What Advance Auto Parts Oil Filters Are and Why They Matter
Advance Auto Parts sells oil filters under its own brand and carries filters from major manufacturers like Fram, Mobil 1, and Purolator. An oil filter removes dirt, metal particles, and sludge from your engine oil as it circulates, which keeps your engine cleaner and helps it run longer. The filter sits between your oil pump and engine block, catching contaminants before they can damage moving parts.
Advance Auto's house brand filters cost less than name brands but use the same basic design: a pleated paper element inside a metal canister, with a bypass valve that lets oil through if the filter gets too clogged. The main difference between budget and premium filters is the quality of the paper, the size of the bypass valve, and how long the filter can go before it needs replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts filters come in synthetic and conventional versions, and you must match the filter to your vehicle's engine size and oil type.
- The filter part number is printed on the box and on the filter itself, and you can look it up on Advance Auto's website or in your vehicle's owner manual.
- Oil filters typically last 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on the type and your driving conditions, and the owner manual tells you the interval for your specific vehicle.
- Advance Auto offers in-store pickup and online ordering, so you can check stock before you drive to the store.
How to Find the Right Filter for Your Vehicle
The correct filter depends on your engine size, oil type, and the year, make, and model of your vehicle. Your owner manual lists the filter part number in the maintenance section, usually near the oil capacity. If you do not have the manual, you can enter your vehicle information on Advance Auto's website, and the site will show you compatible filters.
The filter part number tells you the thread size (how it screws onto the engine), the bypass valve setting, and the filtering capacity. A common Advance Auto part number like PF2232 or PF2243 is specific to certain engine sizes. Buying the wrong size can cause the filter to leak, bypass oil without filtering it, or not fit at all.
Advance Auto also sells filters labeled for synthetic oil, conventional oil, or both. Synthetic filters have finer paper and last longer between changes, but they cost more. Conventional filters are cheaper and work fine if you change your oil on the standard 3,000-mile schedule. Your owner manual or oil bottle will tell you which type your vehicle needs.
Advance Auto's Filter Brands and Price Tiers
Advance Auto's house brand, Autocraft, is the lowest-cost option and meets basic filtration standards. Fram and Purolator, which Advance Auto carries, are mid-range brands that cost more than Autocraft but less than premium synthetic filters. Mobil 1 and Bosch filters are at the higher end and are designed for longer oil change intervals, especially with synthetic oil.
The price difference between a $5 Autocraft filter and a $15 Mobil 1 filter reflects the quality of the paper element and how long the filter can trap contaminants before the bypass valve opens. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, a budget filter works fine. If you use synthetic oil and go 7,500 or 10,000 miles between changes, a premium filter is a better match for your oil change schedule.
Where to Buy and How to Check Stock
Advance Auto Parts operates over 4,000 stores across the United States and also sells online at advanceautoparts.com. You can search for a filter by part number or by entering your vehicle year, make, and model on the website. The site shows you which nearby stores have the filter in stock and lets you order for in-store pickup, usually within a few hours.
Checking stock before you go to the store saves time, especially if you need a less common filter size. Advance Auto also offers next-day delivery on many filters if you order online, though shipping costs vary by location and order size.
Installation and Disposal
Installing an oil filter yourself takes about five minutes if you have a filter wrench and a drain pan. You drain the old oil, unscrew the old filter by hand or with a wrench, wipe the mounting surface clean, and screw on the new filter until the rubber gasket touches the engine, then turn it another three-quarters of a turn. Do not over-tighten, or you will damage the gasket and cause a leak.
Advance Auto sells filter wrenches for $5 to $15 if you do not have one. Some filters are easier to reach than others depending on your engine layout, so check a repair manual or video for your specific vehicle before you start.
The old filter contains used oil and should not go in the trash. Advance Auto accepts used oil and used filters for free at most locations. Bring your old filter in when you buy the new one, and the store will dispose of it properly.
Oil Change Intervals and When to Replace Your Filter
Your owner manual specifies how often to change your oil and filter. Conventional oil typically requires a change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Synthetic oil can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles or longer, depending on the vehicle and the oil brand. The filter should always be replaced at the same time as the oil, because a used filter loses effectiveness as it fills with contaminants.
Severe driving conditions — towing, frequent short trips, dusty roads, or extreme temperatures — can shorten the interval. Your manual usually has a separate schedule for severe conditions. Ignoring the interval and running a clogged filter can reduce oil flow and damage your engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any oil filter on my vehicle?
No. The filter must match your engine size and thread type. Using the wrong size can cause leaks or prevent proper oil flow. Always check your owner manual or use Advance Auto's vehicle lookup tool to find the correct part number.
What is the difference between synthetic and conventional filters?
Synthetic filters have finer paper and can trap smaller particles, so they last longer between changes. Conventional filters are cheaper and work fine for standard oil change intervals. Your owner manual tells you which type your vehicle needs.
Do I have to buy the most expensive filter?
No. A budget filter works fine if you follow your owner manual's oil change schedule. Premium filters are worth the cost only if you use synthetic oil and go longer between changes, or if you drive in severe conditions.
Can Advance Auto install the filter for me?
Advance Auto does not offer installation services at most locations. However, many independent shops and quick-lube stores will install a filter you bring in for a small labor fee, or you can install it yourself with basic tools.
What should I do with my old filter?
Bring it to Advance Auto when you buy the new one. Most stores accept used filters and used oil for free and dispose of them properly. Do not throw it in the trash, because it contains used oil.