-grade oil filters will have an efficiency of 95 percent for 40 microns.
It means that particles greater than that size will not pass through. But particles of smaller sizes will pass through. If you want filters for cars in a region with paved roads and minimal atmospheric dust, choose low-budget oil filters.
However, for off-road conditions, long trips, and haulage vehicles, opt for premium-grade filters. Filters that function at 95 percent efficiency on 10-micron particles are more appropriate.
5. Micron Size
The micron size specified for a filter indicates its ability to filter out dirt particles. For instance, a 10-micron filter can filter out smaller particles (as tiny as a human’s red blood corpuscles).
However, not all 10-micron size filters will be suitable under variable driving conditions. It is vital to see the SAE J1858 protocol test results.
Also, know that a smaller micron size reduces oil flow while a larger micron size permits more oil flow through the filter. If the oil filters are for a cold climate with low dust pollution, select filters with a 40-micron specification.
6. Filter Material
The most common filter material is cellulose. But manufacturers also use micro-glass and synthetic filters.
Cellulose is a cheap organic material, so manufacturers use it to save production costs. It also boosts oil flow and absorbs water efficiently.
However, cellulose has an inconsistent material structure with a lower pore density. This makes it less suitable for holding back dirt.
If driving conditions are severe with a high amount of dirt and dust, it is better to choose filters with synthetic filter media.
7. Dirt Holding Capacity
Clogged oil filters will open their bypass valves to allow oil to flow through. Unfortunately, this allows unfiltered oil to flow through the filter to prevent engine damage.
The dirt-holding capacity determines how soon a filter will open up its bypass valve. This specification is essential in dusty conditions or when you want to keep your oil in use for many months.
Manufacturers seldom specify their filter’s dirt-holding capacity. But you may also need expert opinion and user reports to reveal how well a filter performs in different conditions.
8. Build Quality
Automotive oil filters need the right design, construction, and durability. While you can’t test filters online before buying, you must note that a durable filter should have:
* An uncrushable canister
* A bypass valve that remains closed within your regular operating temperature range
* Flexible non-return valve to prevent oil leak in cold temperature
* Strong filter media
9. Bypass Valve
The filter’s bypass valve is a device that permits oil flow even when the filter gets clogged. There are two types of bypass valves: hard and soft.
Hard valves limit the movement and sensitivity of the filters bypass system. In contrast, soft valves are more flexible and allow the valve to open and close faster.
In most cases, soft valves boost the performance of the filter.
10. Anti-drain Back Valve
This valve prevents engine oil from draining out of the engine when the vehicle is idle. The low oil pressure can cause leaks, so filter makers add this non-return valve.
A filter with an anti-drain back valve will also reduce engine friction and wear. Most premium-grade filters include this valve in their design.
11. Premium vs. Economy-grade Design
Many aftermarket filters fall into the economy-grade category. These filters are adequate for use in vehicles that ply short distances on intra-city routes daily.
However, premium-grade oil filters are suitable for heavy-duty vehicles and cars that work in severe road conditions. It is better to use a premium-grade oil filter for vehicles with
* Extended oil-drain schedules
* Synthetic engine oil
* Cold temperatures
* Towing apparatus
* Engine oils with low viscosity
* High performance like racing and luxury cars.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best oil filter will improve engine performance. It also enhances fuel economy and prolongs the life of the vehicle.
The factors to consider before choosing an oil filter include the vehicle maker’s specifications, engine oil grade, driving, and climate conditions, capture efficiency, micron size, filter material, dirt-holding capacity, durability, and valves.
