The short answer: AMSOIL Oil Filters use full-synthetic media that traps and holds more small, wear-causing contaminants than conventional filters. They’re rated 99% efficient at 20 microns (ISO 4548-12). With AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, EAO filters last up to 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or one year, and EA15K filters up to 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or one year.
How efficient are AMSOIL Oil Filters?
Efficiency is a filter’s ability to capture contaminants. The more efficient a filter is, the more contaminants it removes from the oil. AMSOIL Oil Filters are rated 99% efficient at 20 microns under industry standard ISO 4548-12, one of the best ratings on the market. Some competitors also claim 99% efficiency, but at larger particle sizes of 30 to 40 microns.
| Filter | Captures 99% of particles at |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Oil Filters | 20 microns |
| Competitor A | 30 microns |
| Competitor B | 40 microns |
Do high-efficiency filters restrict oil flow?
No. The synthetic fibers in AMSOIL Oil Filters are smaller than the fibers in traditional filters, which lowers restriction and decreases engine wear. During cold-temperature warm-ups, oil flows through an AMSOIL filter more easily than through a typical cellulose filter.
How much dirt can an AMSOIL filter hold?
Capacity is the amount of contaminants a filter can hold and still remain effective. AMSOIL Oil Filters have a greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants than competing filter lines, so they last longer and keep the oil properly filtered.
What’s the difference between EAO and EA15K filters?
Both use the same full-synthetic media and 99% efficiency at 20 microns. The difference is how long they’re rated to last with AMSOIL synthetic motor oil:
| Filter | Normal service | Severe service |
|---|---|---|
| EAO | 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or one year, whichever comes first | 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or one year, whichever comes first |
| EA15K | 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or one year, whichever comes first | 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or one year, whichever comes first |
Change the filter at every oil change. With a motor oil other than AMSOIL synthetic, change the filter on the vehicle manufacturer’s schedule. To find the right filter, use the Shop by Vehicle tool, the Filter Cross-Reference or MyGarage at AMSOIL.com/AMSOIL.ca.
What types of AMSOIL oil filters are there?
| Filter line | Built for | Service life |
|---|---|---|
| Car and light-truck oil filters | Cars and light trucks; spin-on and cartridge styles | EAO up to 25,000 mi.; EA15K up to 15,000 mi. (one year max) |
| Heavy-Duty Extended-Life Oil Filters | Heavy-duty on- and off-road diesel and gasoline: over-the-road trucks, dump trucks, refuse haulers, school buses, farm tractors, mining, construction and industrial equipment | Matches AMSOIL synthetic engine oil drain intervals, not to exceed one year |
| Powersports Oil Filters | Motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, personal watercraft, marine outboards, snowmobiles and power equipment | Every oil change, on the manufacturer’s interval |
All three lines are rated 99% efficient at 20 microns. Heavy-Duty filters fit engines from Caterpillar,* Cummins,* Detroit,* Mack,* Paccar* and Volvo,* among others. Powersports filters fit models from BMW,* Harley-Davidson,* Honda,* Indian,* Kawasaki,* Polaris,* Suzuki,* Yamaha* and more; they’re fluted for easy removal and come in black or chrome.
Bypass filtration: for even more contaminant removal, AMSOIL bypass filters work alongside the full-flow filter in diesel trucks. Learn how in Bypass Oil Filters: How an Oil Bypass System Works.
How is an AMSOIL Oil Filter built?
- Wire-backed full-synthetic media offers high efficiency and longevity. It’s resin-free to resist degradation from hot oil.
- Louvered center tube allows more flow area and eliminates media wear during pleat movement.
- Silicone anti-drainback valve stays flexible in extreme temperatures.
- Nitrile gasket stays flexible and tightly sealed. Heavy-Duty filters use long-life HNBR gaskets.
- Stamped end caps contain plastisol sealant, with the media deeply embedded in it.
- End cap containing the bypass valve: the valve’s position varies with OEM requirements.
- Steel spring securely holds components in place; some filters use a coil spring.
- Heavy-duty baseplate has a fully tucked double seam and anti-corrosion coating.
- Filter housing offers superior strength and pressure-fatigue performance.
- Easy-grip coating eases installation and removal.
How do I install an AMSOIL Oil Filter?
Most AMSOIL Oil Filters have a reference arrow to aid installation. Once the filter is finger-tight, the arrow makes it easy to gauge the additional 0.75 to 1.25 turns needed for a good fit. Over-tightening can lead to leaks. A few filters don’t have the arrow.
For hard-to-reach filters, AMSOIL filter wrenches with a 3/8-inch square drive fit these filters:
| Wrench | Fits |
|---|---|
| 64 mm (GA248) | EA15K01, EA15K02, EA15K04, EA15K49 |
| 65–67 mm (GA255) | EA15K09, EA15K12, EA15K13, EAOM103, EAOM103C, EAOM109 |
| 74 mm (GA258) | EA15K20 |
| 76 mm (GA251) | EAO17, EAO23, EA15K29, EA15K32, EAO34, EA15K50, EA15K51, EA15K53, EAO55, EAO64, EAOM134, EAOM134C, EAOM135, EAOM135C |
| 93 mm (GA252) | EAO11, EAO15, EAO24, EAO26, EAO27, EAO42, EAO52, EAO59, EAO80, EAO98 |
Do I have to use AMSOIL oil with an AMSOIL filter?
No, but the extended service life applies only with AMSOIL synthetic motor oil. With another oil, change the filter on the vehicle manufacturer’s schedule. The reverse also holds: AMSOIL Signature Series® 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is rated for up to 25,000 miles with AMSOIL Oil Filters. With other brands of filter, don’t exceed 12,000 miles or one year unless the vehicle manufacturer recommends a longer interval.
Does AMSOIL sell other filter brands?
Yes. AMSOIL also offers premium filtration from its aftermarket partners, including Donaldson,* WIX* and MANN-FILTER.*
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Joel Youngman is Lead Technical Writer at AMSOIL and associate editor of AMSOIL Magazine. He develops and edits content covering lubricant technology, product testing, vehicle systems, maintenance practices and equipment applications. Youngman also coordinates magazine articles and Tech Talk columns, working with engineers, product specialists and Communications personnel to maintain technical accuracy, editorial consistency and clear customer communication.
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