Finding your Fram filter model using your vehicle information
Fram makes oil filters for most vehicles on the road, but you need to know which model fits yours — they are not interchangeable. The fastest way is to use Fram's online filter finder tool on their website, where you enter your vehicle's year, make, and model, and it shows you the exact filter part number you need.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, Fram's customer service line can look up your filter over the phone. You will need your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size (which you can find in your owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door frame). Write down the part number they give you before you hang up, because that is what you will ask for at the parts store.
A third option is to visit an auto parts store in person — AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, or Advance Auto Parts all have staff who can look up your filter using the same information. Bring your vehicle's registration or owner's manual to make the lookup faster and more accurate.
Key Takeaways
- Fram's online filter finder on their website is the quickest way to get your exact part number without leaving home.
- You will need your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size to look up the correct filter, all of which appear in your owner's manual or on your driver's door frame.
- Auto parts stores can look up your Fram filter in seconds if you bring your vehicle registration or owner's manual.
- Write down your filter's part number once you find it, because that is what you will order or purchase at checkout.
Using Fram's website filter finder tool
Go to fram.com and look for the "Find a Filter" or "Filter Finder" link, usually near the top of the page. Click it and you will see dropdown menus for year, make, and model. Start with the year your vehicle was built (not the current year), then select the manufacturer name, then the specific model.
After you select your model, the tool will show you one or more filter options. Most vehicles have one correct filter, but some have multiple depending on engine type. If you see more than one option, check your owner's manual or the sticker on your driver's door to confirm your engine size, then select the matching filter. The tool will display the part number, a photo of the filter, and sometimes a price range.
Write down the part number — it usually starts with "PH" or "CH" followed by numbers, like PH8A or CH8110. This is the number you will use when you order online or ask for at a store.
What to do if you cannot find your vehicle on the Fram website
If the filter finder does not recognize your vehicle year or model, it may be because Fram does not make a filter for that specific engine, or because the website's database has not been updated for very new or very old vehicles. This does not mean no Fram filter exists for your car — it means you need to check another way.
Call Fram's customer service at 1-800-345-3726 (this number may change, so verify it on their website). Have your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size ready. The representative will tell you whether Fram makes a filter for your vehicle and, if so, what the part number is. If Fram does not make one, they can often suggest a compatible alternative brand.
You can also visit an auto parts store and ask the staff to look up your vehicle in their system. They carry multiple brands and can tell you what is available for your car, including whether Fram makes a filter for it.
Reading your Fram filter part number
Fram part numbers follow a pattern that tells you what kind of filter it is. Most oil filters start with "PH" (which stands for "Fram Passenger car/light truck Hydraulic"), followed by numbers. For example, PH8A is a common filter for many vehicles, while PH16 is larger and fits different engines.
The numbers and letters after "PH" indicate the filter's size, thread size, and flow capacity. You do not need to understand what each letter means — the important thing is that the part number you find for your specific vehicle is the one you purchase. Buying a different Fram filter, even if it looks similar, can cause problems because it may not fit properly or may not filter at the right rate for your engine.
If you are looking at a filter in a store and want to confirm it is the right one, check that the part number on the box matches the number you looked up. The box will also show which vehicles the filter fits, listed by year, make, and model.
Where to buy your Fram filter once you have the part number
Once you know your part number, you can buy your filter from several places. Auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts stock Fram filters and can have them in stock the same day. Walmart and Target carry Fram filters in their automotive sections. Online retailers like Amazon also sell Fram filters, though shipping times vary.
Prices for Fram oil filters typically range from $5 to $15 depending on the model and where you buy it, though this varies by location and current availability. Buying online sometimes costs less, but you may pay for shipping unless you may have access to for free shipping. Buying in person means you can see the filter before you pay and take it home when ready.
Some service stations and dealerships also sell Fram filters, though their prices are often higher than auto parts stores. If you are having your oil changed at a shop, ask whether they can install a Fram filter you bought yourself, or whether they require you to buy their filter — policies vary.
Confirming the filter fits before you install it
When your filter arrives or you bring it home, check the box one more time to make sure the part number matches what you looked up. Look at the vehicle list on the box and confirm your year, make, and model are listed. This takes 30 seconds and prevents you from installing the wrong filter.
Before you open the filter, also check that the box is not damaged and the filter inside is not dented or leaking. If anything looks wrong, return it to the store or contact the seller for a replacement. A damaged filter should not be installed in your engine.
Once you have confirmed everything matches, you are ready to install the filter during your next oil change. If you are doing the work yourself, your vehicle's owner's manual will show you where the filter is located and how to remove and install it. If a shop is doing the work, bring the filter with you and confirm with them that it is the correct one before they start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different Fram filter model if the one I looked up is out of stock?
No — you should not substitute a different Fram filter model, even if it looks similar or is the same brand. Each model is designed for specific vehicles and engine sizes. Using the wrong filter can cause poor oil flow, leaks, or engine damage. If your part number is out of stock, ask the store when it will be back in, or order it online for delivery.
What if the Fram website shows multiple filters for my vehicle?
Multiple options usually mean your vehicle can have different engine sizes depending on the year or trim level. Check your owner's manual or the sticker on your driver's door jamb to find your engine size, then select the Fram filter that matches it. If you are still unsure, call Fram customer service or ask an auto parts store staff member to confirm which one is correct.
Do I need to know my engine size to look up a Fram filter?
You may not need it if you enter your exact year, make, and model into Fram's website tool — it will often show only one option. But if multiple options appear, or if the tool does not recognize your vehicle, you will need your engine size. You can find it in your owner's manual, on a sticker inside your driver's door, or by calling your vehicle's dealership with your VIN.
Can I look up a Fram filter using my vehicle's VIN number?
Fram's website tool uses year, make, and model rather than VIN. However, some auto parts stores can look up filters using your VIN, which is more precise because it includes trim and engine information. If you have your VIN handy, bring it to an auto parts store and they can use it to confirm the exact filter you need.
What is the difference between Fram PH and CH filters?
PH filters are for passenger cars and light trucks, while CH filters are for heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles. Most people need a PH filter. The lookup tool will show you which type your vehicle uses — do not try to swap them, because they are designed for different oil systems and flow rates.