Purolator filters remove dirt, dust, and debris from your engine oil before it circulates through your engine
Purolator is a brand that makes engine oil filters, air filters, and cabin air filters for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Their oil filters are the most common product — a cylindrical canister that screws onto your engine and traps particles that would otherwise wear down engine parts. When you change your oil, you typically replace the Purolator filter at the same time, since the filter becomes saturated with contaminants and loses effectiveness after a few thousand miles.
The filter works by forcing oil through a pleated paper or synthetic media as it flows from the engine's oil pump to the engine block. Particles larger than the media's pore size get trapped inside the filter housing. Over time, as more debris accumulates, the filter becomes clogged. A bypass valve inside the filter opens if pressure builds too high, allowing unfiltered oil to flow through rather than starving the engine — but this is a safety measure, not normal operation. Running with a clogged filter defeats the purpose of filtering at all.
Key Takeaways
- Purolator filters trap dirt and metal particles in engine oil, protecting engine components from wear.
- You replace a Purolator filter every time you change your oil, usually every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on your vehicle and oil type.
- Purolator makes filters for different vehicle types and engine sizes, so you need to match the correct filter to your specific car or truck.
- A clogged filter reduces oil flow and engine performance, so ignoring filter changes can lead to engine damage over time.
How to find the right Purolator filter for your vehicle
Purolator filters come in different sizes and thread patterns because engines vary. The wrong filter either will not fit or will not seal properly, allowing unfiltered oil to bypass the media. To find the correct one, you need your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size — information you can find in your owner's manual or on your vehicle registration.
Purolator's website has a filter finder tool where you enter this information and it shows you the correct part number. You can also take your old filter to an auto parts store and ask staff to match it, or call a Purolator retailer with your vehicle details. The part number is printed on the filter canister itself, so if you have removed an old one, you can read it directly. Common Purolator oil filter numbers include PL14610, PL14300, and PL25688, but there are dozens of variations.
Purolator filter types and what they filter
Purolator makes three main categories of filters for vehicles. Oil filters are the most familiar — they clean engine oil and come in standard and high-mileage versions. The high-mileage filters are designed for engines over 75,000 miles and use media that helps reduce oil leaks in older engines.
Air filters clean the air entering your engine's combustion chamber. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, reducing fuel economy and engine power. Cabin air filters clean the air flowing through your heating and air conditioning system into the passenger compartment. None of these filters are interchangeable — each one fits a specific location and serves a different purpose.
When to replace your Purolator filter
Most manufacturers recommend changing your oil filter every time you change your oil. For conventional oil, that is typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. For synthetic oil, intervals stretch to 7,500 to 10,000 miles or longer, depending on your vehicle and driving conditions. Your owner's manual specifies the interval for your particular engine.
Some drivers ignore the filter and only change the oil, thinking the old filter will work longer. This is false economy — the filter is inexpensive compared to engine repair, and a clogged filter forces your engine to work harder and wear faster. If you drive in dusty conditions, tow heavy loads, or do a lot of idling, you may need to change your filter more often than the standard interval.
How to install a Purolator filter
Installing an oil filter is a straightforward task that most car owners can do at home with basic tools. First, locate the filter canister on your engine — it is usually a cylindrical metal can with a threaded base. Warm up your engine for a minute or two so the oil flows more easily, then turn off the engine and let it cool for a few minutes.
Position a drain pan under the filter, then use an oil filter wrench to loosen the old filter by turning it counterclockwise. Once it is loose enough, unscrew it by hand and let the remaining oil drain into the pan. Wipe the threaded mounting surface on the engine with a clean rag to remove any dirt or old rubber seal. Take your new Purolator filter and explore a thin coat of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on top of the canister — this helps create a watertight seal. Screw the new filter onto the threaded base by hand until the gasket contacts the engine, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use a wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening can damage the gasket and cause leaks.
Purolator filter pricing and where to buy
Purolator filters typically cost between $8 and $20 depending on the filter type and your vehicle. Standard oil filters are on the lower end; high-mileage and synthetic-compatible filters cost more. Air and cabin filters usually run $15 to $30. You can buy them at auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA, as well as online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Many tire shops and quick-lube facilities sell them too, often bundled with an oil change service.
Prices vary by location and retailer, so comparing a few sources before you buy makes sense if you are not in a hurry. Buying in bulk — a three-pack or six-pack of filters — sometimes costs less per filter than buying one at a time, which is worth doing if you change your own oil regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Purolator filter on a vehicle that originally came with a different brand?
Yes. As long as the Purolator filter has the same part number or is listed as compatible with your vehicle, it will work. Filters are standardized by thread size and mounting, so any filter that fits your engine will function the same way. Brand does not matter — what matters is matching the correct size and type to your vehicle.
What happens if I drive with a clogged filter?
A very clogged filter restricts oil flow to your engine. The bypass valve opens to prevent starvation, but unfiltered oil then circulates through your engine, allowing dirt and metal particles to wear down bearings, pistons, and other components. Over time, this accelerates engine wear and can lead to costly repairs. Changing your filter on schedule prevents this.
Do I need to drain the old oil before replacing the filter?
No — you can replace the filter without draining the oil. However, some oil will spill from the old filter when you remove it, so use a drain pan. If you are doing a full oil change, you drain the oil first, then replace the filter. If you are only replacing the filter between oil changes, draining is not necessary.
Is a high-mileage Purolator filter worth the extra cost?
High-mileage filters cost a few dollars more and are designed for engines over 75,000 miles. They use media that helps reduce oil leaks common in older engines. If your vehicle has high mileage and you notice oil spots under it, a high-mileage filter may help. Otherwise, a standard filter works fine at any mileage.
How do I know if my air filter needs replacing?
Hold your air filter up to a light and look through it. If you cannot see light clearly, or if the filter looks caked with dirt and debris, it needs replacing. A very dirty air filter reduces fuel economy and engine power. Most manufacturers recommend checking it every 15,000 miles and replacing it every 30,000 miles, though dusty driving conditions may require more frequent changes.